How much does adoption cost? Adoption costs can vary widely, depending on the birth mother and child’s medical expenses and living situation. Expenses can range from $1,000 to $40,000. Melissa will explain the costs involved, discuss your adoption budget, and help you decide the best way to move forward. Grants, loans, employer benefits, and tax credits are all options than can make adoption more affordable.
As an adoptive parent, how long will it take to adopt a child? Specifying a child’s gender, race, or age, can impact the length of your waiting period, but for adoptive parents, being matched with a birth mother often takes anywhere from 6-18 months. There are no guarantees, but discussing your situation with Melissa will help provide clarity and allow you to determine a realistic time line.
What is a home study? A home study is a screening and evaluation of the prospective adoptive parents’ home environment prior to an adoption. It’s conducted by a licensed social worker, and the aim is to determine whether the home will meet the child’s needs and offer safety, well-being, and ensure their healthy development. Home studies are required for interstate adoptions, and Melissa will explain how they work and what you can expect. Post-placement assessments after an adoption are also required by Louisiana law.
Do you work with out-of-state families? Yes. Melissa has worked with many clients who’ve needed help with complicated legal issues due to differing states’ laws. In fact, one client had this to say about working with Melissa: “My husband and I had a very unique adoption situation where we were granted guardianship of our son in Louisiana before we had completed our home study in Texas. We needed support immediately. Melissa was there for us every step of the way as we navigated such a complex legal process. Her knowledge and expertise were a must for us.” – Dana P.
Where do the birth mothers come from? Birth mothers are found in Louisiana and across the U.S.
Is there a tax credit and dependent tax deduction available for adopted children? Yes. The adoption tax credit is a nonrefundable tax credit meant to provide relief for the qualified costs you pay when adopting a child. By choosing to adopt a child, you can claim the adoption credit toward any out-of-pocket qualified adoption expenses, after the adoption has been finalized. A child may be considered a dependent for tax purposes once they’re placed in the adoptive home.
Should I update my will? Yes. After you finalize an adoption, your will needs to be updated. This is necessary for inheritance, for the appointment of a guardian to care for your child, and for a conservator to protect the child’s inheritance. Another option is to update your will after a child is placed in your home, but before the adoption is finalized. This protects the child’s inheritance if you were to pass away during the adoption process, since you won’t have a permanent legal relationship until the adoption is complete. Keeping a current will is important for you and your family.
What kind of information will I receive about the birth parents? Birth parents make the decision whether or not to release their personally identifying information, but they often provide a lengthy family, social, medical, and genetic history to adoptive parents. Often, Melissa can secure medical records from the OB/GYN and hospital where the child is delivered. Other documents can be obtained upon request.
What kind of information will the birth parents receive about me? The birth parents will receive your family portfolio, which is a virtual or physical book that shares your story. You’ll be writing a profile that birth parents will look at to choose a family and can likely increase your chances of getting selected. It includes things like your personal story, your values, interests, and hobbies, your home, your experience with children, and your parenting thoughts. Melissa will provide more information about your portfolio and will walk you through the process of creating one.
How many adoptions have you handled? Melissa has diligently handled hundreds of private adoptions, intra family adoptions, and foreign adoptions.
Are you a member of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys? Yes. Melissa has been a member of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys since 2020. It’s an organization of highly vetted attorneys dedicated to the competent and ethical practice of adoption and assisted reproduction law.
Who are the members of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA)? AAAA includes 470 attorneys, law professors, and judges who are recognized as Fellows and have extensive experience in the practice of adoption law, assisted reproduction law, or both. Located around the world – including the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Israel, and the United Kingdom – Fellows of AAAA are considered legal thought leaders and are a highly-vetted, experienced group.