If you’re hoping to adopt a baby, one of the first steps is deciding whether to pursue international or domestic adoption. But what is domestic adoption, and how does it differ from international adoption? Below, we’ve outlined distinctions between the two, so you can make an informed decision for your growing family.
U.S. Domestic Adoption: The Basics
Domestic adoption is the process through which a birthmother places an infant with an adoptive family. This can happen through an adoption agency or with the assistance of a domestic adoption service provider like Angel Adoption. For this type of adoption to take place, the adoptive parents must meet all adoption requirements, and the birthmother must consent to the placement by signing the appropriate legal forms. The adoption must also be finalized by the court. Though it can be a long process, this type of adoption is transparent and ethical when conducted properly.
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Domestic Adoption vs. International Adoption
For hopeful parents who are looking to build a loving family, U.S. domestic adoption and international adoption offer different ways and opportunities to care for and raise a child.
Domestic adoption covers nationwide placements and can often involve interactions between prospective parents and expectant mothers. International adoptions grant the opportunity to provide a home for a child from a different country who may be living in an orphanage or foster home. Each choice is a compassionate and loving way for hopeful parents to create a family of their own and provide the best possible future for a child.
Below, we’ve detailed some of the biggest differences between domestic adoption and international:
- Costs
- Requirements
- Timeframe
- Age and Background of the Adopted Child
- Legal Concerns
Your Trusted Domestic Adoption Service Provider
At Angel Adoption, we specialize in domestic newborn adoption. Across the United States, we have over 25 years of experience connecting expectant mothers with adoptive parents, and we have successfully helped bring together thousands of families. Learn about our supportive team and how we can help you achieve your lifelong dream of starting a family.
Domestic Adoption vs. International: Costs
Many adoptive families think that international adoption costs a lot less than domestic adoption, but that is a common misconception. The reality is that the cost of adoption can vary greatly from family to family and situation to situation, regardless of whether it’s domestic or international. Sometimes one form costs significantly more than the other, and other times they are relatively similar in cost — it depends on many factors.
Both types of adoption come with their own unique costs. For example, in an international adoption, prospective parents can anticipate foreign travel and lodging expenses and the costs associated with a visa and immigration documents. In domestic adoption, adoptive parents are often required to cover a certain amount of the expectant mother's expenses as well as the costs of traveling and staying in the expectant mother’s state.
Angel Adoption’s domestic adoption program has been found to cost more than $20,000 less than adoption agencies. If you choose to work with us, you’ll be choosing one of the most affordable ways to adopt a baby.
Adoption Requirements
When it comes to domestic and international adoption, requirements can vary greatly. The reason for the difference depends on where prospective parents are adopting from, as well as any rules or requirements from their service provider. For domestic adoptions, parents must meet the requirements of the state they are adopting from. For international adoptions, each country has its own laws and requirements that need to be met in order for an adoption to take place.
Adoption Timeframe
With domestic adoption, there is no traditional waiting list. An expectant mother chooses you based on the adoptive family profile you create. Because of this, the domestic adoption process can take anywhere from just a couple months to a couple years. This also means that the process itself is a bit more unpredictable than with an international adoption. On top of that, with domestic adoption, there is the possibility that a planned adoption could fail.
In international adoption, hopeful adoptive families are placed on a traditional waiting list, which means that they will start at the bottom of the list and rise to the top as children are adopted. This makes the international adoption process a little more structured and predictable comparatively. Planned international adoptions rarely fail; however, laws may change, other social or political issues may arise, or a natural disaster could occur while you’re in the process of adopting, which may cause delays.
Age and Background of the Adopted Child
For hopeful parents looking to welcome a newborn into their home, domestic adoption is the only way to adopt a baby. After the baby is born, the family will stay with the baby in their birth state for 7–10 days until approved to take the baby home, thereby avoiding any intermediate foster care. In addition, you will likely have access to information on the medical history of the expectant mother and sometimes the birthfather as well.
In an international adoption, you will be adopting an older infant or a toddler. The child will have spent most, if not all, of his or her life in some sort of foster care or orphanage. You may be given medical reports on the child, but you would rarely receive any information about the medical history of the child’s family.
Adoption Legal Concerns
Many adoptive parents choose international adoption because they are worried the child’s birthparents might try to take back the adopted child after some time has passed. It's important to note that after a domestic adoption is finalized, the birthparents will have legally terminated all parental rights. The vast majority of domestic adoptions are not disrupted or revoked. Not only is it extremely rare for that to happen, it’s also usually the result of questionable legal practices, which it’s why it’s important to partner with qualified adoption service providers like Angel Adoption.
Choosing Domestic Adoption? We Can Help.
Our caring and compassionate team members are here to help make your lifelong dream a reality. We offer safe, personalized service and have an extensive nationwide outreach program. Most importantly, as you navigate your adoption journey, we’ll be with you every step of the way, providing the guidance and support you need.
