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1. Q. What is the total cost for the entire domestic adoption?
   A. There are several factors that determine the total cost, including the program you ultimately choose. Variables such as medical bills, birthmother expenses and legal fees are sometimes tough to estimate, but we strive to maintain affordable adoptions without cutting corners.
   
   Adoptive families are allowed to place a cap on the miscellaneous fees based on their budget requirements. Keep in mind, our fee estimates do not include miscellaneous fees like your travel expenses when you pick up the baby.
   
   Using one or all of these available programs can reduce your total cost of adoption by up to $ 19,130.00:
   Employer Credits - $ 5,000.00 or more
   Federal Tax Exemptions - Up to $ 10,630.00
   Dependent exemption for your baby - Up to $ 2,900.00
   Child tax credit, varies by state - Up to $ 600.00
   
   

2. Q. What type of adoption does Adoption Network Law Center handle?
   A. While we can not assist you with step-parent adoption or foster-care adoption, we can help you if you are interested in a domestic newborn adoption . The majority of the domestic adoptions that we complete are "semi-open" meaning that there is minimal contact between the adoptive family and the birth parents.
   
   
3. Q. Approximately, how many families are waiting to be chosen by a birthmother at this time?
   A. We are usually actively marketing approximately 150 adoptive families. In relation to the amount of adoptions we complete annually, this a small number.
   
   
4. Q. Your website and informational brochures state that the average time spent on your waiting list is less than 9 months. What happens if we are not matched within that average time frame?
   A. While we pride ourselves on how quickly our clients are matched, we make no guarantee as to how long we will need to market you to potential birthmothers. The key is to be ready regardless of the length of time.
   
   
5. Q. With many agencies, facilitators and law firms competing for my business, why should I retain Adoption Network Law Center?
   A. Because we are not confined by stringent state-mandated budget restrictions, Adoption Network Law Center spends over $1,000,000 in advertising for Birthmothers annually. As a result of these extensive advertising and outreach efforts, most matches are made in less than 9 months. Most matches occur within 9 months. We also offer the "Adoption Network Law Center Commitment". Adoption Network Law Center’s qualified adoption staff is available to birthmothers 24 hours a day so as to ensure we make the most of every opportunity.
   
   
6. Q. Do you get any medical or background information on the birth mother?
   A. We make every effort to retrieve as much background information on all of our birthmothers and pass that on to you.
   
   
7. Q. Is it true that a birth mother can change her mind and take the baby back?
   A. With the many successful adoptions, our staff has attained the patience, integrity and experience necessary to guide both the birthmother and you through the legal intricacies of adoption. While there is a small percentage of adoption that are "disrupted" each year, we do all we can to protect you.
   
   
8. Q. At what point can the birth parents sign over their parental rights?
   A. In most states birth parents cannot sign over their parental rights until after the baby is born. A common time frame is 48 – 72 hours after birth. Once you are "matched", we will describe the legal process for the state in which your adoption will occur. Once the birthmother signs the legal paperwork, her parental rights are terminated.
   
   
9. Q. What is the next step?
   A. Simply call us or complete the short Information Form. Once you decide to move forward, you will be sent all the paperwork necessary to start your adoption.
   
   
10. Q. What is a home study? When should we start the home study? What is the cost of a home study?
    A. Required for every adoption, the home study is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together, usually at the social worker's office. At least one meeting will occur in the applicant's home. If there are other people living in the home, they also will be interviewed by the social worker. It highlights items such as relationships, interactions with children, your neighborhood, and your childhood. The home study helps the courts, and us, determine if a stable environment exists for a family to receive an adoptive placement. Contact your Adoption Consultant for a list of providers in your area. It is extremely important that the home study be started immediately! The cost of a home study can vary greatly depending on the area of the country that you are from and the agency that completes it.
    
    
11. Q. I do not live in the United States. Can I work with Adoption Network Law Center?
    A. In most cases, yes. As long as you are able to complete a Home Study (or Panel) in your country, we should be able to help you. If you are a military family stationed outside of the U.S., the military or the U.S. Embassy should be able to help you with this step. Please call one of our Adoption Consultants at 1-800-FOR-ADOPT to discuss your particular case.
    
    
12. Q. I am interested in International adoption. Can you help me decide which option is best for me?
    We encourage you to research and understand the difference between international and domestic adoption before making a decision. Please feel free to call us at 1-800-FOR-ADOPT with specific questions. We are happy to help you with this decision.
    
    
13. Q. Am I too old/too young to adopt?
    The legal minimum age for domestic adoption is 21. There is no upper limit set by law. But it's not just about age. What's important is the ability to provide a loving, nurturing home for a child. Other factors we consider should be discussed with your ANLC Adoption Consultant before proceeding.
    
    

Email or call 1-800-FOR-ADOPT in confidence!