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Can I adopt if I am single, over forty or gay?
The short answer is yes. If you can find a child who is available. Availability may mean through an agency, an individual or an international adoption. Each agency and country has different rules. Private adoption availability is based on being chosen by the birth parents, usually just the birth mother.
Can a step parent adopt?
Yes, if the non-spouse parent agrees and the spouse acts as co-petitioner. If the non-spouse parent does not agree, there may be a basis to terminate his/her rights under the right conditions.
How long does the process take?
Weeks to several months depending on the stage of the proceedings. Prior to filing a home study report has to be completed. Thereafter, a post placement report is required. This is usually done after the child has settled into the household for a few months.
Can the birth parents change their minds?
If all of the legal requirements have been met and there is no indication of fraud or coercision and adoption is final and will not be reopened.
Who can help to find a baby?
There are many ways of finding a child to adopt. Newborns are generally the hardest to find. Lawyers can be sources for information that may lead to locating an available newborn. Often this involves a fee for the service of searching for available resources.
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