How to Adopt a Baby in California [Complete Guide]

Adoption is a life-changing decision. If you’re exploring how to adopt a baby in California, you’re likely dreaming of the day you can hold your child for the first time.

You may be feeling excited, overwhelmed or unsure of what comes next. That’s normal. Many hopeful families start in the same place — searching for answers and a path that leads them to the child they’re meant to raise.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the adoption process in California, explain requirements, help you understand the cost and show you how American Adoptions can support your goals. For more information, fill out our online form.

How to Adopt a Baby in California: 5 Steps to Parenthood

Becoming a parent through adoption is not only possible — it’s something we’ve helped over 13,000 families achieve.

Here’s how you can begin your own journey:

Step 1. Contact an Adoption Agency

Choosing the right adoption agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A licensed agency like American Adoptions offers the protection, guidance and expertise you need from day one.

We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the first confident step forward. Contact us today.

Step 2. Become an Active Family

Once you’ve chosen your agency, you’ll start the process of becoming an active family.

Fill out your Adoption Planning Questionnaire. This helps define what type of adoption situations you’re comfortable with.
Complete an adoption home study. A social worker will collect documents, complete background checks, inspect your home and schedule interviews to approve your family for adoption.
Create your family profile. This is what expectant parents will see when considering you to raise their child. It includes photos, letters and a video introduction.

Step 3. Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

In private domestic adoption, expectant parents are the ones who choose adoptive families. When your profile is live, our nationwide marketing ensures more prospective birth parents see it, giving you more opportunities.

Once you’re chosen, you may begin building a relationship with the expectant parent(s) depending on the level of contact they're comfortable with.

Step 4. Meet Your Baby

When the expectant mother gives birth, you may be invited to the hospital to meet your child. Your agency will guide you through the hospital stay and ensure everyone is supported.

Step 5. Finalize the Adoption

Adoption finalization typically occurs several months after placement. A judge will review your case, confirm the process followed legal guidelines and issue a final decree of adoption. This is when your child officially becomes a permanent member of your family.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in California?

To work with American Adoptions in California, hopeful parents must:

Be between the ages of 25 and 50
Have been married for at least two years (exceptions may apply)
Have no more than two children already in the home

Learn more about California's adoption requirements.

How American Adoptions Supports You [Why Families Trust Us]

We know adoption can feel complex. That’s why we’re with you every step of the way, from your first call to finalization.

A licensed adoption professional
Unlike unlicensed organizations that may overpromise and under deliver, American Adoptions is independently reviewed, follows all state laws and upholds the highest standards of practice.
Honest wait times
American Adoptions utilizes a wide-reaching marketing strategy to connect adoptive families with prospective birth mothers nationwide, reducing wait times.
Financial protection
In the event of an adoption disruption, the money you put into your adoption will be refunded back to you to use how you deem fit, rather than rolled over into future adoption journeys.

Understanding Adoption Costs in California

Wondering how much cost to adopt a baby? The answer depends on the type of adoption and agency you work with. For private domestic adoption, typical expenses include:

Agency and case management fees
Medical expenses for the expectant mother and baby
Expectant parent living expenses (learn more)
Legal and finalization fees
Advertising and outreach costs

Our Risk-Sharing Program protects your investment. If your adoption falls through, we refund your post-activation fees so you can keep moving forward.

Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options

You’re not alone in asking, "How can I afford adoption?" Many families worry about the initial costs. Fortunately, you can utilize the following adoption financing options:

Grant and loan resources
Adoption-specific fundraising
The federal adoption tax credit

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Baby in California?

At American Adoptions, our wait time is average of 12 months. Our nationwide reach and marketing strategies aim to significantly reduce your wait. With American Adoptions, you can often fulfill your dreams of parenthood faster than with smaller agencies.

Because American Adoptions invests heavily in nationwide advertising, your profile reaches more prospective birth parents, leading to significantly shorter wait times than low-marketing agencies.

Unlicensed adoption professionals aren’t monitored by any governing body and can mislead families about wait times and costs. American Adoptions is fully licensed, which means you receive transparent service.

Local adoption opportunities fluctuate, but national agencies have broader reach and data to provide more accurate and consistent wait time estimates.

Why It’s So Important to Complete Your Home Study Early

Your adoption home study is a required part of the process. It includes:

Criminal background checks
Document gathering (financial statements, health forms, etc.)
Personal interviews
Home safety inspections

We’re licensed to complete home studies in California, so you won't need multiple providers if you move forward with our agency.

When Is Adoption Finalized in California?

When an adoption is finalized depends on how quickly all post-placement visits and legal paperwork are completed. In California, there must be a minimum of six months between placement and finalization.

Learn more about California's finalization requirements.

Other Adoption Laws in California

Here are a few important state laws you should know:

Compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is required for all adoption cases involving children who are members of, or eligible for membership in, a federally recognized Native American tribe.
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) must be followed for any adoption where the child is being placed across state lines.
Post-adoption contact agreements outline the level of communication and contact between the adoptive family and the expectant parent(s) after the adoption is finalized. Open adoption is legally enforceable in California.

Read more about California's adoption laws.

Adoption Attorneys Near Me

These attorneys are part of our trusted network and are members of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys (AAAA):

Tsong Law Group (Cerritos): Ralph Tsong has over 25 years of experience.
Bouneff, Chally & Koh (Portland, OR): Tabitha Koh was born and raised in Portland and started working for the firm in 2001.
All Family Legal PC (Glendale): Amira Hasenbush is the co-founder of the firm and managing attorney.
The Surrogacy Law Center APLC (Carlsbad): Stephanie Caballero is the founder of her firm. She’s dedicated to helping you start your family.
Joan Hollinger (Berkeley): Joan Hollinger is an author, editor and lecturer-in-residence at the University of California, Berkeley.
Stocks & Colburn (San Diego): Kristine Colburn and Shannon Matteson are two attorneys at this firm. Kristine Colburn started practicing law in 1993, and Shannon Matteson started in 1997.
Family Formation Law Group (Culver City): D. Durand Cook focuses his practice on adoption and family formation.
Jarrette & Walmsley (Los Olivos): Robert Walmsley is dedicated to building, guiding and protecting families in California.
Tarnoff Law (Oakland): Shelley Tarnoff has over thirty years of experience in assisted reproduction and family formation law.
Surratt Law (Reno, NV): Kimberly Surratt began her legal career in 2002 in insurance defense before transitioning into family law a year later.

Different Types of Adoption in California and How They Compare to Private Adoption

California families can pursue private domestic, foster care or international adoption. Each comes with different requirements, timelines and goals.

Private Domestic	Foster Care	International
Permanent placement	Reunification if possible	Placement of a child from another country
Newborn	0-18 years old	Varies
average of 12 months	Up to 5 years	1-5 years
Agency-assisted	State-run	International laws; agency-assisted

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in California

Can birth mothers change their mind in California?

Yes. In an agency adoption, consent is generally final once signed. However, if a parent has specified an adoptive family and that placement has not occurred, they have 30 days to revoke their consent.

Is there an adoption tax credit in California?

Yes. California offers a state tax credit that covers 50% of qualifying adoption-related expenses, up to $2,500 per child per tax year. This includes costs such as agency fees, medical expenses not covered by insurance and travel costs.

Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?

No. American Adoptions proudly serves LGBTQ+ families.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in California?

Yes. Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents’ names appear on the new birth certificate.

Are open adoptions legally enforceable in California?

Yes. Open adoption is legally enforceable in California. Post-adoption contact agreements can be legally enforced if agreed to in writing.

Don’t Wait Any Longer — Adopt a Baby in California Today

You're closer than you think to starting or growing your family. Whether you're just gathering information or ready to take the next step, we're here to help.

Get free adoption information today.

Our Offices in California

We have several office locations across the state:

Bakersfield

4900 California Ave., Tower B, 2nd Floor

Bakersfield, CA 93309

Carlsbad

2815 Jefferson St., Suite 302

Carlsbad, CA 92008

Chula Vista

333 H St., Suite 5000

Chula Vista, CA 91910

Fresno

7257 N. Maple Ave., Suite 101

Fresno, CA 93720

Glendale

655 N. Central Ave., 17th Floor

Glendale, CA 91203

Modesto

1120 Tully Road

Modesto, CA 95350

Newport Beach

4695 MacArthur Court, 11th Floor

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Sacramento

9700 Business Park Drive, Suite 403

Sacramento, CA 95827

San Diego

3111 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 400

San Diego, CA 92108