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5 things to consider before adopting

| Oct 12, 2016 | Child Custody and Visitation

Choosing to adopt a child is likely the most important decision you will ever make. It is never one to enter into lightly. Adopting a child is also not a fast process. As soon as you start thinking about adoption, however, there are some important things you need to consider. Thinking about the following questions now will help you better decide if adoption is the right fit for you and your family.

1. How do you want to adopt a child? In Tennessee, you may be able to become a foster parent and eventually adopt a child in state custody. You may also want to adopt from a religious agency. There are also ways to adopt a child from another country. Whichever route you choose, you should fully research your eligibility.

2. Is the agency you are looking at licensed? One of the first questions you should always ask an adoption agency is if they are licensed to operate here in Tennessee. You may encounter an agency that advertises in Tennessee but is not licensed. It is important to know an agency’s licensing status so that you are fully protected throughout the adoption process.

3. Are you comfortable with the fees involved? Unfortunately for many prospective parents, adopting a child can be too expensive. Depending where you choose to adopt a child from, there may be financial assistance available. Regardless, you should get a full accounting of the fees you will have to pay as soon as possible.

4. Do you have a stable home? It doesn’t matter if you have kids, are single or are married. It is important, however, that your home will provide a stable, safe environment for your child to grow and thrive. Think about your work schedule, your finances and if you have a support system in place to help you out.

5. Will you be ready to deal with the emotional issues involved with adoption? There are important questions you will need to plan for. How will answer your child’s questions about his or her birth parents? Will you maintain contact with the child’s biological parents? What will you do if family are not accepting of your child? How will you handle your child’s emotional struggles involved with finding out about the adoption?

Adopting is not easy, and it shouldn’t be, because it is so important that the child is adopted by the right parents. If you want to learn more about the process and what you will need to do and be ready for, you should consider speaking with a family law attorney who is experienced with adoption issues.

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