{"id":351573,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:24","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/how-to-adopt.html"},"modified":"2024-09-19T12:22:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T17:22:00","slug":"how-to-adopt","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/how-to-adopt.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Adopt a Child"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

How to Adopt a Child<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

There are several steps to adopting a child. This process is complex and can vary depending on your state and the type or adoption. Still, there are some general steps that apply to most adoptions.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Prospective adoptive parents must consider many factors as they embark on their adoption journey. This guide provides a concise introduction to the process of adopting a child. For targeted legal guidance, you can talk to an adoption attorney<\/a> in your area.<\/p>\n

Who Can Adopt?<\/h2>\n

Most people are eligible to adopt, regardless of:<\/p>\n