adoption after BIO. dad death

What is the name of your state? What is the name of your state? What is the name of your state? TEXAS
I just moved to Texas ( 1 month ago).
My previous state is Nevada (14 years).
My husband wants to adopt my children (ages 5 & 7). How can I start the adoption proceedinds in the state of Texas without a lawyer. Also my children's biological father passed away 2 1/2 yrs ago of cancer, does his parents have to be notified of the adoption proceedings? Once my children are adopted will their grandparents (from their biological's father side) have "grandparent rights" to my children according to state laws in both TX & NV.? Do grandparents have "rights" to their grandchildren accoring to Nevada Laws?
Thak you for your time. All advice and comments are welcome.

[djohnson]

Let me say off the bat that mine is not a legal answer. However, I am curious if the father (while alive) was an active father and good father to these children? Is the paternal grandparents active and good to them? Are they receiving SS benefits or other benefits from the deceased father? These are a few things to consider.

What is the name of your state? texas

he wasn't around much the year or so before he died. his parents didn't see the grandkids very often while we were living in Las Vegas. they maybe seen the kids like every 2-3 months sometimes longer. they are recieving SSI, i contacted SSI and they said kids will still recieve benefits after the adoption.
i hope these answers help.
thank you

[Seanscott]

In many states the grandparents have to show a close & long-term relationship with the child in order to obtain any kind of visitation rights. From what I understand, this is hard to accomplish. Grandparents do not "inherit" the children if a parent is deceased.

Please consult with a good family attorney even if you don't retain him/her. You can assume that the grandparents will not fight the adoption, but if they do, you certainly need to have all the paperwork prepared and in A-1 order.

I was able to find this from familyedge.com about stepparent adoption & grandparent visitation in Texas-

Criteria (Texas)
1. Best Interest of Child
2. Prior Grandparent/Grandchild Relationship
3. Any Marital Status of Parents - Many states will not consider grandparents' right to petition if the marriage is intact.
4. Visitation Status: Only if child has previoulsy resided with grandparents.

You live in Texas, you'll file in Texas.
Good luck to you.