Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption - ANSWERED!

The decision to adopt a child is a big one. People adopt children of all ages for a wide variety of reasons - maybe they can't have kids of their own, maybe they want to give a home to an underprivileged child, or maybe they want to legally adopt the young child of a deceased family member. Adoption is always a rewarding option, but it is not without its fair share of legal complications. As experts in family law at the Lake of the Ozarks, our the team at O'Donnell Law Center is here to answer some of the questions you may have about adoption in Missouri.



QUESTION:  Can The Biological Parents Reclaim Custody Of Their Child?
ANSWER:  Before an adoption can be finalized, the legal rights of the biological parents must be terminated. Once that happens and the adoption is final, it is very difficult for the the biological parents to reclaim custody. 

QUESTION:  How Much Does It Cost To Adopt A Child?
ANSWER:  Adoptions can range anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, with the exact amount varying greatly depending on several factors. The type of adoption method you use (international adoption, step-parent adoption, foster care adoption, etc.), has a big impact on cost.

QUESTION:  Do I have To Own My Own Home To Adopt?
ANSWER:  No. Renters are able to adopt children just like homeowners are. There are certain income requirements that will be considered, however, in order to ensure that the adopted child's needs will be met.


QUESTION:  How Long Will The Adoption Process Take?
ANSWER:  International adoptions can take easily take one to three years for the process to be complete. Local adoptions can take far less than that. However, no two adoption cases are alike and it is nearly impossible to predict the actual length of your specific experience.

QUESTION:  Do I Have To Be Married To Adopt A Child?
ANSWER:  To put it simply, no. There are no rules specifying that you must be married to adopt a child. Single men and women are just as welcome to adopt children as married couples.

QUESTION:  Do I have To Pass Some Sort Of Test To Adopt A Child?
ANSWER:  Parents hoping to adopt a child must undergo a "home study," which is the process of demonstrating their readiness to become parents to a professional social worker. The specific process varies on a case by case basis, but the process typically places over the course of several weeks. They must also pass a criminal history background screening.

Do You Have Other Questions About Adopting A Child In Missouri? Contact Our Center For Assistance!
Welcoming a new child into your family is a big decision, but the rewards can be incredible. If you are thinking about adopting a child, we encourage you to set up a consultation with our family attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks. We would be honored to assist you along your journey!


Call the most trusted law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks to get started today.
We Carry Your Burden ~ You Carry On With Life.

Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.


Phone: (573) 552-0317

O'Donnell Law Center, LLC
1026 Palisades Blvd. Suite 3
Osage Beach, MO  65065
(Located on the McDonald's Side of the Building)

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