Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Re: Costody

You can't afford NOT to go through the adoption process. Contact every family lawyer you can find in your area, until you locate one that can work within your financial situation. You may need to find a way to cut expenses to afford this. You cannot take a baby, raise the baby, and then deal with a parent showing up 10 years later to collect their child. It happens. More often than you think. If you absolutely cannot afford it at all, then rethink if you are able to afford to raise this child. There may be better options. Take care and good luck.

Re: Costody

If you can't afford the expensive adoption process, then you won't be adopting the baby. The baby will always belong to the mother and subject to her changing her mind somtime down the road. If you want to put the child through that emotional strain and yourself of course, then save your money. Don't think that you can do anything with this child by "notarized paper" or the like. Good Luck.

Re: Costody

You could also ask for legal custody.

Of course, the bio. father needs to be notified of any legal proceeding.

If she does not know the bio. father's name, then you will be required to notify the unknown father via publication.

You need an attorney.

Don't waste your money on internet kits sold from other states. I've seen many from CA, NY, CO and WA. They are garbage. They don't use Texas legal terms.

If you can't afford an attorney, then perhaps you should not offer to raise this child.

Yes, you can raise the child for 10 years and the mom can show up and take the child. Basically, you need a legal document to protect yourself.

I offered to raise a cousin's baby but when I mentioned legal paperwork she refused. Her parents then agreed to raise the child. My cousin used her baby as blackmail for years against the grandparents. Such as if you don't give me money I'll take the baby, if you don't .... I'll take the baby. It was painful to witness. Unfortunately, the grandparents were frightened of their own child. The baby ended up really mixed up because she only saw her mom when her mom wanted $$. Lots of big drama for everyone involved. I was so glad that I had insisted on legal custody before I fell in love with the baby.