The Royalls - A Professional Corporation -- Adoptions
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     The Royalls is a family law firm that concentrates its practice in the field of adoption. Our interest in adoptions began more than 34 years ago when Don Royall took his first adoption agency on as a client. Because of his involvement with adoptions, he was asked to participate in drafting the original provisions of the Texas Family Code dealing with adoption. These sections became law in 1974. Over the years, we both have remained active in drafting legislation as it relates to this area of practice.

     Between the work that we have done on behalf of adoption agencies and private adoption clients, it is fair to say that we have handled literally thousands of adoptions. Currently we represent three local agencies and assist several out of state agencies with their Texas finalizations. In addition to handling the legal work on behalf of agencies, we also represent couples in private adoptions.

     The services we provide to prospective adoptive clients are as varied as our clients' needs. We offer pre-placement consultations to help educate parents about the adoption process. Although an attorney in Texas can not locate a child for the prospective adoptive parents, we can counsel you about what your options are for locating a birth mother.

     In private adoptions we handle the preparation of the legal documents that will be signed by the birth parents. We file the law suits necessary to terminate the parental rights of the biological parents and to consummate the adoption. We even arrange for the issuance of the new birth certificate for your child. In the event that you are adopting a child from another state, we can guide you through the maze known as the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

     Our practice is not limited to domestic adoptions. The firm has had considerable experience in handling judicial recognition of international adoptions. We have handled adoptions from one end of the globe to the other. The countries that we have worked with include Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Romania, the Russian Federations, Korea, China, the Phillippines, India and Viet Nam.

     Contested adoption cases are the exception, not the norm, but in the unfortunate event that you find yourself in one, we can help. We have had substantial experience in handling litigated cases. Both of us are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.* Prior to focusing our practice on adoptions, we had an active divorce and custody litigation practice, so we are not strangers to the courthouse. The types of adoption cases that we have litigated range from recalcitrant birth fathers who did not intend to fight the case, but simply did not want to facilitate the adoption by signing documents, to birth parents who actually filed suit to have their child returned. Our years of experience with the court system in cases of this type would be a distinct advantage for you.

     Whether you are just starting your adoption search or you already have a child matched with you by the birth parents or an agency, The Royalls' expertise and experience can help you to successfully finalize your adoption. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

*Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization except in the field of Family Law.


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