{"id":351595,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/single-parent-adoption.html"},"modified":"2024-03-15T17:23:00","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T22:23:00","slug":"single-parent-adoption","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/single-parent-adoption.html","title":{"rendered":"Single Parent Adoption"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Single Parent Adoption Law<\/h1>\n
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\n By Danielle Gilmore, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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

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An unmarried person can legally adopt a child. Yet, single adoptive parents can face unique barriers and higher scrutiny in the process. Learn how to prepare.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

In 1970, if you had gone to an adoption agency as a single person and applied to adopt a child, you would, unfortunately, have had little chance of success. It just didn’t happen.<\/p>\r\n

Historically, marital status was a barrier to adoption. There was a strong bias<\/a> against single-parent adoption. The adoption laws reflected the opposition.<\/p>\r\n

But now, thousands of children in the United States<\/a> live with one parent. Singles have more opportunities to provide a permanent loving home for a child via adoption.<\/p>\r\n

Can I Adopt a Child If I’m Single?<\/h2>\r\n

Yes, you can adopt a child in the U.S. if you meet the other qualifications for an adoption.<\/p>\r\n

In the last several decades, there has been a steady, sizable increase in single-parent adoptions. Some believe that it’s the fastest-growing trend in the adoption field. According to Child Welfare Information Gateway,<\/a> more than a quarter of all adoptions from foster care were by single people in 2017.<\/p>\r\n

Why Is Single-Parent Adoption Becoming More Common?<\/h2>\r\n

Many factors have encouraged the acceptance of single-parent families. Perhaps the most important factor is the growing number of one-parent households due to divorce. Many unmarried single women have and keep their babies.<\/p>\r\n

Now that thousands of children in the United States<\/a> live with one parent, single people have more opportunities to provide a permanent loving home for a child via adoption.<\/p>\r\n

Adoption agencies have been more willing to consider single people as prospective adopters. In addition, research studies<\/a> from 2016 have indicated that adopted children raised by single parents fare just as well as those adopted by couples, if not better.<\/p>\r\n

Obstacles To Single-Parent Adoption<\/h2>\r\n

Despite the modern adoption process, single people may still encounter issues. <\/p>\r\n

Social Challenges<\/h3>\r\n

Your friends and family members may be your first hurdle. They may not understand why anyone would be responsible for raising a child alone.<\/p>\r\n

Have an open dialogue with loved ones. Explaining your decision with them can be helpful, primarily if they can provide you with a support system before, during, and post-adoption.<\/p>\r\n

Managing the Financial Impact<\/h3>\r\n

Personal finances are also an issue when considering adoption. It would help if you thought about adoption costs. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, <\/a>adoption fees might cost a lot of money, especially in a private adoption.<\/p>\r\n

In this type of adoption, prospective parents may pay the following:<\/p>\r\n