Domestic Adoption
Who can adopt?
Almost anyone can adopt, as long as you meet some basic criteria.
- You can adopt if you are single, married, or in a same-sex relationship.
- You can adopt if you are childless or have children.
- You can adopt if you have the financial means to do so. There is no credit check for adoption.
- You can adopt if you have a religious affiliation or not.
- You can adopt if you have a medical condition or a physical disability.
- You can adopt if you have a minor arrest record.
- And finally, you can adopt if you can follow instructions and not give up.
Criteria that could make you ineligible or possibly cause a longer wait would be:
- If you are over age 52.
- If you have a gender preference. (Not currently accepted by many agencies.)
- If you have children. Many expectant mothers prefer to place with a childless family.
- If you have a budget less than $40,000.
- If you have a felony arrest or two or more alcohol-related arrests.
AIS is happy to prescreen any issues of concern for your peace of mind before you begin the adoption process.
How long do I need to wait?
This answer can vary. Your willingness to consider factors surrounding the expecting parents and the unborn baby largely determines your wait. But there are other factors that cannot be controlled, like the pandemic, that may affect the number of babies available for adoption. Patience is required for you to wait for the baby that is meant for your family. AIS is always here to provide encouragement and support during your journey.
Our success is due to our continuous effort to build relationships with nationwide agencies, attorneys and other placement resources. We thoroughly research each placement resource and only work with those with proven placement histories.
Our individualized plan of action will allow you to be considered by multiple placement resources. Our lifestyle presentations/profiles (from which the expecting parents choose) are of superior quality.
What is the profile of a typical expectant mother?
Our statistics show that the typical expectant mother is in her mid-20’s and is a single parent to one or more children already and doesn’t have financial support from the birth father or extended family to be able to parent another child. They know the realities of parenting and are more likely to go through with an adoption plan. It is rare for us to see teenagers place as they most often choose abortion or co-parent the baby with the help of their own parents.
Being Financially Prepared
How much does adoption cost?
AIS works within your budget but we are upfront with you regarding how much money you may need to spend. Most private adoption placement fees range from $38,000 to $45,000 and up.
What financing options are available to me?
There are numerous financial options available for you and we are constantly researching new options for families.
Financing Options include:
- Home Equity or Refinancing of Home: Usually the lowest percentage rate. Usually the interest on the loan is tax-deductible.
- Employer Contributions: Some employers have reimbursable adoption benefits. Check with your human resources department about a possible Adoption Assistance Program.
- Private Loans: Many families choose to work with their own financial lending institutions to get special loans to provide the needed cash for adoption; talk to your banker.
- Retirement Borrowing: Some families find they can borrow from their retirement savings, then repay themselves with interest. Check with your retirement plan advisor.
- Gifting from Parents: In divesting their assets your parents can gift you up to $15K per year, per spouse with no tax consequences. Check with your tax accountant for updates.
- Adoption Tax Credit: The Federal Adoption Tax Credit for 2021 is $14,440. You can find more information at irs.gov
Ready to get started on your adoption journey to your special child?
