How Do I Know Which Type of Adoption Is Right for Me?

With so many children throughout the nation and around the world living in foster care and seeking a loving family, adoption is a noble pursuit. Adoption is also a blessing for individuals and couples who cannot have children on their own but want to start or grow their families.

If you have just started considering adoption, you might know that there are several different types of adoption you can choose from. So how do you know which type is right for you?

Research Is Key

Before embarking on your journey to adopt a child, you should familiarize yourself with the types of adoption available to you. Below we have outlined some of the common types and included details about their pros and cons.

Domestic Adoption

Best for Families Seeking an Infant

You should consider domestic adoption if you are most drawn to the idea of adopting an infant. In a domestic adoption, you must be selected by the birthmother, which means there is a risk that you will have to wait a long time to be chosen. Families who are not up to the challenge of adopting an older child who may have developed certain complications associated with living in an abusive home or a foster home should choose domestic adoption over a foster adoption.

Foster Adoption

Best for Families Seeking a Free or Low-Cost Adoption

When you take in a foster child, you are helping a child in need of a safe and loving home. Plus, you will receive a monthly stipend from the government and will likely be able to adopt the child for free or nearly free.

However, you’ll have to keep in mind that foster adoption carries the risk of losing custody of the child. As a foster parent, you may be asked to help reunify the child with their biological family. On top of that, it can be difficult to bond with an older child, especially if they have had a difficult childhood, suffered abuse, or been moved around frequently.

Embryo Adoption

Best for Families Who Wish to Experience Pregnancy

Prospective mothers who wish to experience pregnancy rather than adopting a child should opt for an embryo adoption. Keep in mind this type of adoption carries a risk of miscarriage. The good news is that you are highly likely to be matched with a donor family. The number of embryo donors and the number of adoptive families is roughly equal.

International Adoption

Best for Families Who Want to Assist Children in Foreign Orphanages

When you adopt internationally, you are lending a helping hand to a foreign orphanage while avoiding the risk of losing custody of the child as you would through a foster adoption. You’ll also be avoiding the risk of waiting for a birth mom to choose you – though be warned, international adoptions can take years to finalize. You should also keep in mind that adopting internationally requires you to navigate a foreign country’s adoption laws. That said, international adoptions can be completed successfully with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer.

Schedule a Consultation with Cianci Law, PC

Ultimately, the type of adoption that is right for you will depend on your family’s unique circumstances and what you are seeking. At Cianci Law, PC, we help prospective adoptive parents navigate the adoption process with ease.

Contact us at (916) 797-1575 set up an initial consultation.