Once you’ve decided that adoption is right for you, it’s a very exciting time in your life. The waiting, however, can be especially daunting – and confusing.
When you’re counting the minutes to match while other prospective adoptive parents are moving ahead in the process, it can be frustrating and painful.
Don’t take it personally, however; some people do get lucky with timing, but it’s more likely that they’ve made sure they fit the match parameters that can speed things along.
If you are considering adoption, you should discuss your options with a lawyer. Even if you ultimately choose to pursue adoption without the assistance of an attorney, discussing the process with a lawyer will help determine whether adoption is right for you and give you a general idea about the adoption process in Arizona.
The Match Process
There are four specific ways that you can improve your chances of finding your match more quickly:
Specify Fewer Limitations
The fewer limitations that you place on your adoption match, the more likely you are to be placed with your match more quickly. This can include being open to adopting a child who’s been exposed to prenatal alcohol and drug abuse or to a child who has a history of mental illness in the family.
If you have fewer limitations you will be presented with more opportunities and you can then decide on a case by case basis.
Don’t Specify A Race Or Gender Preference
When you specify a preference for either race or gender, you delay the match process until that specific match can be made. Again, the more limitations, the longer the process is likely to take.
Be Prepared To Make A Significant Financial Outlay
It can be hard to reconcile money with adopting a child, but your financial resources do play a role in adoption.
When matching an expectant mother with an adoptive family (or parent), there are financial considerations to be assessed, including the cost of the adoption, the birth mother’s medical and additional expenses (did she have to leave school or her job while pregnant, for instance), and the cost of the agency’s adoption outreach to expectant mothers (if you choose to work with an agency).
Engage In Adoption Networking
While networking sounds more like a career move, it can also be important in the adoption process. Infant adoptions in the U.S. allow the expectant mother or the birth parents to choose the adoptive parent(s).
When you share your dreams of adopting with your network of friends, family, and acquaintances, you get the word out, which can lead to a speedier match.
Your family and friends are your best advocates and successful matches are made this way all the time. If you find a possible match through a friend or family member, then you can reach out to your attorney to help with the next steps.
Making The Match
It’s nearly impossible to say what attracts birth parents or expectant mothers to a specific match in the vital decision of who will parent their children. Some try to recreate their own childhoods, while others go in the opposite direction.
What’s important for you to focus on is that you shouldn’t take the match process personally but, instead, should share your decision to adopt and stay committed to the process. Your match is out there!
Remember, An Attorney Can Help Along Every Step Of The Way
Many people who are anxious to adopt make the mistake of attempting to navigate the confusing and often frustrating process of adopting a child on their own.
If you are trying to adopt, it is important to keep in mind that an attorney familiar with state adoption law and procedure can make the entire process go much more smoothly.
Some of the specific ways that an attorney can help prospective adoptive parents include the following:
- Explain and simplify your options
- Determine whether there are any legal issues that may arise during the adoption process and develop a plan to deal with them if and when they do
- Help you prepare for the Arizona home study
- Develop and implement an outreach plan
- Discuss multiple ways for you to search for your match
- Make sure that your adoption is in compliance with all relevant state and federal law
- Assist you with any post-adoption legal issues that may arise
While it is completely legal and permissible to adopt without the assistance of an attorney, a lawyer who is familiar with the process will ensure that you are able to add a new member to your family as soon as possible and without any unnecessary delays.
It is always easier and less expensive to do it the right way from the beginning than to hire an attorney to clean up a mess after it’s been made. Anytime you represent yourself on a legal issue, the law holds you to the same standard as an attorney.
Mistake and ignorance are not permissible defenses. We’re here to help make sure your process is smooth, in compliance with the law and as easy for you as possible.
If You Are Considering Adopting in Arizona, Contact Stuart & Blackwell Today
At Stuart & Blackwell, we know how difficult waiting for an adoption match can be, and we are here to help. We make it our mission to ensure that you remain comfortable and confident throughout your adoption journey.
We specialize in adoption law, and we have the experience and the commitment to help you find your match – your child. Call us at (480) 420 2900 today for a free initial consultation.