Texas Family Code 162.025 – Placement by Unauthorized Person; Offense
(a) A person who is not the natural or adoptive parent of the child, the legal guardian of the child, or a child-placing agency licensed under Chapter 42, Human Resources Code, commits an offense if the person:
(1) serves as an intermediary between a prospective adoptive parent and an expectant parent or parent of a minor child to identify the parties to each other; or
(2) places a child for adoption.
(b) It is not an offense under this section if a professional provides legal or medical services to:
(1) a parent who identifies the prospective adoptive parent and places the child for adoption without the assistance of the professional; or
(2) a prospective adoptive parent who identifies a parent and receives placement of a child for adoption without the assistance of the professional.
Attorney's Note
Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class B misdemeanor | up to 180 days | up to $2,000 |
Terms Used In Texas Family Code 162.025
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.