American Adoptions -- America's Adoption Agency
Raising an Adopted Child
American Adoptions Asked - How Do You Celebrate Your Gotcha Day?
| Some call it a "Gotcha Day," some may refer to as "Our Finalization Day," while to others it simply doesn't have a formal name - but still holds a very special day in their hearts and minds. Adoption is first and foremost a very personal and emotional process for adoptive families and birth parents. However, it is also a legal process. The adoption finalization marks the last legal step in the formal adoption process and is the step in which the adoptive families become the legal parents of the child. It is, in essense, the end of the legal journey in adoption and the beginning of the adoptive family's "Happily Every After." Many families celebrate a "Gotcha Day" every year to commemorate the finalization of their adoption ... American Adoptions asked adoption veterans "How does your family celebrate your "Gotcha Day" anniversary?" Here's what they said: |
Don't Miss Your Chance to Enter the American Adoptions Holiday Photo Contest!
| Don't miss your chance to enter the Third Annual American Adoptions Holiday Photo Contest - entries are due Dec. 14. Learn how to enter! |
The Greatest Gift of All - Our Son
| When I was growing up, all I really wanted to do was marry the man of my dreams and start a family. I married the man of my dreams but the family part was not able to be, at least not biologically the way most people plan. We made the decision to adopt an infant. We knew we both wanted to be parents and we knew we could love a child the same regardless if we gave birth to him or her. |
Becoming a Father is Creation's Greatest Gift
| My wife and I were not blessed with the ability to bear children. We were pregnant 8 times and each time there was a problem, causing my wife to lose the baby. I promised myself if I was ever allowed to become a father I would do the very best I could do as a parent. |
- Adoption Home Study Process
Learn what a home study is and why you need one to adopt a child.
- Home Study Questions and Answers
While adoption home studies vary slightly from agency to agency and state to state, there are several key elements that are almost always included in every home study.
- Home Studies: State by State
Find a qualified professional in your state to complete your home study.
- What is the total cost for the entire adoption?
There are several factors that determine the total cost for an adoption, including the program you choose. Variables such as medical bills, birth mother expenses and legal fees vary for each adoption. We strive to maintain affordable adoptions without cutting corners. Please see the Our Domestic Adoption Programs section for further details.
- Can we choose the gender of our baby?
Have your heart set on a bouncing baby boy or a new little princess? American Adoptions now offers a gender-specific option for families hoping for a specific gender. With this option families would pay an additional Gender-Specific Fee to help our agency locate and work with birth mothers meeting this additional criteria. Please note that gender specificity may increase wait time. This fee is in addition to all other program fees and is not considered part of your adoption budget. Please contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION for minimum budget details.
- Do we need to retain our own attorney?
No - American Adoptions has established relationships with some of the best adoption attorneys in the nation. It is important to note that adoption laws vary state-to-state and often even county-to-county. As such, it is important to utilize the services of an attorney that specializes in adoption in the state the adoption will finalize in, which we will not know until you are matched with an expectant mother. Retaining your own attorney at this time is not necessary and may be an additional expense to you that is not needed.
- Adoption Newsletter
Did you know that American Adoptions offers a free bi-weekly e-newsletter? Sign up today to keep up-to-date on the latest in adoption news and information.
- Famous Adoptions
Learn which famous Hollywood actors, sports stars, politicians and other icons have been touched by adoption.
- Adoption Glossary
Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.
