FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What constitutes an independent adoption?

Adoptions are considered independent when legal custody of a child is transferred directly from birthparent to adoptive parent. In other words, the decision to place a child rests solely with the birthmother.

How long does the adoption process take?

There is no set rule for how long an adoption will take. Completion of applications, interviews, and home studies take time. In some cases, a child may already be living with the adoptive family. In other cases, potential adoptive families are waiting to be chosen by a birthmother or for the child to be born. The timeframe also depends applicants’ motivation to complete the necessary paperwork and keep the adoption worker updated.

What is a home study?

The purpose of a home study is to prepare prospective parents for the adoption, gather personal information so an appropriate match between the child and parents can be made, and evaluate the fitness of the parents. Home studies culminate in a written report, which includes a recommendation about whether the prospective parents are qualified to adopt and, if so, what age child or children would be most appropriate for that home.

Am I too old to adopt?

Many international countries request the youngest adoptive parent be no more than 40-45 years older than the child to be placed. China requires adoptive parents to be at least 35 years of age. For domestic adoptions, birthparents take many factors into consideration when thinking about the family they would like to place with. Age is sometimes a factor.

How much will it cost to adopt?

Every type of adoption includes expenses related to the home study and court costs. Adoption-specific expenses include foster care adoptions, domestic infant adoptions, and intercountry (i.e., foreign or international) adoptions. Independent adoptions handled by an attorney generally result in costs that may include medical expenses for the birthmother (as allowed by law), as well as separate legal fees for representing adoptive and birthparents.

Are adoption tax credits available?

Adoption tax credits may be available to defray some adoption costs. The amount can depend on family income and other adoption benefits. Check with a tax professional to determine applicable benefits. Additional information about tax rules regarding adoption can be found at the IRS website www.irs.gov.