How to Adopt a Baby in Connecticut [Complete Guide]

Adopting a baby can be one of the most joyful and meaningful experiences in your life — but it also comes with a lot of questions.

If you want to adopt a baby in Connecticut, you’re probably wondering what the process looks like, how long it takes and how much it costs. This guide will give you a clear overview of how to make your dream of parenthood come true through private adoption.

With a proven track record of over 13,000 successful placements, American Adoptions is here to support you every step of the way. To take the first step, fill out our online form.

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

Adoption gives you the chance to grow your family.

Here's what the adoption process looks like:

Step 1. Contact an Adoption Agency

Your journey begins with finding the right partner. A licensed, full-service agency like American Adoptions ensures you’re supported from start to finish.

We’ll help you prepare your family and guide you every step of the way.

Start your adoption journey now.

Step 2. Become an Active Family

Once you decide to work with an agency, you’ll:

Complete an Adoption Planning Questionnaire. This form outlines your preferences for your adoption journey.
Complete your adoption home study. This legal requirement ensures your home is a safe and supportive place for a child.
Create a family profile. This is how expectant parents get to know you. We’ll help you tell your story with professional video, photos and text.

Step 3. Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

With American Adoptions’ extensive national advertising, more expectant parents see your profile. When a pregnant woman chooses you as the right family, she may want to begin building a relationship with you through open adoption.

Step 4. Meet Your Baby

As the delivery date nears, you'll receive updates and a hospital plan. Depending on the expectant parent's preferences, you may be invited to be present at the hospital or meet the baby shortly after birth. We'll ensure that everyone feels prepared and supported.

Step 5. Finalize the Adoption

Your adoption will be finalized in court, usually not long after placement in Connecticut. That’s the moment your child officially becomes part of your family.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Connecticut?

To help support successful placements, American Adoptions has a few eligibility guidelines:

Married for at least two years
Between the ages of 25 and 50
No more than two children already in the home

Each case is unique, so reach out if you have questions about your specific situation.

See Connecticut’s full adoption requirements.

How American Adoptions Helps Families Feel Confident and Supported

With thousands of successful adoptions, our team is known for providing expert care and unmatched support throughout your journey.

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 Connecticut

How much does it cost to adopt a baby? The cost of adopting a baby in Connecticut depends on a few different factors. With American Adoptions, your total adoption cost covers:

Agency Services: Case management, counseling for expectant parents, outreach and advertising, profile creation and our adoption disruption Insurance
Legal Expenses: Attorney fees, court filings and legal representation for both you and the expectant parent
Medical Costs: Prenatal care, hospital delivery and postnatal care for the baby and the expectant mother
Expectant Parent Living Expenses: Financial support for housing, food, utilities, transportation and other pregnancy-related needs

When you’re presented with an adoption opportunity, we’ll provide you with a clear and detailed cost estimate, including projected living expenses based on the expectant parent's location and needs.

We also offer a Risk-Sharing Program. If an adoption opportunity doesn’t work out, you won’t lose the money you’ve invested. We refund your post-activation fees so you can move forward however you choose.

Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options

Are you asking yourself, "How can I afford adoption?" Know that you're not alone. We’ll help you explore adoption financing, including:

Adoption grants
Low-interest loans
The federal adoption tax credit
And more

We’ll help you find the right resources to make adoption more accessible.

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

Most families who work with American Adoptions are presented with an adoption opportunity in average of 12 months. Here's how:

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

The adoption home study is one of the most important parts of the process. It helps ensure that every child is placed in a safe, stable and loving home.

Your home study typically includes:

Background checks
Document collection
Home safety inspections
Personal interviews

Completing your home study early can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Once it’s finished, you’ll be eligible to receive adoption opportunities and move forward with placement.

While we’re not licensed to complete home studies in Connecticut, we can connect you with a trusted local provider. Find a home study provider today.

When Is Adoption Finalized in Connecticut?

Adoption finalization usually takes place in court within a few months of placement. While Connecticut law doesn’t require post-placement visits, your adoption specialist will guide you through all legal steps.

Learn more about adoption finalization.

Other Adoption Laws in Connecticut

Here are a few laws you should know:

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): This federal law protects the rights of Native American children, families and tribes in adoption and foster care proceedings. Learn more about Connecticut ICWA compliance.
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): This agreement between all 50 states ensures that children placed across state lines for adoption receive proper legal and social services support. Learn more about the interstate process.
Post-Adoption Contact Agreements: In Connecticut, open adoption contracts are legally enforceable. If the post-adoption contact agreement contact is put in writing and approved by the court, it is considered legally binding.

Explore Connecticut's adoption laws.

Adoption Attorneys Near Me

You’ll need a licensed adoption attorney to finalize your adoption. The following professionals are part of our trusted network and are members of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys (AAAA). They are also licensed to practice in Connecticut.

Donald B. Sherer Law Office (Stamford): Donald Sherer focuses on family formation and has years of experience guiding families through adoption. He also served in the Connecticut House of Representatives.
Melissa B. Brisman, Esq. LLC (Montvale, NJ and New York, NY): Melissa Brisman is an internationally renowned attorney who handles adoptions and reproductive arrangements.

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

Connecticut families have several adoption options to consider. Below, we break down the difference between private domestic adoption, foster care adoption and international adoption.

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 Connecticut

Can birth mothers change their mind in Connecticut?

Yes. There is no formal revocation period. However, a termination of parental rights can be reopened before finalization if it serves the child’s best interest. Read more about consent laws.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Connecticut?

No. However, the federal adoption tax credit is available. Families can claim up to $17,280 for qualified expenses in 2025. Learn more on the IRS site.

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

No. American Adoptions proudly supports LGBTQ+ families. Learn how we support LGBTQ+ adoptions.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Connecticut?

Yes. After finalization, a new birth certificate is issued within two to four months.

Are open adoptions legally enforceable in Connecticut?

Yes. If a written agreement is signed and approved by the court, it is legally binding.

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

While we don’t have a physical office in Connecticut, American Adoptions can facilitate complete adoptions across the U.S. You’ll get personal support, expert guidance and all the resources you need to build your family.

Fill out our form to get started today.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

Request Free Information