Adoption creates a permanent legal parent-child relationship. The path depends on the type of adoption and your state's laws, and it usually involves several months of preparation.
Common types
- Agency adoption through a licensed public or private agency.
- Independent or private adoption arranged directly with a birth parent, usually with attorneys.
- Foster care adoption of children in state custody.
- Stepparent and relative adoption, often simpler.
- International adoption, which involves two countries' laws.
Typical steps
- Choose a type and a licensed agency or attorney.
- Complete a home study, which includes interviews, background checks and a home visit.
- Be matched or identified with a child.
- Obtain required consents or a court termination of existing parental rights.
- Have the child placed with you, followed by a supervised waiting period in some cases.
- Finalize the adoption in court and obtain a new birth certificate.
Consent and timing
Birth parent consent rules differ by state, including when consent can be given and whether it can be withdrawn. Fathers' rights are also handled differently by state. Because these rules are technical and the stakes are high, working with an experienced adoption attorney is common.
Costs and support
Costs range widely. Foster care adoption is often low-cost or subsidized. Some employers offer adoption benefits, and a federal tax credit may be available, subject to income limits and annual changes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does adoption take?
From a few months for stepparent adoptions to years for some international or agency adoptions.
Can single people adopt?
Yes. Most states allow adoption by single adults, subject to the home study.