How Does Adoption Work?

Adoption is the legal process of permanently assuming parental responsibility for a child from another person. Once finalized, the adoptive parents have the same rights and responsibilities as biological parents.

Types of adoption:

Agency adoption — Working through a licensed public or private adoption agency.

Independent/private adoption — Arranged directly between birth parents and adoptive parents, often with an attorney or facilitator.

Foster care adoption — Adopting a child from the foster care system.

International adoption — Adopting a child from another country, governed by the Hague Convention and immigration law.

Stepparent adoption — A stepparent legally adopts their spouse's child.

Relative/kinship adoption — A family member adopts a related child.

General process:

Choose an adoption type and agency or attorney.

Complete an application and attend orientation.

Undergo a home study — a comprehensive evaluation of your home, background, finances, and readiness to parent.

Complete background checks and fingerprinting.

Be matched with a child.

Placement — the child is placed in your home.

Post-placement supervision period.

Finalization — a court hearing where the judge issues the adoption decree.

Consent. Birth parents must voluntarily consent to the adoption or have their rights terminated by a court. Consent requirements and revocation periods vary by state.

Costs. Foster care adoptions are often free or low-cost. Private domestic adoptions can cost $20,000-$50,000. International adoptions may cost $25,000-$60,000.

This is legal information, not legal advice.