My husband’s #1 concern with adoption was how much an adoption was going to cost. I assumed it would expensive to the tune of $2,000, or maybe even $3,000. I about fell out of my chair when I learned that newborn adoptions cost $13,000 at one agency (back in 1998). I was even more surprised to learn that $13,000 was on the lower end of the cost of a newborn adoption, even though this was through a nonprofit agency.

When I went to an orientation for a different agency, I was surprised to learn that international... more

When I was beginning the adoption process, my #1 question was, “How long will it take for me become a parent?” I had already been trying to become a parent through fertility procedures for 3-1/2 years. I wanted to hear that I would be a parent tomorrow, but the adoption process does not move along that quickly.

Unfortunately, no adoption is going to be fast, and there is a wide variation in how long an adoption can take. After your home study is completed, you could be matched within days, or a match... more

From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

13. Obtain birth certificate and social security card for the child.

Once your adoption is finalized, you need to get an amended birth certificate and social security card for your child. After you have these two items, then your adoption paperwork is completed. Hooray!

Birth Certificate

The amended birth certificate... more

From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

12. Receive adoption decree (must be issued in a courthouse in some states; mailed to your home in others).

After you have filed your petition to adopt, the court will review your petition and (hopefully) grant it. Some states require you to go to court... more

From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

11. Petition the court to finalize your adoption.

Once you have completed the requirements to adopt in your state, you will need to petition the court to adopt your child. The requirements vary from state to state, so you will need to work with your adoption attorney to make sure you have... more

From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

10. Schedule one or more post-placement visits (social worker comes to your house and writes up a report about how your family is adjusting).

After you take physical custody of your child, you will need to start the process toward finalizing your adoption. In most states, one or more... more

From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

9. Complete Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) requirements (for out-of-state adoptions).

If you are adopting a U.S. child domestically from a different state, then you will have to comply with all ICPC requirements before you may physically transport... more

From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

8. Take physical custody of the child.

When you first take physical custody of your child, you will legally be a foster parent who is waiting to adopt rather than a legal parent. No matter which type of adoption you are pursuing (foster, international, or domestic newborn), you will need to complete several steps before you become your child’s... more

From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

7. Visit with the child (foster adoption and some international adoptions).

For foster and international adoptions, you might have the option of visiting with the child after you are matched but before you adopt. If you have this option, I encourage you to use this opportunity to begin bonding with your child-to-be.

Foster Adoption

I... more

From Adoption 101: How to Adopt a Child:

6. Meet the expecting mother or waiting child.

After you are matched with an expecting mother or a waiting child, you will schedule a meeting before the adoption. Most people are nervous about meeting for the first time, but remember that the expecting mother or waiting child is likely to be just as nervous as you are.

Foster Adoption

Different... more