How old can you be to adopt a baby?

Question

If your married at 18 can you adopt?

Answer 1

you have to be 21, even if your married 21 is still the minimum age, but when you do turn 21 the marriage will help you get a baby big time

Answer 2

Most adoptions cannot be done before the age of 21 anywhere in the US.  If it is a close relative, typically, you could become guardian and then adopt when you are 21.  If someone specifically wants you to adopt their child (after 21), you don't even have to be married if it is a state that allows non-agency adoptions.

An acquaintance of mine adopted her best friend's baby when she was 18 and still not married (law was moved to 21 later).  The best friend (a party gal) knew her friend couldn't have children (had leukemia at 6) and didn't want a kid to raise at that time.  It worked out.

Answer 3

It depends on what state you live in. I've been married for over two years (I'm 19) but can't adopt because in the state I live in you have to be 21.

In the meantime I'm just TTC (no luck yet, been trying since Nov.). I think they should just make it where you can adopt at 18 irregardless of where you live. It makes no sense that at 18 you can go to war for your country, vote, smoke, be tried as a adult, rent, own property and be held completely accountable for your actions under the law and yet you can't adopt or drink. Makes little sense to me.

I think also (just my personal opinion) that if your 18 (but not 21 or whatever age they want you to be) and over, meet all the other criteria, and have been TTC for a specific amount of time (a year or whatever) they should waive that age limit. I get so sick of them whining that they have SOOO many kids in need but won't approve people to adopt. This just isn't my case either. When I was about 13, my mom attempted to adopt, went through all the classes and everything then they told her she couldn't adopt (b/c of her age, I think she was 50) but she could be a foster parent, to her that's like a slap in the face because she wanted her own children, not have to give them back to parents who potentially didn't love or care about them. (couldn't have more after me)

Answer 4

every state, agency and country have their own rules on that. In Wisconsin, its as you must be foster care certified to adopt and that is 21 but you can be a foster parent to a close relative at 18. And if you are married, its still 21 but married for at least 2 years. They want to make sure the marriage is stable. If adopting from overseas, they have their own guidelines. Some say 25 or 30. Some say must be married, some won't let older people adopt or overweight people adopt.

Answer 5

Yes legally you can adopt at 18.  It is easier if it from someone you know but the county agencies allow it as does a lot of other agencies.

Answer 6

probably 21 but it should be 16. if your willing to take care of it, adopt one

Answer 7

it's more than your age and being married.  you have to meet certain criteria which differ from state to state.  contact your local DCF and ask them.

Answer 8

That is the youngest age.

It actually really depends what state you are in...

But some states say 21.

Others 18.

Don't adopt yet...you'll probably regret it if you don't wait.

Answer 9

You have to be married for i think 10 years girl and you have to be stable and I would check with the Department of Social Services to be certain and research adoption agencies they are all different.