Did you know that more than 120,000 children get adopted each year in the United States? If you are considering adopting, it can be one of the most meaningful experiences in your entire life. It can also be a complicated process that affects not only your life but the child’s, as well. Keep reading in order to find out a few things you need to know when considering adoption.
It is Not to be Taken Lightly
Adoption is not just a decision you should make in one day. There are many factors you need to consider before going through with the process. A few examples are knowing why you want to adopt, considering how it will impact your family, and deciding whether your home environment is stable enough to support a child.
You Don’t Have to Live in a Traditional Home
Contrary to popular belief, in order to adopt, you don’t have to live in a household where there is a husband and a wife. In 2014, the Pew Research Center found that fewer than half of all children in the United States live in a traditional style family. Since the structure of the family is changing, so is the adoption process. Therefore, more children are being placed with single parents, same-sex parents, and older parents. So, no matter your “home structure” you could be a candidate for adoption.
It Isn’t Always Thousands of Dollars
While adopting a child privately, or doing an international adoption can cost several thousands of dollars, adopting a child from foster care usually costs very little. Most foster-to-adopt families are able to collect a monthly stipend through their state while they wait for their child to be adopted. Many states typically work with foster-to-adopt parents in order to provide medical and mental healthcare following the adoption, as well.
Not Every Parent Who Gives Up Their Child is Unfit
Birth mothers come from all different walks of life, and whatever their reasoning may be, they decided their child would be better off being raised in a different household. Just because their mother has given them up for adoption, is does not mean she is necessarily unfit. The choice is often difficult and extremely emotional because many of the mothers do love their child.
You Will Need Patience
Going through the adoption process is long and complicating because it depends on so many factors. Keep this in mind when going through the process. One day everything may be on track, while the next there is an issue with paperwork.
Adoption is a meaningful experience that should be taken very seriously. When deciding if adoption is right for you and your household, there are many factors that you should consider, as shown above. However, if you decide it is right for you, once the process is over you would do it all again to receive your child.
Mestayer Law Firm provides civil litigation for clients throughout the Gulf Coast area including Pascagoula, Biloxi, and Gulfport. If you are making future plans for your estate, then contact us today and let us help take care of every detail of your finances. Call us today at 228-762-1193 or visit www.pascagoulalaw.com. We are your legal experts! You can also visit our office located at 2128 Ingalls Ave. in Pascagoula, Mississippi. We look forward to talking with you!
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This article does not create an attorney-client relationship. I am licensed to practice law in Mississippi and have based the information presented on US laws. This article is legal information and is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be seen as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before you rely on this information. Any information provided in this blog is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, but that there may be omissions, errors, or mistakes.