Think Before You Adopt: 4 Things to Consider First

It is difficult to quantify just how impactful the choice to adopt a child is for both the family that decides to adopt as well as the child who is adopted. Adoption is a life-changing event that brings a litany of challenges, but it can also be one of the most fulfilling things one can do with their life.

However, adoption is not for everyone. The actual process of adoption can be expensive, emotional, and frustrating—not to mention the added challenges inherent in raising a nonbiological child. Every family needs to think long and hard about the decision to adopt before rushing into the process. In this blog we will detail four things you should consider first.

1. Your motivation
   Before you start thinking about the child you could potentially bring into your home, you should engage in a great deal of introspection. Be honest with yourself about your motivation for adopting a child. Are you and your spouse unable to conceive but want to raise a child? Do you want to provide a home to a child in need? Or, are you hoping that an adoption will help you save a failing marriage? Make sure you want to adopt for the right reasons.
2. Your financial preparedness
   Current estimates by the US Department of Agriculture predict it will cost nearly $250,000 to raise a child to the age of 18. Additionally, the adoption itself can cost tens of thousands of dollars in things like agency fees, counseling fees, medical costs, and more. You will need a stable income and a comfortable amount of savings to adopt and raise a child.
3. The type of adoption you want
   There are numerous things to consider regarding the actual child you want to adopt. Do you want to adopt domestically or internationally? Will you adopt a child of your own race or another? Would you adopt a special needs child? What age do you want the child to be? Every option has its own unique challenges, so be sure you are fully aware of the ramifications of your choice.
4. Your support network
   It is certainly not impossible to raise an adoptive child on your own, but it can be incredibly difficult. Whether you have a spouse who will help you, or extended family and close friends, you should try to have some sort of support network in place to rely upon when you need help. You should also try to seek out others who have experienced the adoption process for information, guidance, and support.

Adopting a child is a beautiful act of kindness. There are few things more admirable than providing a loving home to a child in need. But it is essential that you make sure you are prepared to handle all that an adoption entails. In fact, this list of considerations only begins to scratch the surface of what you should think about and prepare for. For more information and guidance on adopting a child, contact New Beginnings Family Law, P.C., today.