How to Adopt As a Single Woman

Adopting a child as a single woman is a rewarding experience, giving you the opportunity to open your home and heart to a child in need of a family. In most instances, the process of adoption as a single woman is similar to that of a married couple, though there are special considerations when adopting internationally.

Instructions

    • 1

      Research your state's adoption law to ensure that you comply with state laws regarding adoption eligibility. While all 50 states allow single women to adopt children, certain states have other requirements that all adoptive parents must meet. For example, some states require adoptive parents to be at least a certain age, typically 18 or 21, or to be at least 10 years older than the child.

    • 2

      Explore the various types of adoption and choose the one that best meets your needs. Domestic adoptions are available through your state's foster care system or you may select an independent or private domestic adoption that often involves the birth parents selecting an adoptive family before the child is born. Another option is international adoption, though not all foreign countries allow single women to adopt. The U.S. Department of State provides a list of adoption restrictions for each country on its website to aid in your research. Each type of adoption has its own requirements, responsibilities and associated cost.

    • 3

      Hire an agency or attorney to assist with the adoption process. Choose an agency that has experience dealing with the type of adoption you have decided to pursue. In some cases, such as independent adoption, you may decide to select an adoption attorney instead of an agency. The adoption professional that you select will guide you through the adoption process and ensure that all adoption requirements are met.

    • 4

      Complete all pre-adoption requirements. Talk to your adoption agency or attorney about the specific requirements that you must meet before your adoption. All adoptions require a completed home study and some adoptions require new parents to take parenting classes or meet other regulations.

    • 5

      Legally adopt your child. Once you have competed all your pre-adoption requirements, you will be matched with a child and begin the legal process. For some international adoptions, you may need to travel to the child's birth country to complete the process, while most foster care adoptions require that the child lives with you for a period of time before the adoption is finalized.

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