How Long Does the Adoption Process Take?
Adopting a child can be an exciting process, but also one that is filled with uncertainty. Understandably, you may want to know how long it will take before you can welcome a new child into your family. At Purdy Law, our adoption lawyers believe that guiding clients through the process helps alleviate the stress that parents often face. If you are currently considering adopting a child in Pennsylvania, our legal team would like to provide an overview of what you can expect from the process.
Involuntary vs. Voluntary Termination in PA
The adoption process may be completed in as little as one or two months after placement, depending on certain factors. Factors that may influence the timeline include how long it takes the biological parent to terminate their rights, the type of adoption, and whether court involvement is necessary. Involuntary termination of parental rights occurs when the parents have abandoned the child (with at least six months of no contact) or have been unable to provide proper care due to neglect, abuse, or incapacity.
Involuntary termination requires court involvement, which will lengthen the adoption timeline. When a parent does not want to terminate their rights, the process will be longer since you will need a Harrisburg adoption attorney who can submit evidence to demonstrate how the parents are unfit. Generally speaking, a voluntary adoption (in which the biological parents consent to relinquish their legal rights) will likely be the fastest, with relative adoptions often being streamlined.
Private Adoption
The timeline will be impacted based on whether you work with an adoption agency or choose to pursue a private adoption. In a private or independent adoption, the birth mother will sign legal documents to give physical and legal custody to the adoptive parents. No agency is used, so no agency fees will need to be paid.
A private adoption allows the birth mother to make decisions regarding who will adopt her baby. Private adoptions are reserved for parents who are choosing to place their baby up for adoption voluntarily. Given this direct connection, private adoptions can be completed in as little as six months from start to finish.
International Adoption
Some private adoption agencies specialize in international adoption. International adoption is often more complex, requiring that you get a Pennsylvania birth certificate for your child to give them U.S. citizenship. Additionally, you will need to submit additional documentation if your child’s citizenship status is not finalized when the court issues the Certificate of Adoption of a Foreign-Born Child.
From the time you submit your documentation to the foreign government to the time your adoption is finalized, the process may take anywhere from one to five years. Given the multifaceted aspects of international adoption, it is advisable to work with an adoption lawyer who has experience with international adoption and the potential issues that may arise.
Agency Adoption
In an agency adoption, a potential adoptive family works with an adoption agency to find a suitable adoption opportunity with an expectant mother. Most families interested in adopting an infant will work with a private agency. In contrast, parents who want to adopt an older child or a child with special needs may work with an agency. SWAN stands for the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network and is run by the Department of Human Services. It matches foster children with families.
In an agency adoption, the potential adoptive family will have physical custody of the child from birth, although the agency will retain legal custody until the adoption is finalized. Except for stepparent adoptions, a home study is required for both private adoptions and agency adoptions. The home study will include a background check, interviews with the adoptive parents regarding their backgrounds and parenting goals, a home inspection to ensure the child’s safety, and education about parenting.
Overall, agency adoptions typically take longer than private adoptions, with most adoptions completing within six months to two years after the process begins.
Consult with Our Harrisburg Adoption Lawyers Today
Adopting a child can be an extremely stressful process, making you fear that your family will never be truly complete. When problems arise, you may feel like giving up, thinking the entire process is too much trouble. At Purdy Law, our legal team has successfully helped adoptive parents navigate the complexities of the adoption process and is ready to work tirelessly on your behalf. To schedule a meeting with one of our Harrisburg adoption attorneys, contact us online or call (717) 674-2885.