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My husband and I have always known that adoption might be the only way we would have the family we desire so much.
My husband is 31 and I am 28 and after 8 years of marriage and 8 years of trying to get pregnant we have decided to adopt. I was recently diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis so we now know that we both have fertility issues. We have so much love to give a child and we are tired of waiting around we want to get the ball rolling so to speak.
Problem is we dont really know where to start.. we have so many questions. Do you have to be married in the temple or have a temple recommend? We plan on getting married in the temple this spring.. Is there a minimum you have to make every year? How do they determine financial stability? Do you have to own your own home? How long does the whole process from the paperwork to holding a baby usually take? I know they do a background check we arent worried about that, but we arent wealthy. We do okay but by no means are we living in a mansion. Just nervous about the whole process.
Another question I have is does anyone know of any scriptures on the subject of adoption?
Sorry this is so long
Thanks to all of you!!
Wendy
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Hi Wendy,
We can understand you wanting to have a family and we are glad you are looking into adoption. I can tell you what I know but we are using LDS Family Services, so my knowledge is limited to just them.
Do you have to be married in the Temple? Yes, to use LDSFS you have to be married in the Temple and have a current Temple recommend.
Is there a minimum you have to make? No, the amount you pay depends on how much you made on your tax return the previous year however, the minimum charge is $4,000 and the max is $10,000. (So if you made $35K, then you would still have to pay $4K) I don't know how they determine financial stability but you do fill out a form that states what you make and what bills you have each month.
No, you do not have to have your own home, you just have to show that you have room for the baby in your home and that your home is safe.
The process--well they say it can take 3-6 months to go through the process from beginning to approval, but it sometimes takes longer. You really do it at your own speed but there is some waiting involved in between turning in some papers and orientation, etc. It depends on where you live, but my Social Worker said that they tell people the average is about 18 months from the time you are approved to the time you are placed. It can be less and it can be more, I hear 6 months to 24 months. Since the birthparent/s choose who the a-parents will be, it is really their personal preference.
You do not have to be wealthy, you just have to have the amount I mentioned above. You pay $1000 at the beginning of the process or after your orientation, and then the balance is due when the baby is placed with you.
It is perfectly normal to be nervous. The best place to start is by talking to your Bishop or contacting LDS FS in your state. You can go on lds.ord and click on the provident living button, and then I think it is social and emotional strength, then on LDS Family Services and you can look up the number in your state. Since you aren't married in the Temple yet, you could still probably get the information packet and start looking through it and get and idea of the process. The people I have talked to in LDS FS have been really nice to deal with so they should be able to answer your questions.
I believe there are some scriptures on adoption but I will have to look them up and get back with you.
I hope this helps!
LBL
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