What you need to know about Independent Adoption
Most are finalized through an Adoption Agency but about 40% are finalized using only an Adoption Attorney. These are called Independent Adoptions.
Independent adoptions are most common when everyone involved is already well acquainted with one another. For example, when a newly married couple brings children from a previous relationship into the marriage, it may make sense to adopt their spouses’ children legally. Kinship adoptions also fall into this category. That is when a birth mother decides to place a child with a family member.
Private Domestic adoptions include Independent adoptions as well as Agency adoptions.
“In 2023, the total number of private domestic adoptions was 50,544, including both stepparent and non-stepparent adoptions. This estimate is based on data from 41 states and D.C.” -NCFA: Adoption by the Numbers
“In 2022, an estimated 25,503 children were adopted via private domestic adoption in the U.S., excluding stepparent adoptions.
This decreased 1.72% from the previous year. The total number of private domestic adoptions was 51,101, which comprises 49.91% non-stepparent adoptions and 50.09% stepparent adoptions.” -NCFA: Adoption by the Numbers
When Independent Adoption Makes the Most Sense
Kindship Adoption – A Biological parents places a child with a family member
Family Blending Adoption – Spouse adopts the other Spouse’s children.
Friends/Acquaintance Adoption – Biological parents place child with a friend.
Ways to Connect with Biological Parents
Online Websites Lets Birth Parents know you are ready to adopt
Add your profile to our Database of Waiting Families
Adoption Consultants and Facillitators
They prepare families to adopt and then connect them with an adoption lawyer or an adoption agency.
Adoption Lawyers
Most Adoptions Lawyers also practice family law and may know of adoption opportunities.
Adoption Agency
Agencies help Adoptive Families Connect with Biological Families and provide supportive Services.
Independent Adoption Vs Agency Adoption
Independant Adoption
Agency Adoption
Biological Family
Adoptive Family Finds a Biological Family On their Own.
Agency Finds a Biological Family for the Adoptive Family.
Counseling
Optional
Included for both Biological Family and Adoptive Family
Attorney
Private Pay
May be included in Agency Fee.
Financial Assistance
Grants, Fundraising, Loans
Grants, Fundraising, Loans, Subsidies, Financial Guidance
Cost
$10,000 – $40,000
$40,000 above
