adoptive parents

Parents waiting to find a child to adopt: Carin and Ken! We live in a good neighborhood with great schools and a nice home. Find out more about us!

information for adopting parents

What exactly is the adoption process? What can I expect?

The general process is:

1. The adoptive parents get a home study done, usually before the adoption process begins.
2. The adoptive parents and birthmother find each other.
3. The adoptive parents contact an adoption lawyer, who confirms that the birthmother is legitimately pregnant and is committed to the adoption.
4. The birthmother gives birth.
5. The birthmother signs the legal documents that relinquish rights to the baby.
6. In California, the adoptive parents can take the newborn home as soon as he or she is released from the hospital.
7. If the birthmother signs a waiver, she cannot petition to reclaim her child. If she doesn't sign the waiver, she has 30 days (in California) to change her mind - which is extremely rare. After the 30 days, the child is yours as though you had given birth.
8. Some time after the 30 days has passed, you will be visited by a social worker to see how things are going, and you'll appear in court 6 months after the adoption to finalize legal requirements.