Adoptive Family Articles
More Firms Offering Adoption Help to EmployeesJanice Belbeck dug deep into her pocket to adopt a baby from a South Florida mother. Very deep.
Employer-Provided Adoption BenefitsIntroduction
A growing number of employers offer benefits to adoptive parents. In 1990, a survey by Hewitt Associates found that only 12 percent of employers surveyed offered some kind of adoption benefits; by 1995, the proportion had climbed to 23 percent. ...
The Rights of Presumed Putative FathersIn the decades since 1960, out-of-wedlock births have increased dramatically. While much research on childbearing trends and the characteristics of unwed mothers exists, very little is known about putative fathers, the alleged or reputed fathers of children born out-of-wedlock. However, there is an expanding population of putative fathers who wish to play a role in their children's upbringing. ...
State Regulation of Adoption ExpensesBirth Parent Expenses
Approximately2 45 States,3 American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands have statutes that specify the type of birth parent expenses a prospective adoptive family is allowed to pay. The actual dollar amount is usually limited by the standard of "reasonable and customary."
Court Jurisdiction and Venue for Adoption PetitionsAdoption is a legal process for making a child a permanent member of a family other than the child's birth family. This legal process falls under the jurisdiction of a court of law in the state where the adoption occurs.
Adoption LoansWhile it's far from ideal to borrow money for an adoption, adoptive families may find a loan necessary to cover the large and immediate expenses. In some cases, you may be able to pay the loan back quickly once you receive a tax credit or are reimbursed by your employer or the military. Possible loan sources include:
Adoption InsuranceSometimes, the birth mother or birth parents terminate the adoption process before it becomes final. Then the adoptive parents may find themselves unable to recover their expenses. In some cases, it may be possible to buy adoption insurance to protect against this financial loss. ...
Federal Family and Medical Leave ActUnpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act is available for adoptive families. This act allows individuals to take up to 12 weeks off, unpaid but with benefits, without jeopardizing employment. The leave is not exclusively an adoption benefit since it is available for anyone who works for a company with 50 or more employees. ...
The Costs of AdoptingMany couples are often overwhelmed by the cost when they begin looking into adoption. There are many factors that contribute to the cost of an adoption, including the cost of the necessary legal work, advertising fees, travel expenses, etc.
Why does adoption cost so much?Below is an itemization of possible expenses for many adoptions. There is much more involved with the adoption process than many people initially realize. This is provided as a breakdown to give couples an understanding of the services involved and costs accumulated for adoption services.
