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Adoption Overview

Deciding whether to adopt a child or place a child up for adoption presents a difficult set of considerations. Knowing the rules for adoption before you enter the adoption process will help ensure that you make the correct decision for everyone involved. Below you will find introductory and basic information on adoption rules -- including a look at who may adopt, who may place a child up for adoption, state-specific adoption laws, the adoption process, the costs of adoption and more. To begin, select an item from the list.
Learn About Adoption Overview
  • Adoption: Background Information

    A practical introduction to the adoption process and trends in adoption over the past several decades, including the increasing popularity of international adoptions and other considerations for prospective parents.

  • Different Types of Adoptions

    Brief synopses of the various different types of adoption available to prospective parents, including such agency adoptions, adopting as a same-sex couple, adopting internationally, and adopting as a stepparent.

  • Glossary of Adoption Terms

    When beginning the adoption process, it may help to understand some of the terminology that is frequently used. This glossary includes definitions for common words and phrases related to adoption

  • Who May Adopt: Overview

    General overview of the different criteria that prospective parents must satisfy in order to adopt a child, including differences in state laws and a summary of adoption by same-sex couples.

  • Unmarried Fathers and Adoption

    Overview of laws and procedures for unmarried fathers who may object to the adoption of their biological child, and how this applies to fathers who are unaware of their paternity.

  • Adoption Tax Credit

    Overview of the so-called adoption tax credit, which provides limited funds for adoptive parents to spend on qualifying expenses, which often vary according to the child's needs.

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