As a single parent back in 1970, it was illegal in certain states for you to adopt a child and certainly frowned upon in others. 4 decades later this has changed and many children in the US are living with single moms and dads who have longed to raise a child. These numbers are still increasing and interestingly, 25% of special needs adoptions are into the care of single men and women, now the trend is widely accepted and encouraged.
Mady Prowler of the National Adoption Centre and Debra G. Smith of the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse advise on everything you need to know when it comes to the laws of single parent adoption. They cover issues from laws to costs and other important implications for consideration.
Benefits of single parents adopting
People may ask why an independent successful single man or women would want to become a parent and give up their freedom for the responsibilities involved. One of the answers is that single people who are in strong financial positions feel they have a lot to give a child, especially when driven by the natural human need to nurture. Giving and receiving love, feeling lonely and being needed gives purpose which cannot be found in any number of material gains.
These single men and women who want to become parents see that they can offer children in foster care or institutions a better life. Specialists in the laws of single parent adoption Mady and Deborah quote one teacher as saying, “Because I continually saw children in my special education classes who lived in institutions or went from foster home to foster home, I decided that even as a single parent I could do more for a child.”
Societal acceptance of single parent families has steadily increased due to the rise in divorce rates and unmarried women who keep their children. According to New York times statistics, showing exactly how high the figures are among families whose children live with a single parent it is no wonder adoption agencies have become far more willing to integrate unmarried individuals into the system.
The laws of single parent adoption differ from state to state. Almost every state today legally has adoption subsidies for children with special needs and as a result, those with limited incomes have considered pursuing adoption. The numbers of Caucasian babies has decreased due to legalised abortion, unwed moms keeping their babies and birth control. This has contributed to a shortage on behalf of the agencies who offer babies, and as a result most of them are older or have disabilities. It has also influenced allowing single parents to legally adopt children. In addition, research shows that, “The single parents of this study lead busy lives and seem to manage the demands of jobs, home, and parenting with a sure touch.”
What to expect from adoption attorneys: going the private route
When it comes to understanding the laws of single parent adoption it’s important to know that agents vary in their policies. Single parents interested in adopting and some still don’t accept single applicants. In other cases you can expect having a family assessment conducted in your home, or you could be offered a child outside of the profile you expected. With single men there is quite a bit of suspicion behind the adoption motive, so this can prove especially challenging.
Potential agencies will want to know that you have family friend and support structures that can assist in case the child becomes ill, or if unforeseen circumstances occur. It’s a good idea to present your financial plan if you are able so they can see how you envision caring for the child over the years. There are however attorneys who have assisted single parents with many years of experience such as South Hamptom PA’s Steven G. Dubin who also serves people outside of Pennsylvania. His representation experience dates back more 20 years, having advised single parent adoption clients from New York to Maryland. Steven’s expertise in areas of the laws of single parent adoption include;
- Newborn Domestic Adoption
- Single Parent Adoption
- Gay Adoption
- Open Adoption
- Assisted Reproduction
- Gestational Surrogacy and Egg Donation
- Stepparent Adoption
- Adoption Litigation
- Adoption and Birth Mothers
- Older Child Adoption
Steven himself started his own family through domestic infant adoption. His services encompass assisting both birth mothers and adoptive parents to deal with the difficult process and he ensures that birth mothers and single adoptive parents develop a comfortable relationship with each other. Domestic infant adoption can be handled privately through a private adoption lawyer and is faster than when going through an agency. Private adoptions can take under a year to complete.
A private adoption lawyer can assist in upholding the laws of single parent adoption allowing the birth mother to remain actively involved in the adoption process ensuring everyone benefits. When it comes to the adoptive parents, Steven’s personal experience can assist with imparting insights, providing medical histories and matching the right birth parents. Under certain circumstance, the adoptive parent may even be able to attend the birth. The attorney also offers Assisted Reproductive Technology to single parent individuals and families needing assistance with this technology having worked with egg donors, gestational surrogates and intended parents. Stephen is also well experienced with the law necessary to complete embryo adoption.
It would be helpful now that you know what you can expect from an adoption attorney well versed in the laws of single parent adoption, and to seek one as dedicated and experienced as Stephen in your State. It’s important for a single parent wishing to embark on this journey to be supported with the right legal assistance for each unique circumstance.
Resources for laws of single parent adoption
Single parents seeking information on adoption can look out for Lois Gilman’ The Adoption Resource Book, it is informative and for any prospective adopter can provide a resource and framework for things you haven’t thought of. Lois suggests the following;
- Make contact with adoptive families and parent groups,
- Seek general information from social service agencies and learn any details about specific adoption programs
- Read.
Fees vary from agent to agent and with some there are none – usually the public agencies where children have special needs and subsidies are offered to assist in offsetting childcare and medical costs. When it comes to fees relating to enforcing the laws of single parent adoption, some agencies operate on a sliding scale which considers the families income, expenses could include sheltering, legal, or medical costs which could range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Authors of The Private Adoption Handbook Stanley B. Michelman and Meg Schneider, offer a breakdown of fees, estimating the range to be from $3,000 to $20,000. They explain that, “If your lawyer believes the expenses are necessary and he or she is willing to fully disclose to a judge the entire amounts paid, you can assume that he or she thinks the amounts involved are reasonable, justifiable, and legal expenses.” Go for reputation and your gut instinct when it comes to your lawyer.
Support groups in your area with other individuals who wish to understand the laws of single parent adoption, can be found by contacting the Committee for Single Adoptive Parents and to learn more adoption in your State contact the State’s Department of Public Welfare or Social Services and local public and private adoption agencies. Single parents wishing to ensure that they are guided and supported in understanding ht e laws of adoption can also reach out to the National Adoption Centre.