Your Guide to Kentucky Adoption Laws

In the U.S., adoption laws vary by state. If you are considering placing your baby for adoption, it is important for you to learn about your local adoption laws—and your rights as an expectant/birth parent—before starting the adoption process.

Adoption laws and policies can be confusing, which is why we recommend working with a professional adoption agency that is experienced in your state. The right adoption agency will have expert attorneys who can walk you through the legal steps of adoption, protect your rights throughout the process, and ensure your baby’s placement is official.

If you are living in Kentucky and considering placing your baby for adoption, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will discuss the local adoption laws in Kentucky.

The following is not intended to be taken as legal advice. It can, however, offer you a basic overview of how the adoption laws in Kentucky may impact your adoption plan. Do not hesitate to contact an experienced adoption agency, such as Adoptions with Love, for the latest information regarding Kentucky adoption laws.

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Who Can Adopt in Kentucky?

As you consider placing your child for adoption in Kentucky, you may be wondering: “Who can adopt a child?” and “What are the requirements for adoptive families?”

According to current laws, qualifying U.S. residents who are age 18 or older may adopt a child in Kentucky. Single parents may adopt a child on their own. Anyone married must adopt jointly with their spouse, except in cases of stepparent adoptions.

Every prospective adoptive parent must complete the Home Study, according to Kentucky adoption laws. The Home Study is a several-months-long process that ensures an adoptive family is healthy – physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially – before approving them to adopt. The process involves criminal background checks, home visits, interviews, and the thorough examination of professional, medical, and financial documents. An adoption agency typically completes the Home Study, confirming that each family can provide a safe, stable, and loving home.

Aside from the standard Kentucky adoption laws, prospective adoptive families must also meet the adoption requirements set by an adoption agency. At Adoptions With Love, for example, every adoptive family agrees to an open or semi-open adoption plan. This means that they are open to ongoing communication with the birth parent(s) before and after the adoption is complete. Ultimately, the type of adoption plan is determined by the birth mother, depending on her wishes and needs. However, open adoption is always an option at AWL.

The perk of working with a professional adoption agency in Kentucky is that you can assure your baby is placed in a safe, loving home. Adoption agencies thoroughly screen every family to make sure they are trustworthy and secure. An adoption agency will also help you maintain a relationship with your child’s adoptive family, if you want, and keep your best interests in mind.

Who Can be Adopted in Kentucky?

Before a child is eligible for adoption in Kentucky, their birth parents’ legal parental rights must be terminated. In other words: You, the birth parent, must sign a consent to the adoption in order for your child to be adopted.

According to Kentucky adoption laws, a birth mother must wait a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) before signing consent forms for adoption. This gives you time to meet your child after birth and consider your decision one more time before making it official.

At Adoptions With Love, we encourage birth mothers to take all the time they need before signing their consent forms. It is never too late to make an adoption plan for your child in Kentucky.

In Kentucky, anyone who is 12 years old or older must consent to be adopted.

Kentucky Adoption Laws Related to Birth Parent Expenses

Pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery can create a financial burden for expectant/birth mothers, particularly when it comes to medical coverage and work compensation. States often regulate what type of expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth can be covered for birth mothers choosing adoption. In Kentucky, adoption agencies can assist with the following costs:

• Legal fees
• Adoption placement services
• Expenses of the birth parents
• Uninsured medical expenses

It is illegal to exchange an adoption for monetary payment in Kentucky, but you can receive financial assistance to support you during this challenging time.

At Adoptions With Love, we understand that adoption is an emotional and life-changing decision. During pregnancy, an expectant mother may not be able to work. She may need assistance with medical bills. We offer the following services – free of charge – to expectant/birth mothers who choose adoption:

• Housing assistance. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Financial assistance with utilities, phone bills, maternity clothing, and other pregnancy-related expenses.
• Assistance with custom-designing an adoption plan that meets your needs.
• Medical care. We can help you find a doctor or midwife with whom you feel comfortable and cover all pregnancy and childbirth-related appointments.
• Legal services offered by experienced Kentucky adoption attorneys.
• Compassionate counseling services before and after birth.
• Ongoing contact throughout the years. If you choose a closed adoption, Adoptions With Love keeps letters and photos on file should you change your mind at any point.

Adoption is a brave, selfless, and loving choice. If you are considering this path, then you are already placing your child’s needs above your own. If you would like to learn more about adoption in Kentucky and Kentucky adoption laws, contact Adoptions With Love today.

We can help guide you and answer any questions you may have, free of pressure, judgment, or bias. Call us 24/7 at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or reach out to us online.