Adopting a child into your family is a lifelong commitment, and not to be taken lightly. Whether you are a couple unable to have children, or you would like to open your family to a child in need of a home, this page will show you how to adopt a child.

While generally, any adult who is considered fit to be a parent can adopt a child, the requirements for every state and country differ when it comes to placing a child permanently into a home. There are often extensive interviews and legal procedures that can both frustrate and discourage a couple or family from adopting. Knowing the ropes ahead of time will help prepare you for the long journey toward adoption.

While overall requirements vary from state to state, there are basic regulations that apply overall to those looking to adopt a child.

1. Families must have a minimum income level of at least $25,000.
2. At this time there are no countries that allow homosexual couples to adopt, but you may adopt as a single.
3. No one who has ever been convicted of child neglect or abuse can adopt a child.
4. Unmarried couples will often have difficulties adopting, but as a single one can adopt.

• Whether you adopt within the United States, or outside the country, there are a number of expenses related with adoption. Adopting a child can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 in fees. Generally not all of this money is due at once, and there are special programs, including an IRS $10,000 adoption credit you can use to finance the adoption procedure.

• Unless you set up a private adoption, you will have to go through an agency in order to adopt a child. Agencies themselves often have their own additional requirements. Before you commit to an agency do your homework.

1. Find out what they expect and require of potential adoptive parents.
2. Ask what types of children they place.
3. Check their state license status.

• The home study process is a series of meetings between you, the agency and social workers involved in the adoption process. During this time you will need to provide documents like:

1. Birth certificates
2. Marriage certificates
3. Personal character references
4. Security clearance

• Once all of your paperwork has been processed, and you have been approved to adopt a child, you and the agency you work with will begin the search for a child. When potential candidates come up, your information will be sent to the child's caseworker, and if they are interested in you, they will send you the child's information.

• When you have been selected as candidates to adopt a child, you will begin a series of visits with the child that can span anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. After you and the child have met, and the decision is made that you are well matched, you will be assigned a placement date. During this period you will file paperwork stating your legal intent to adopt the child. The procedure will be finalized during a court procession during which a judge finalizes the adoption.

• It can take as long as two years for an adoption to become finalized, especially when you're working with an overseas agency. Begin the adoption process by making sure you are qualified to adopt a child, and then begin working with an agency to find a child. When you are selected to become an adoptive parent, you will visit with the child, and file intention paperworks that a judge must finalize in court. Be patient during the process, and remember that these long months are building up to a lifetime of joy together as a family unit.

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