The two steps in a stepparent adoption in Texas are: * Termination of parental rights and, * The court approves an adoption. A child can only be adopted in Texas if at least one of the biological parents gives up their parental rights - either by voluntary consent or by a court order.  By consent, the parent signs a Relinquishment of Rights affidavit giving up their rights. The second parent (if available) signs another affidavit agreeing to that.  If a parent cannot be located, is not participating in a child’s life, or is not willing to, a judge may decide that it is in the best interests of the child that the parent no longer has any legal rights over them. Once the birth parents lose their rights, the adoptive parent can proceed with the adoption process.