Legal Insurance for Families who Adopt

AUSTIN, Texas—November is National Adoption Month, and families who are considering adoption may find the legal process complicated and difficult to navigate. Texas Legal, the statewide nonprofit legal insurance plan founded by the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Legislature, advises Texans who plan to adopt to consider legal counsel before beginning the process.

“It’s important for families planning to adopt to have an attorney who will help them navigate the legalese,” James W. Buck, president of Texas Legal, said, “Legal counsel can provide families peace of mind during an already emotionally stressful time.”

Texas Legal recommends future parents ask the following questions before hiring an adoption attorney:

• Will the attorney actively assist in finding an adoption situation as well as helping with the necessary legal work?
• Does the attorney handle open adoptions, confidential adoptions, or both?
• How many non-relative adoptions has the attorney completed?
• How long has the attorney worked in adoption?
• What is the average cost of the adoptions the attorney has handled
• When the attorney is away from the office, is there another knowledgeable attorney available?

Typically the cost for legal representation paid privately—without legal insurance helping to defray the cost—can run into hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars depending on what is involved. Having legal insurance coverage provides access to legal assistance at no cost beyond reasonable monthly premiums (subject to plan limitations) and will help protect plan members.

Texas Legal membership covers legal expenses much like health insurance covers medical expenses. A low monthly fee gives members access to a network of over 500 qualified attorneys throughout the state. To learn more about Texas Legal or to become a member, please visit www.texaslegal.org.

About Texas Legal

Formerly known as Texas Legal Protection Plan, Texas Legal is a statewide, nonprofit legal insurance plan that was founded by the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Legislature in 1972 as an effort to better serve the legal needs of Texans. Texas Legal is the preferred provider of the State Bar of Texas. The nonprofit offers plans for companies, group and individuals.

For more information, please visit www.texaslegal.org.

Contact: Katherine Harris or Katherine Arnold, 512-472-9599 kharris@echristianpr.com or karnold@echristianpr.com