Types of Adoption
Depending on the needs of the birth parents, adoptive parents, and child, parties to an adoption have several different types of adoption to choose from. FindLaw’s Types of Adoption sub-section includes a variety of articles and resources about the different types of adoption, which will help prospective parents and others involved in the process make informed decisions. An adoption may be brokered through an agency or independently, while children may be adopted locally or internationally. Articles cover such topics as adopting as a same-sex couple; kinship (or relative) adoptions; adoption of a stepchild by a parent’s new spouse; the pros and cons of the various different kinds of adoption; and more.
- Agency Adoptions
Overview of the various costs and procedures prospective parents will likely encounter when choosing an agency adoption; the difference between private and public adoption agencies; and more.
- Independent Adoptions
Information about independent adoption, which is the main alternative to adopting through an agency, including the advantages/disadvantages of independent adoption and a list of states prohibiting its practice.
- Open vs. Closed Adoption
A comparison of open adoption, in which the adoptive parents meet and sometimes keep in touch with the biological mother, to closed adoption, in which there is no such contact.
- Stepparent Adoption FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about adopting a child as a stepparent, including the rules for obtaining consent from the birth parents, the need for legal representation, and more.
- International Adoptions
Collection of articles and resources pertaining to international adoption; including articles on inter-country adoption costs, adopting a child from a different race or culture, and related matters.
- Same-Sex Adoption
Various articles and resources specifically for gay and lesbian couples who would like to become parents through adoption, including different types of adoption and legal issues for same-sex couples.