Adoption Law FAQs

• Q: Can Courts Consider Sexual Orientation As A Disqualification For Adoption?
  A: It depends. There is modern trend to allow gay and lesbian adults to adopt children. However, some states have prohibited such adoptions.
• Q: Can Courts Consider Religion When Determining Qualifications For Adoptions?
  A: Yes. In most states, it is acceptable to consider religion as one of many different factors in determining compatibility with the adopted child. However, like race, … More
• Q: Is There A Mandatory Waiting Period Before A Mother Can Release A Newborn Child For Adoption?
  A: Generally, yes, there are time allowances in which adoption consent can be revoked, and in most states, the mother's consent is not usually final or binding until … More
• Q: Can Prospective Parents Help With The Bills Of The Birth Mother During Pregnancy?
  A: Yes. All states have specific laws which specify what birth mother expenses can and cannot be paid during an adoption, and there are limits imposed on the length of … More
• Q: Can A Child Be "sold?"
  A: Most state laws specifically prohibit and criminalize the sale of children for money.
• Q: Do I Need To Get Permission From Both Biological Parents Before I Adopt?
  A: It depends. In order to adopt a child, you must have consent or permission from the natural parents indicating their intention to voluntarily extinguish parental … More
• Q: What If The Unwed Father Doesnt Know Of Adoption Proceedings Concerning His Child? Does He Have A Right To Know?
  A: In some situations, an unwed father has gone missing, or is not in any contact with the mother. Because consent cannot be given, some states maintain something known … More
• Q: Can Domestic Partners Adopt Children Together?
  A: Most states do not have laws that allow for domestic partners to adopt minor children. In some states, such as California, domestic partners are allowed to adopt the … More
• Q: Do Siblings Have A Right To Visit Each Other After They Have Been Adopted?
  A: Generally, yes. Lawmakers recognize that sibling bonds endure for a lifetime and are particularly significant to the siblings’ well being during difficult times. … More
• Q: What Happens If An Adoption Agency Lies To Me And Does Not Tell Me That My Adopted Child Has A Serious Medical Condition Or Some Other Fact That Would Be Important For Me To Know?
  A: If an agency has intentionally misrepresented the health or condition of the adopted child at the time of the adoption, a growing number of states allow you to sue … More
• Q: What Happens If I Want To Adopt An International Child?
  A: A United States citizen who wants to adopt a child from another country must pass through three hoops before the child is considered legally adopted. First, the child … More