Are you ready to adopt? Adopting a child is a journey. Parents who wish to adopt a child must ensure they are prepared with the responsibilities that comes with adoption. Here are some things you should know before adopting a child.

Your Reason For Adopting

Why do you want to adopt a child? This should be the first thing you have to consider. There are a variety of reasons for a couple to want to adopt a toddler, from inability to have their own child, reluctance to go through the process of childbirth or simply out of compassion.

Your Personality

When adopting a child, you have to know if you have enough love, patience and determination to get through the whole procedure of adoption. Because adopting a toddler is permanent, you have to recognize your own limits of what you can handle. It is very important that you assess your abilities and limitations to prepare for the adoption process.

Getting An Agency or Lawyer Is Important

Choose an agency. You can either select a public or private agency. Public agencies handle adoptions of older children and those with special needs while private agencies handle domestic and inter-country adoptions (international adoptions). Visit adoption.com for more information about adoption agencies. Set appointments with agencies you are most interested in. You may ask any questions you have about the adoption process, inquire about fees and how long you need to wait. Select an agency you feel will be the best fit for your family.

If you do not like waiting, you can pursue another option which is getting a private adoption through an adoption lawyer. Most private adoptions are open adoptions, meaning, the biological mother and adoptive parents will meet and select each other.

Be Ready For Adoption Paperwork

You will need to fill up adoption paperwork. You have to give comprehensive information about your family which includes – your earnings, debt, family structure, medical history (you will need to provide records from your doctor) and criminal history. After completing the paperwork, submit it and pay the required fee. Fees vary from state to state and adoption agency or attorney. Generally, adopting a toddler in the United States cost less (around $12,000) and can be free if you adopt a toddler with special needs. For private adoption, expect to pay $30,000 or more plus travel costs if the toddler is located in a different state.

Expect A Home Study

You will have to complete a home study. A home study is necessary. A social worker will come to your home who will ask questions about you and your husband (marriage, lifestyle, personality, interests, parenting style, etc.), evaluate how you interact with your spouse and other children and examine your house.

You Need To Show Up In Court

Once a toddler has been found, you will need to show up for your court date to finalize the adoption. A judge will review your adoption paperwork and home study result. The judge may ask tons of questions so be ready to answer them all. If there are no problems, the judge will issue an order accepting the adoption and you are now the legal parents of the child.

Adopting a child can be a lengthy process, but it is worth the wait. You might also worry if you can love your adopted toddler or whether the toddler can love you in return. But remember, love is not a feeling. It is a process of growing.