Adoption FAQs

Answer: Is his name on the birth certificate? If his name is not, and he has not registered with the Texas Paternity Registry, you may be able to terminate his rights. The registry is a place where men can claim their paternal rights by documenting the relationship listing themselves as the father or possible father. Abandonment and failure to pay support also are grounds to terminate parental rights.

Answer: The average expenses for an adoption run $700 to $800, in addition to the firm’s attorney fees, which he makes quite reasonable for the individuals and families he’s helping.

Answer: No. It is illegal to give anything of monetary value that could possibly influence her decision, even if you have good intentions.

Answer: Not always. In many cases, the court will waive the six-month waiting requirement if it is in the best interest of the child.

Answer: Two to three months minimum. Typically, an average adoption case will take three to four months.

Answer: Attorney Peterson has worked in the area of adoption his entire career as a lawyer in Texas. He takes pride in working efficiently and effectively for you. Call 210-943-9505 or send an email to schedule a time to speak with him directly.

Answer: It depends. Normally, child support is calculated based on the net resources of the noncustodial parent. Generally, that is someone’s take-home pay. It is a percentage of income. The number of children an individual has financial responsibility for determines that percentage after taking into account the cost of medical insurance.

Answer: It depends. But hiring a lawyer can bring you a prompter resolution rather than going through the state attorney general’s office.

Answer: Yes, and you are entitled to recover your attorney fees spent collecting your past-due child support.

Answer: This is one of the hardest things to do at the courthouse. However, James P. Peterson has a track record of success. If there has been a true change in circumstances, your child support could go down. It’s important to act now to start the process. Each month you wait is another month you are paying too much.

Answer: You only have four years from the date your name went on the birth certificate to contest your paternity. Usually, after that, it’s too late.

Answer: Call 210-943-9505 or send an email to schedule a time to speak with him directly at his office in San Antonio. He has answers to your questions about child support and other family law matters.

Remember the Court proceedings are official, on the record, and are being recorded. All parties are instructed not to record these proceedings. Counsel and all participants present are instructed to act as though you were in the actual courtroom. Accordingly, please exercise proper courtroom decorum at all times. Participants MAY NOT chat with other participants or witnesses using the Zoom chat feature when a participant or witness is testifying.

• The Zoom help center at support.zoom.us has several tutorials and videos available to help familiarize yourself with the Zoom software
• Join a Zoom test meeting at zoom.us/test and test your internet connection and audio setup prior to the hearing.

• Determining the best location for you to attend your Zoom hearing.
• Try selecting a smaller room or space. When using a larger-room, face away from the largest or open part of the room. Larger rooms or high ceilings may cause your voice to echo or sound hollow.
• Be mindful of what is behind you. A busy or messy background can be distracting. Choose a location where there is a solid, neutral wall behind you. Allow for some distance between yourself and any pictures, artwork or furniture that may be behind you.
• Check the lighting. Ideally, sit facing a window, or position a lamp where the light is directly on your face. Light from a window behind you might blind the camera, making you look dark. Light above you in the center of a room might cast shadows. Also be aware, your monitor casts light that can make you look blue. Sit in a comfortable, stationary chair that does not swivel or rock and supports good posture.
• If at all possible witnesses should be on their own devices and in separate rooms. Two devices in the same room cause feedback, echoing, and screeching. Sharing one microphone is not ideal as some devices will only transmit sound from one person and not the other person sitting right next to them.

• Remember this is an official Court hearing. Dress like you would if you were attending court in person.
• Dress in a soft solid color. If a tie is worn, use a solid tie rather than one with a pattern.

• Position your device’s camera at or slightly above your eye level, use books or other items to prop up your computer or phone if needed.
• Look directly at the camera when speaking, not at the screen; eye contact is important.
• Silence or exit programs and apps on your computer or phone that have notifications.
• Turn the volume up on the device you are using for Zoom and make. sure your speakers are not turned off.
• Speak one at a time and pause prior to speaking, in case there is any audio or video lag.
• Mute yourself when not speaking in order to avoid any potential background noise