Adoption is an excellent option when you’re ready to welcome a new child into your home. For some couples, it’s the only option.
You’d think that the process would be simple and straightforward then, especially if the adoption is in everyone’s best interest. The good news is that, yes, adoption will almost always be successful if it’s in everyone’s best interest.
The bad news? It’s far from simple.
What Are the Steps of the Adoption Process?
So, how do we get the ball rolling once we’ve made the decision that we’d like to adopt?
Vonnah Bagner, the premier family attorney of the East Bay area, provides information regarding the process, as well as tips:
- Research and Education – You want to know as much as possible before taking the first steps. Learn about different types of adoption and eligibility criteria, as well as different adoption agencies, so you know your best options.
- Select the Agency and Adoption Type – You’ll want to know if you’re choosing a domestic or international adoption, as well as what agency you will be adopting with. At this juncture, it’s important to hire a lawyer to assist with the process.
- Complete the Home Study – Of course, they are not going to award anyone custody of a child without first inspecting the premises firsthand. The agency will review many aspects of your life and visit your home to make sure it’s a suitable environment for the child.
- Plenty of Paperwork – Once you’ve been “pre-approved,” so to speak, you’ll need to fill out all appropriate documents pertaining to the adoption and adoption process. Your lawyer will really make this part of the process a pinch!
- Wait for Placement – From there, the great waiting game begins. Sometimes it can take a while before you’re matched with a child, but, once you are, you can process and finalize the adoption and begin living life with your new addition!
It’s a lengthy and, at times, complicated process, but many find it among the most rewarding experiences they’ve ever had.
Tips for Getting Through the Process
Adoption is often challenging for many, both logistically and emotionally, because of its complexity and the amount of time it takes to process.
It’s important to go into the process understanding that everything will take time, sometimes an inordinate amount of time. Know why you’re choosing adoption and fall back on this whenever your resilience wavers.
The best advice for making it through, however, is to hire a legal professional, such as Vonnah Bagner, to assist. As the premier family law attorney in the East Bay Area, Bagner and her team are well-versed with the process, understand the law, and will make the process as simple and straightforward as humanly possible.
If you’re ready to adopt, call Bagner Law, PC today for more information.
