5 Steps to Adopting a Child
The adoption process involves several steps and can take a long time to complete. You may have to wait for six months from the time you make an application to the time you receive the child in the home. If court proceedings become part of the adoption process, the process will be even longer. Keep reading to know the basic steps involved in the adoption process.
1. Pick an Adoption Agency
Many adoption agencies provide adoption services across the United States. If the adoption organization has children who are under the guardianship of government agencies, you may not have to pay any money to adopt a child. On the other hand, you will have to pay some fee if you adopt a child from an authorized voluntary agency.
To select the appropriate agency, do research by talking to multiple organizations. Parent support networks may also provide critical information to help you choose the ideal adoption agency. When doing the research, try to know the adoption process of each entity. Read online reviews of the adoption agency and reach out to their references to get further information.
2. Know the Adoption Cost
The adoption process involves costs and fees that you should know beforehand to create your budget. You may have to pay an adoption professional as well as marketing costs to reach potential birth mothers. The birth mother may also demand that you cater for pregnancy expenses and travel costs. You will also have to pay legal fees to a lawyer who will assist you in the adoption preceding.
3. Decide Who to Work With
Lawyers and agencies can both help you to adopt a child and complete the legal process. Both will vet your financial and family background to determine if you are a good fit. Similarly, both agencies will interview the birth mother and provide counseling during the adoption process.
The difference between an adoption agency and an attorney is how they establish contact with the birth mother. The birth mother will typically look for an adoption agency, while a lawyer will advertise to reach out to pregnant women. In addition, adoption agencies can either have a public or private structure.
4. Seek Adoption Opportunities
If you are looking for pregnant women interested in giving up their unborn child for adoption, you may need to fill out a questionnaire. The questionnaire provides information to help the adoption agency find the right match for you. You will also state your financial status and the amount you are willing to spend on the adoption process.
Furthermore, specify whether you prefer a semi-open or open adoption arrangement. Sometimes, the birth mother will also want to know your family size and many other details. As a result, many adoption agencies will encourage you to have videos and written narratives to present to the birth parents. When you provide more information, you increase your chances of getting an adoption opportunity.
5. Placement
Once the adoption agency or attorney finds a suitable match, they will reach out to you. The adoptive parents may decide to meet you to get more information about you. If you are approved, you will sign an adoptive agreement that places the child within your family. The placement process will involve several legal documents.
Everybody wants to be in a family where they are loved and cared for. That may be why you may decide to become an adoptive parent. Since the adoption process is long, it's best to leave it to a qualified attorney, like Kalasnik Law Office. We help people through the entire adoption process at an affordable fee. Contact us for more information.