Adoption with in our family?

Question

My younger cousion is pregnant. She lives in California and I live in Washington state. She asked me if I would adopt her baby. The baby is not due till March 2008. Does anybody know the process? Not that I am just after money...But does the state give some type of allowence for adopting families?

Answer 1

You can plan on spending money and probably not getting any assistance. You may get a tax credit, but that is about it.

You need to explore adoption a whole bunch more before you commit. Adoption is a life long commitment.

You don't say if your married, if you have a stable job, home, etc... These are all things to consider before you move forward. Get some professional help. This is a major life decision and not one to be made on this type of forum.

Answer 2

There is no money given to anyone for adopting a child. Legally, it is just like giving birth to a child. If you will qualify for state aid because you can't afford to have the child, you will probably not be approved as an adoptive parent. The process involved with adopting the child starts with you hiring a lawyer. Laws vary from state to state and your lawyer should be able to tell you the procedure. If you do end up adopting your cousin's baby PLEASE let the child know from birth about her/his circumstances of birth -- tell them they are adopted and who their birthparents are. Do not hide this information from the child. Do not wait unitl you think they are "old enough." Also be sure your cousin gets counseling and has a clear understanding that she is giving up all legal rights to her child and that you will be the child's mother in all ways.

Answer 3

Not sure if they'll subsidize the baby if you adopt him/her as a newborn.

Answer 4

No, there is no allowance.  I'd hate to see someone who can't even spell, adopt a child.  Let alone seeking assistance from the government.  If you can't afford to raise this child, don't.

Answer 5

I do know of a fabulous agency in Washington state that could answer all your questions.  (no I do not work for them!) But they did help me adopt a child and were extremely helpful.  Their website is www.kidstoadopt.org and speak to Dan or Sandy or there may be another girl in the office.  

They can tell you of the whole process and will answer many questions you have and even the ones you dont know you have!

best of luck!  Sheri

Answer 6

I adopted a son through the county department for children's services. He was handicapped. They paid an allowance for the first 2 or 3 years.

Good luck.

Answer 7

I don't think there is any assistance.  Most of the time you pay thousands of dollars to adopt a child, but from what I understand it is different if it is with in a family like this.  You are going to have to get a lawyer to draw up the paperwork though.  The lawyer can also help you with your questions.

good luck !

Answer 8

i do not know if the states you are ask about have any allowances for such adoption.  You would first need to talk this over witha  lawyer to make sure all is legal and that may be an extra wxpense but if you can give the child all it needs this may work out well for you and her as well, however the down side is that she may want to have her say in how you raise the child.  That is why you need to talk to a lawyer  Make sure you will be able to get insurance on the child and that it will not cause a financial hardship on you.  You do have somekind of break on taxes thou//////and extra deduction.!!!

Answer 9

i don't know abut the money but you can get lawyer and find out what you can do. do it legal cause sometimes there are moments of change even to realtives and their babies. take care.

Answer 10

No. The only way you get money is if you adopt from the state you live in,and the child/ren you adopt have some sort of mental problems. What you will be doing is just adopting.(private adoption) once she signs over her baby to you,and you sign all the legal paperwork, that child becomes yours. You have to support that child.

Answer 11

You should call your local department of Social Services. Even if you use a private adoption agency, you may qualify for a subsidy from the state, for example Medicaid. Depending on your income, you may be able to get a small cash amount as well. Here in Colorado it's $100 a month, but every little bit helps.