For Adoptive Parents - Frequently Asked Questions

•  How Do We Know If Adoption Is Right For Us?

Many of our clients have had long, emotionally wrenching struggles with infertility and fear that the adoption process will only bring more of the same. While we cannot guarantee that the process will be pain-free, simple, or on our preferred time-lines, we can encourage you that there really are healthy infants to adopt and that, with God's guidance and strength, you can build your family through adoption.

We believe it is vital that you, as a couple, have considered the various issues related to adoption; questions like what type of continuing contact you desire with your baby's birthparents, what type of baby you are open to adopting, how your family will support you in your decision to adopt-all are questions we can discuss with you at our initial consultation and encourage you to discuss with one another before our meeting. Also, you must choose what type of adoption to pursue-international, domestic through an agency, domestic through an attorney (independent), or adoption through your county's social services. We can discuss the various options at the initial consultation. Our office only handles domestic adoptions, as either an independent adoption or in conjunction with an agency. Our recommended reading list includes some good books that will help you familiarize yourself with the different options available.

•  How Much Will Our Adoption Cost?

The typical independent adoption has five basic cost categories:

1. Living expenses of birthmother, as allowed by her state's laws

(typically the adoptive family may pay for her reasonable living expenses related to the pregnancy for a few months, though state law varies significantly in this area)

2. Medical expenses associated with the child's birth

(in most cases the birthmother has insurance or qualifies for insurance through the State)

3. County or private agency costs such as homestudy and filing fees

4. Legal fees

5. Fees associated with providing the birthparent/s with the advisements, etc. required by their State and/or the State of California

The typical adoption through our office costs a total of approximately $13,000-$18,000.

Please note: The federal tax credit may help offset the cost of the adoption tremendously.

•  How Long Will It Take To Find A Baby?

The average wait time to be matched with a birthmother with our office is anywhere from two months to one year. We intentionally work with a very small number of adoptive families at any given time in order to achieve matches as quickly as possible.

•  Will You Help Us Locate A Suitable Birthmother?

Yes. In addition to our own network of service providers in positions to meet potential birth mothers, we actively advertise on our clients' behalf to locate birth mothers. We have a toll-free number for birth parents to call and we, not our clients, screen those calls. Before introducing a birth mother to our clients, we have conducted a fairly extensive interview and screening process with her.

•  Do We Need A Home Study Before We Can Begin?

No. Although it is wise to be prepared for a match at any time and we encourage clients to begin the process as soon as possible, you do not need to have completed the study prior to retaining our services. As a side note: the home study includes criminal background checks, physical health and personal references, but it's not a white glove test!