Questions to ask Adoption Agencies/Law Firms

My husband & I started our adoption search this time last year and we're finally in the system as of September 2010!! Finding the right adoption agency for you is very stressful and exhausting. We are doing domestic infant adoption and live in Ohio. We didn't want to deal with an agency that we couldn't speak to face to face. So we interviewed about 4 different places and I did my research on them online. Make sure you go to their informational seminars. If you like their first impression, then set up another appointment to where you can sit down with them one on one. Here is where you ask all the major questions such as how will I be your first priority (sounds kinda straight forward but they are working for you!) Ask how many babies they have adopted this year, how long is the normal wait time, if they have references you can speak to (to find out their experience with this agency) and if they are profit or a non-profit agency. There are many more questions but in our experience, these were the most important. Good luck and keep us posted!

A couple of good threads on your questions... [URL="http://forums.adoption.com/general-adoptive-parent-support/372117-serious-agency-question-how-pick-one.html?highlight=ethical+questions+agency"]http://forums.adoption.com/general-adoptive-parent-support/372117-serious-agency-question-how-pick-one.html?highlight=ethical+questions+agency[/URL] [URL="http://forums.adoption.com/general-adoptive-parent-support/328838-other-important-questions.html?highlight=ethical+questions+agency"]http://forums.adoption.com/general-adoptive-parent-support/328838-other-important-questions.html?highlight=ethical+questions+agency[/URL] D

Hi- I am in the process of deciding whether to go domestic or to use a lawyer in my NH area. I am concerned about about using a lawyer because it will happen to quickly and I am not financially ready. I need time to save up some money. I am looking for any info or concerns people have run into in either case. I am a single school teacher who has taught for 16 years. Any other single moms- please reply. Also, does anyone know of anyone who has received any grants to help finalize their adoption plans. I have researched many websites and have contacted a few of them. Many says that you have to be in the finalizing process. I am just beginning the process and would be welcome to any and all information.

I am in the process of deciding whether to go domestic or to use a lawyer in my NH area. I am concerned about about using a lawyer because it will happen to quickly and I am not financially ready. I need time to save up some money. I truly wish you the very best but I would not assume that things would happen "quickly". My recommendation is that you operate from the stand point that things may take time and money may not be your only hurdle. Also, does anyone know of anyone who has received any grants to help finalize their adoption plans. I have researched many websites and have contacted a few of them. Many says that you have to be in the finalizing process. I received grants from my agency but that was after I was matched and part of the grants included a zero percent loan. Funding is usually not availble in most cases for "start up costs" such as an adoption application, homestudies and etc. Hope this helps and best wishes!! ETA Welcome and please keep us posted.

This is a little confusing, and some tax savvy person could explain it better, but it seems as if the gov't will in essence pay you back for "reasonable expenses" over several years: [url=http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html]Tax Topics - Topic 607 Adoption Credit[/url]

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Hadley2- Thanks for your infomation. Yes, I did find out after my post that the adoption credit had increased. That is wonderful news. I agree- all tax information can be very confusing!

Hi Sugarmuffin- Thanks for your reply. Yes, I know it will take time. I do know that here in my state, several people have used a particular person and have rec'd a baby in well less than a year. Some have received a baby in less than six months. If you don't mind, can you tell me what grants you applied for or received? I would be taking out a loan, but do not want to take out anymore $ than what I need. Thank you for responding.