This is the second installment of our two-part blog post providing an overview of many important facts that prospective adoptive parents may find helpful when considering adoption as an option for their family. We know that adoption is often portrayed inaccurately in the media so it can be difficult to understand the criteria for qualifying and the steps involved in the process. We have provided an overview of some key facts that may assist hopeful parents in evaluating whether adoption is right for their family. If you have not read Part I of this blog post, we encourage you to review that post before reading on. Although we have attempted to provide general adoption information for Kansas, the best way to get more information about your specific situation is to speak to an experienced Wichita adoption lawyer.
Is adoption constrained to certain types of parents?
Statistically, adoption is most common among parents that have been married for three years or longer. However, the frequency of adoption by single parents, gay couples and inter-racial couples is growing at an exponential rate. There are no restrictions to adoption based on marital status, sexual preference or other immutable characteristics, such as race, religion, nationality, etc.
What is the most prevalent reason that parents adopt?
According to a survey conducted by the Department of Health and Humans Services (DHHS) parents elect to adopt a child for a variety of reasons. The most common reason by a wide margin is the desire to provide a permanent stable home to a child. Other reasons cited by a large number of adoptive parents included the desire to expand the size of one’s family and infertility.
How long does it take to complete the adoption process?
The duration can vary substantially from situation to situation. The process is completed in some cases within a matter of a few months while in some cases it can take five years or longer.
How do adoptive parents tend to evaluate their experience with adoption?
Almost 9 in 10 adoptive parents indicate they would elect to adopt a child if they were asked to make the decision again based on their prior experience according to the DHHS survey of adoptive parents referenced above.
Will one of us need to quit our job if we adopt?
The requirements for adoption are no different than those for biological parents where both parents need to work. It is perfectly acceptable for adoptive parents to make appropriate childcare arrangements for times that both parents will be working.
Can I adopt a child if I am not a homeowner?
There is no requirement that you own your home or even live in a house to adopt a child. While your apartment, condo or other residence may be rented, it simply has to be large enough to comfortably accommodate your family.
Will it be significantly harder for me to adopt because I am a single parent?
Adoption by single men and women is quite common with almost a quarter of children adopted out of foster care being adopted by single people.
Am I eligible to adopt if I am older?
While age is not completely irrelevant in terms of qualifying to be an adoptive parent, there is no set age at which a prospective adoptive parent will no longer be eligible. If a couple is older than fifty, they may make excellent adoptive parents if they are in good health with both the energy and enthusiasm to be parents.
Wichita adoption attorney Thomas C. McDowell has been practicing law for over two decades. We provide legal representation in agency, foreign and step-parent adoption. We offer a free consultation so that we can evaluate your situation so call us today at 316-269-0746 or submit an online case evaluation form.