Do you have to fill out a bunch of papers to adopt a child?

Question

I want to know!

Answer 1

It's more than just filling out papers they give you.  You don't just fill in the blanks.  We had to write our entire life stories, plus the story of our family (my husband and I).  We ended up with a "book" with a bunch of "chapters".  One "chapter" was about our town, neighborhood, and local resources.  There were two more, but I don't remember off the top of my head.  And we did fill out a few papers, too.  We had to have our tax information for the last year or two, criminal back ground checks, take classes, etc. etc.

It's been a great process.  Very soul-searching.  I've loved the "after the paperwork" part of the process especially.  I've learned so much about adoption by researching on my own, and it has changed the person I am, and the mom I want to be.

Answer 2

Yes, you do. There will also be a court hearing in most cases, and a home study.  Save yourself a lot of aggravation and talk to a lawyer ASAP.

Answer 3

Yes, you do.

Answer 4

No, you just walk into an agency and say "Hello I'd like a baby please" and they give you one (I'm teasing you.....)

Yes, you fill out a ton of paper work, physicals for every member in your home (including your pets...I'm serious)

In my state, criminal clearance and finger prints.

Financial Statements, w2's, bank statements, credit reports for some (I don't do credit reports)

Written references from friends

a copy of birth certificate, marriage license (If applicable), divorce papers from previous marriages (if applicable), death certificates from previous marriages (if applicable)

copy of drivers license, SS card, military discharge papers (if applicable)

Application

Child behavioral questionnaire

Psychiatric Evaluation if concerns arise during home study

Answer 5

A bunch of papers, a bunch of money and a pregnant woman .

Answer 6

Yes you do

Answer 7

yes and get finger printed too!

Answer 8

Three months in and on the last of my 3 homestudy visits I am still filling out paperwork!

Answer 9

Yes, among many other things.

Answer 10

Yes. And the paperwork is the easiest and cheapest part of the whole process!

Answer 11

YES!

Answer 12

yes.

Answer 13

YES- ALOT!!!

Answer 14

Yes.  Sometimes a psychological evaluation as well.

Answer 15

Of course. There is paperwork for your background check, physicals, financial statements, contracts, agreements, and a bunch of questions on your religion, how you plan to raise the baby, how you would handle certain situations etc.

Then you have to get a background check, and get a medical examination (physical to make sure you are going to be around to raise the child).  Don't forget about the homestudy, birthmother letters, and counseling sessions.

Answer 16

Yeppers!

Answer 17

More then you can even imagine!

I am only familiar with international adoption but the paperwork seemed endless at times.

Answer 18

Yep.  My wife and I each had to fill out the following:

- personal history forms;

- employment history forms;

- "genograms" (family tree);

- reference forms;

- police records check release forms;

- Children's Aid records check release forms;

- "child desired" form;

- a short essay/letter on why we wanted to adopt;

- medical history form;

- doctors certificate.

and maybe a few others I have forgotten about.

Answer 19

Absolutely, and there is so much more on top of that.  Do some research on Home studies for other questions you may have with the adoption process, or ask more questions!

Answer 20

Yes.  Tons.  

Get a good pen or you'll have writer's cramp.