Adoption | Understanding Adoption Before You Proceed

Adoption is very exciting.  In fact, It is the act of legally taking a non-biological child as one’s own.  Hence is not only a legal commitment but it is also an emotional and financial commitment.

Types of Adoption

There are many types. For instance, historically most adoptions were closed. Accordingly, the biological parent would not receive information about who adopted their child.

Currently, more parents are embracing open adoption. This allows the birth parents to continue a relationship with the child and the adoptive parents.

Other types:

• Open
• Foster-to-Adopt
• Infant
• Older Child
• International

Who is Adopting

Married heterosexual couples are not the only people adopting children. In fact, same-sex couples and single-parent households are also adopting.

Grandparent, aunts, and uncles are adopting family member’s child to provide security and stability for the child. Obviously, it also includes step-parent are formalizing their parent role to step-children.

Steps in Adoption

The decision to adopt should be carefully considered as this is a lifelong commitment to a child that likely has already suffered from loss. Once you have made the decision to adopt the step will vary depending on the type of adoption. Now the fees. It can cost from a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars. International adoption will likely involve a trip or two overseas.

It is likely that you will have to complete a home study as part of the process. This is to make sure that you and your home are ready to receive the child. In some cases, the courts require an ad litem attorney. The ad litem represents the child, to ensure the best interest of the child is truly served. After all, many situations involve the termination of the parental rights of a biological parent.

Adoption day is”Gotcha Day”. It is a day to celebrate the new family member.

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