How old to you have to be to adopt a child?

Question

I am currently 17, and all my life i've wanted children.

BUT unfortunely i had to have one of my ovaries removed; and my other ovary is basically broken (not literally- it's just tiny and it doesnt function) so basically i cant really get pregnant even if i tried...

but i was wondering how old do you have to be to adopt?

i would like to adopt when i am stable in my life (hopefully mid- late twenties)

Answer 1

i am pretty sure you have to be 25!!!  and if you want the process to go faster...i suggest adopting a little bit of an older child (they are the ones nobody wants...so there are a LOT of them)...everybody wants babies and the waiting list is 25 miles long!!!!  good luck!!! be a good mommy whatever you decide!!!!!  i truly think adoption is very noble!!

Answer 2

awww thats so great!!!! not that you had ovary problems of course, but that you want to adopt. im sure that they will let you. my parents adopted me when they were in their early thirties, but im sure that they would let you in your twenties. : )

Answer 3

in most cases, 25

Answer 4

I thought it was 21.  I think alot of agencies may prefer 25 and that you are married for a period of time, but alot of it depends on your maturity, the length of your relationship, and that you can afford to take care of a child.  I was 27 and had been married 5 years.

Answer 5

21 in most states. In Cali it is 18 pS> go through state not through agencies! Its so much faster and they have SOOO many kids. AND you can be as young as 18

Answer 6

I think you have to be 25 - and also at least 15 years older than the child you're adopting.  Therefore, if you're 25 the child has to be 10 at the oldest.

Answer 7

Courts will grant custody to caregivers as young as 18 if they are stable and it is a private adoption, but generally agencies prefer if you are 25 or older. I'm sure you will be able to raise a child when you are ready. That is great that you want to adopt.

Good Luck!