Do You Have to Be Married to Adopt a Child?

Are you looking to adopt a child? Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family. If you are not married, you may be asking yourself: ‘Do you have to be married to adopt? Can single people adopt?’

Not long ago, this choice was completely out of the question for individuals. Today, however, adoption is widely available for single parents. While the U.S. Supreme Court’s Marriage Equality Act of 2015 – Obergefell v. Hodges – did not immediately end adoption discrimination, it did pave the way for equality among several types of adoptive families – including single adults.

Adoption laws can be quite complex, and they vary by state. Whether you are single or in a relationship, you may be wondering ‘do you have to be married to adopt?’ You have come to the right place. In this short guide, we will share what you need to know before diving into the adoption process.

Different Types of Adoption Agencies

There are various types of adoption agencies from which to choose when pursuing adoption. Each type of adoption agency has its own set of requirements for adoptive parents. Here is a brief overview of each of the most common adoption agency types:

International Adoption Agencies

With international adoption, U.S. residents adopt a child who is in another country. It is possible to adopt a child internationally as a single parent, depending on the country you are adopting. Many countries, such as Bulgaria, Colombia, Haiti, Latvia, and the Philippines accept single applicants, but some countries have more restrictions. There are many countries that have temporarily – or permanently – stopped international adoptions from happening, such as China and Russia. If you are considering an international adoption, it is best to check with the international adoption agency about their policies and those of foreign countries.

Foster Care Adoption Agencies

There are thousands of children living in the foster care system. This is a state-run system that handles the temporary and permanent placement of children who have been removed from their birth families’ homes. Foster care can be a great choice for anyone looking to adopt in a very inexpensive way. A common downside to foster care as a pathway to adoption, however, is that children are often reunited with their birth families after a bond is formed with the foster care parent(s).

Single parents can adopt from foster care within any state of the U.S., but each state may have its own set of requirements regarding age, residency, and home studies.

Domestic/Private Adoption Agencies

While U.S. laws support single-parent adoption, there are some private adoption agencies that may have policies to favor married couples. It is helpful to look for a private adoption agency that openly welcomes single parents to adopt. This is one of the many factors to consider when finding the perfect adoption agency. You should also find an adoption agency that will offer a flat fee to include every service provided, and an agency that will offer individual, one-on-one support throughout the entire adoption journey.

Learn More About Private Adoption

Other Legal Considerations

No matter what your marital status is, all prospective adoptive parents must meet certain criteria in order to adopt. There are requirements such as:

• Age
• Financial stability
• Completing a Home Study
• Passing background checks

Whether you are single, unmarried in a relationship, divorced, or engaged, you can adopt a child. If you are responsible, stable, and healthy enough to raise a child, you can grow your family through adoption.

Home Study Requirements

A critical piece of the adoption process is the Home Study. This process ensures that every adoptive parent is physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially healthy enough to raise a child. The Home Study takes several months to complete and includes:

• Thorough criminal background checks and screenings
• Several at-home interviews and visits
• The review of medical and financial records, such as physicals, mental health evaluations, paystubs, and mortgage payments.

With the Home Study, your adoption agency gets a chance to know you better, you can also get to know your adoption professional better, as well. Your adoption agency is the organization you will be working with throughout the adoption process, so it is important to choose wisely. With the right adoption agency, your Home Study – and adoption – will be handled smoothly and safely.

Start the Adoption Process

If you would like to get started with the adoption process, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can help you grow your family safely, ensuring a positive experience with support every step of the way. Call 800-722-7731 or contact us online.