Deciding to adopt, is a huge and exciting decision! You probably are aware of the medical vocabulary and know the ins-and-outs of fertility treatment. However, adoption is a completely new subject that has facts and a timeframe of its own. When it comes to the adoption process, the more you know the better prepared you can be prior to beginning.
Be on the Same Page
Prior to starting the adoption process, it’s important that you and your spouse or partner have discussed the details thoroughly and each have the same mindset. Spend an adequate amount of time talking through things like what type of child is desired and make sure you are both ready for this new responsibility. It’s important to know whether you are wanting a newborn or an older child. Infants typically will lead to a domestic adoption while older children are usually adopted through foster care or international adoption.
Are There Travel Requirements?
Depending upon your situation, there may be travel requirements. Be sure that you are comfortable traveling. International adoptions can sometimes include weeks away, as well as long flights. Whether you will be flying or driving be sure that you have the proper sitting available for the child, such as a car seat, booster seat, etc.
Adoption Costs
While private and international adoptions can cost several thousand dollars, adopting a child out of foster care typically costs less. Many families who choose to go through the foster-to-adopt process are also able to collect a monthly stipend while they wait on their children to be adopted.
Pre-Adoption Counseling is a Good Idea
Many families have found that pre-adoption counseling has helped them navigate the process more easily. Consider attending a local pre-adoption counseling session so that you can become more away of everything involved. Most importantly this will help you to become more emotionally prepared.
The Child is the Most Important Person in the Process
It’s important to remember that the child is the most important person involved in the entire process. They are also the only one that has no say so in the matter. You should be sure to do everything in your power to ensure that the child receives the best possible outcome. This may mean that your adoption process is different than you imagined, but your main focus should always be on the child’s best interest.
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.