| ADOPTION |
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| Q: |
How do I qualify to be an adoptive parent in Arizona? |
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You must become certified as a suitable adoptive parent which involves a home study by a licensed social worker as well as an FBI background check. The home study involves an interview with a social worker at your home, an inspection of your home, and a report by the social worker as to your overall fitness to be an adoptive parent.
The FBI background check involves finger prints, a check to determine if you have a criminal background on the FBI's crime computers. The process usually takes at least 6 weeks and you cannot be certified to adopt until this process is completed. It is important to make early preparations for paperwork completion and certification. We can assist with these requirements if you call us at 1-800-677-1010. |
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| Q: |
Once I am certified as an adoptive parent, what other steps are required? |
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Obviously, an adoption opportunity must present itself. You can either work with an adoption agency or participate in a private adoption. The adoption agencies have their own internal criterion with respect to adoption which may include such factors as age, prior marital history, employment backgrounds etc. They are very selective and tend to prefer younger parents who are in their first marriage.
With a private adoption, you can locate a birth mother in a number of different ways. Often, an attorney can help. You can advertise your desire to adopt in the newspaper or over the Internet. You can solicit the assistance of a minister. You can rely on word of mouth. If you are willing to be flexible about the background of the child in terms of race, ethnicity, handicap etc. this also helps. It may take a year or so of concerted effort to locate a suitable adoption opportunity so don't get discouraged as perseverance is critical. Our law offices may also be able to assist you so feel free to give us a call at 1-800-677-1010. |
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| Q: |
Once I am certified and locate an adoption opportunity (birth mother), what is next? |
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You may be asked to assist with the medical expenses and the expenses associated with delivery. Under some limited circumstances, you can also assist with living expenses during the period of time that the mother is unable to work because of her pregnancy such as rent, food etc. However, these items are carefully scrutinized for their propriety so be careful and act with the advise of counsel if asked to pay living expenses for a birth mother.
Some birth mothers desire contact with the adoptive parents prior to the birth of the child and some do not. This is a sensitive area that must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Any consent to adopt cannot be signed until 72 hours after the child is born. Therefore, you must always be emotionally prepared for the possibility that an adoption opportunity will not materialize. Our law offices can help as assistance by an experienced professional is critical through this complex and sensitive time. |
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What is an interstate compact? |
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It is authorization for prospective adoptive parents to transport a child across state lines pending an adoption. In Arizona, approval must be obtained by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). Such approval cannot be finally obtained until after the child is born and the consents signed. Therefore, if you are from another state and want to adopt an Arizona birth child, you need to be aware of this requirement which requires the cooperation of ADES as well as your home state's own agency. These are technical legal requirements and professional assistance from an experienced attorney is critical. The birth parents may be required to provide a health history and other biographical information as part of the interstate compact process. |
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| Q: |
When can an adoption be finalized? |
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Not until 6 months after the child is born at the earliest. A court proceeding and a hearing before a judge is necessary. The judge must find that the adoptive parents are suitable and fit to adopt, the consents satisfy legal requirements, and the adoption is in the best interest of the child. An accounting must be filed with the court about all expenses associated with the adoption. There are certain limitations on adoption of Indian children. Once the adoption is finalized, a new birth certificate can be issued in the name of the adoptive parents who thereafter have the same rights and duties as biological parents. |
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| Q: |
What legal fees and other expenses are associated with an adoption? |
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Legal fees are about $2500 to $5000. The costs of certification, the background check, home study, and the interstate compact, if necessary, can run $1500 to $2500. You can also spend several thousand dollars for medical expenses (prenatal and delivery) and living expenses for the birth mother during her time of confinement subject to court approval.
If we can help, please call our law offices at 1-800-677-1010 for a free phone consultation or e-mail us at law@lawyersinarizona.com. We have assisted with many adoptions and can help you too. This is a rewarding but demanding experience and an experienced attorney can assist in the process to your benefit. |
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Do you have questions about ADOPTION? |
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Please feel free to contact us toll free at 1-800-677-1010 or e-mail: law@lawyersinarizona.com. |
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