What to Expect When Adopting

Adopting a child is a significant and complex decision. Various legalities, protocols, and challenges must be navigated, and they change significantly depending on whether the adoption is domestic or international.

Critical factors that differentiate adoption types include waiting periods, costs, and travel requirements. This article aims to inform and prepare adoptive parents about what to expect from both adoption routes.

Domestic adoption

Domestic adoption involves adopting a child within one's country. The process varies significantly by jurisdiction; however, certain standard expectations generally apply.

• Child's background— Domestic adoptions often involve infants, and it's possible to obtain comprehensive information about the child's medical history, as well as the biological parents' background.
• Cost—Domestic adoptions can be less costly than international ones. The expenses include agency fees, legal fees, the birth mother's medical, and possibly home-study costs.
• Waiting period—The waiting period for domestic adoption varies but can be shorter than international adoptions, especially for parents open to adopting older children, sibling groups, or children with special needs.
• Openness—Domestic adoptions often offer the possibility of more open or semi-open adoptions where some level of ongoing contact or communication with the birth family is possible.

International adoption

International adoption involves adopting a child from a country other than one's own. The process involves navigating the laws of two countries, adding additional layers of complexity.

• A child's background—International adoptions often involve toddlers or older children. A detailed medical history or information about biological parents may not always be available.
• Cost—International adoptions are more expensive than domestic ones due to additional fees, including travel expenses, translation services, and immigration processing costs.
• Waiting period—The waiting period for international adoptions can be extended, particularly if the country has a lengthy legal process or bureaucratic delays.
• Travel—International adoption often requires one or more trips to the child's home country. These trips can be lengthy and incur additional costs.
• Post-adoption reporting—Many countries require periodic post-adoption reports to be submitted, maintaining records of the adopted child's well-being.

Both domestic and international adoption have unique challenges and rewards. However, each route ultimately leads to the same destination: expanding your family and providing a loving, stable home for a child. To help prepare for this adoption journey, consider consulting a financial and legal professional to help guide you through this significant family event.