Are you thinking about bringing a new child into your family through adoption? If becoming an adoptive parent is on your radar, there are some steps you can take to prepare before you really dive into the process. If you're interested in getting ahead of the game, read on!

Understand What “Adoption” Really Means

Adoption is the legal process through which a parent/child relationship is established between two people who do not have this relationship biologically. For an adoption to be officially accepted and recognized, it must be completed in court.

Understand the Different Types of Adoption

Do you want an open adoption or a closed adoption? An open adoption is one in which the birth parent(s) can have contact with the child, and a closed adoption is one in which they cannot. There are pros and cons both ways, so it's important to reflect upon your preference in advance, though you may also need to be open to arrangements that are different from what you originally had in mind.

There are also different ways you can approach the adoption process, primarily:

• Independently
• Through an agency
• Through the foster care system

Collect the Right Paperwork

When the time comes to petition for adoption, you'll need documentation that shows exactly what is happening. Some of these things, like a document in which the birth parent consents to the adoption, can't really be prepared in advance. Others, however, like financial statements, can be squared away in advance. 

Prepare Your Home and Family

It is extremely important for your home and family to be ready to welcome a new child when the time comes. Go ahead and start conversations with any children you already have about the beauty of adoption and how it works. Build your support system! Every parent needs one. Your home may also need to be ready for investigation by a social worker to prove it is a suitable place for a little one to live and grow.

Consult an Attorney

Another extremely important way to prepare to adopt is to connect with a family law attorney who has experience with the adoption process. The team at The Law Offices of Attorney Regina M. Taylor is here to help. We encourage you to contact us today to learn more about our services and to discuss more ways you can prepare for the life-changing commitment on your horizon.