No one adoption route is right for every family. AF readers describe the thinking that went behind the route they chose.
“Becoming an Intended Parent”
Deciding on gestational surrogacy and navigating the complex process involves listening to your heart and your brain at the right times.
“Selecting My Egg Donor”
How do you choose the person you want to make babies with? Everyone has her priorities; these are mine.
The Big IF — Moving Past Infertility
Four writers look back at the roads they’ve traveled since wrestling with infertility.
“How I Handled Calls from Prospective Birth Mothers”
Our advertising was placed, our adoption profile was ready to go, and it was only a matter of time before our 800-line started ringing with calls from expectant mothers. Yikes! Mercifully, I was prepared, thanks to the expertise of my adoption attorney, adoption consultant, and other adoptive parents. Here’s what I learned:
How We Afforded Our Adoption
We asked our reader panel: How did you finance your adoption? Share any cost-cutting or creative financing strategies with other readers.
Understanding Independent Adoption
You’ll need an experienced attorney to guide you through the legal process.
Fast Facts: Adopting a Newborn in the U.S.
The annual number of infants adopted domestically (excluding foster and relative adoption) is estimated to be around 18,000 — far greater than the annual number of international adoptions. Moreover, the process of adopting a newborn in the United States can go more swiftly than you may imagine.
Ask AF: Can We Claim Tax Credit for Failed Adoptions?
Failed adoptions can be both emotionally and financially taxing. Here’s what you need to know about claiming tax credit for a failed adoption.
China Adoption Cost Breakdown
Thinking about adopting from China? Check out this sample budget to get an idea of the cost.
Ethiopia Adoption Cost Breakdown
How much does Ethiopia adoption cost? Read on for average expenses, broken down by category.
Independent Domestic Adoption Cost Breakdown
The cost of adoption varies, but usually falls within a certain range.
Understanding the Cost of Domestic Agency Adoption
When deciding on domestic agency adoption, parents need to understand the potential costs. Use this breakdown to fully grasp how expenses pan out.
Foster Adoption Cost Breakdown
For an overview of the average cost of a U.S. foster adoption, see the categories below. Don’t forget that the cost of adoption will be offset by the federal adoption tax credit (unless your income exceeds federal limitations) so make sure to keep detailed records of fees and payments during your adoption process.
The Steps to Fost/Adopt
The fees are minimal to non-existent, wait times can be shorter than in private or international adoption, and there are many younger children, toddlers, and even infants available for adoption. In many cases, subsidies are available for the childs living expenses and healthcare, even after the adoption is completed.
How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Child?
The adoption timeline can vary dramatically, depending your chosen route. This general overview explains a typical adoption schedule, requirements at each step, and common expenses.
A Child to Love
The path to adopting a child for many involves becoming a foster parent first. Learn about the risks, rewards, and responsibilities of caring for children in the U.S. foster care system.
“Why We Chose Foster Adoption”
Foster adoption was right for these three families. Read their stories to find out why.
Foster Adoption: Fast Facts
More and more families are starting to consider foster care. Find out why.
“Choosing Which Country to Adopt From (Twice)”
Growing up in a mostly white, Midwestern town in the late 1970s and early 80s, watching reruns of The Donna Reed Show and Leave It to Beaver, I figured I would finish school, find a girl to marry, buy a little house with a white picket fence, and have a couple of kids who looked like me. This was the middle-class American dream, and at the time it never occurred to me that life would turn out any other way.