How to Adopt a Baby in Maryland
Adopting a baby in Maryland might feel like a big step—but it’s one you don’t have to take alone. Whether you’re in Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, or anywhere in between, the path to parenthood is closer than you think. With the trusted guidance of American Adoptions, you’ll have a licensed, full-service agency by your side every step of the way.
Our team understands adoption on a personal level. We include adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees—people who have walked this journey themselves. We’re here to offer the expertise, care, and empathy you need as you grow your family through adoption.
Let’s take that first step together.
The 5 Steps to Adopting a Baby in Maryland
If you're wondering where to begin, these five steps can help you move forward with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to begin, here’s what you can expect with American Adoptions.
Step 1: Contact a Licensed Adoption Agency
Your journey starts with a trusted professional who can guide you through the entire process. As a national agency with licensing in Maryland and across the country, American Adoptions offers a unique blend of local support and national reach.
- 24/7 access to experienced specialists
- 12x more marketing for quicker matches
- Financial protection in case of disruptions
- Personalized support from start to finish
We’ll help you feel prepared, empowered, and supported—every step of the way.
Step 2: Become an Active Family
Once you’re ready, you’ll complete a few important steps to become an active adoptive family:
First our experts will help you fill out an Adoption Planning Questionnaire (APQ), where you’ll outline your personal preferences regarding adoption—such as the level of openness, medical history considerations, and more. These preferences are respected and used to help match you with a birth mother who shares similar hopes for the adoption experience
Complete a state-approved home study and create an adoptive family profile to introduce your values, lifestyle, and hopes to birth parents considering adoption. We’ll support you through every detail—from paperwork to building a warm, authentic profile that helps expectant mothers connect with your story.
Step 3: Be Chosen by a Birth Mother
Most domestic infant adoptions begin when a prospective birth mother chooses the adoptive family. When your profile is selected, we’ll help guide you through building a respectful and meaningful connection.
Whether it’s a phone call, video chat, or in-person meeting, we’ll help you navigate every interaction with care and confidence. Birth mothers typically review multiple family profiles, and matches are made when mutual preferences and values align. Learn more about what makes a successful family profile.
Step 4: Meet Your Baby at the Hospital
When the big day arrives, we’ll help manage every part of the hospital experience. From the delivery plan to those unforgettable first moments with your baby, we’ll be by your side to offer guidance and reassurance.
We’ll coordinate logistics, travel, and communication with the hospital, so you can focus on welcoming your child into the world.
Step 5: Finalize the Adoption and Begin Life as a Family
After placement, your adoption will be finalized in court. You may also stay in contact with your child’s birth family through open adoption—something we’re here to support if desired.
Post-placement, you’ll continue receiving resources and guidance to help you adjust and thrive in this new chapter of parenthood.
Who Can Adopt in Maryland?
Maryland welcomes individuals and couples from many backgrounds to grow their families through adoption. Whether you’re single, married, part of the LGBTQ+ community, or from a unique cultural background, you may be eligible to adopt.
At American Adoptions, we believe every loving home deserves the chance to grow. Our requirements include:
- Being at least 21 years old
- Good physical and mental health
- Financial and emotional readiness for parenting
View Maryland Adoption Requirements
Why Families in Maryland Choose American Adoptions
Because you deserve a clear path to parenthood—without delays, risks, or confusion.
- Average wait times of 12 months or less
- Financial risk protection in case of disruption
- Personalized, around-the-clock support
- Decades of experience creating successful matches
We’re proud to serve families throughout Maryland with local support and national reach.
Start Your Adoption Journey Today
Understanding Adoption Costs in Maryland
Adoption costs in Maryland can vary depending on your specific situation, but most families can expect expenses related to:
- The required home study and legal documentation
- Medical care and living expenses for the birth mother
- Ongoing counseling and professional support for everyone involved
At American Adoptions, we believe in clarity and peace of mind. Our transparent fee structure ensures there are no hidden costs, and our Risk-Sharing Program helps protect your investment by offering financial safeguards if a placement doesn’t move forward. In the event of a disruption, we also provide emotional support through counseling and help you re-enter the matching process quickly, without additional financial strain. We’re here to help you feel financially secure as you grow your family.
Learn How We Protect Your Investment
Need Help Affording Adoption?
We know adoption costs can feel like a major hurdle—but you're not alone, and it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Our specialists will work with you to explore a variety of financial support options, including:
- Adoption grants and loans available to hopeful adoptive families
- Creative fundraising strategies and personalized budgeting guidance
- Flexible payment structures designed to meet your needs
No matter your financial situation, we’ll help you create a realistic, manageable plan that keeps your adoption goals within reach.
How Long Does Adoption Take?
Most of our families adopt in less than 12 months, a timeline made possible by our national outreach and dedicated marketing. From day one, our specialists work closely with you to keep your profile active, answer your questions, and make sure you always feel encouraged, prepared, and supported as you move through each stage of the adoption process.
Why Start Your Home Study Early?
The home study proves you’re ready to adopt and is required to be matched with a birth mother. It includes background checks, personal interviews, a home inspection, and required documentation to assess your family’s readiness—and it's more approachable than it sounds. View this home study checklist to see exactly what’s involved.
If licensed in Maryland, we’ll complete your home study in-house. Otherwise, we’ll connect you with a trusted local provider to make sure it’s done right and on time.
Schedule Your Home Study Today
When Is Adoption Finalized in Maryland?
Finalization typically occurs a few months after placement during a court hearing, where a judge officially grants you full parental rights. This legal milestone marks the joyful conclusion of your adoption journey—and the official beginning of life as a forever family.
Important Maryland Adoption Laws
- Home studies are required before placement and serve as a thorough evaluation of your readiness to adopt. This includes background checks, interviews, and a home visit to ensure a safe, supportive environment for a child—and American Adoptions is here to help make the process smooth, supportive, and stress-free.
- ICPC ensures that interstate adoptions meet all legal and safety requirements by requiring both states to approve the placement before a child can be moved. Our team manages the paperwork and communication between state agencies to make the process smooth and stress-free for you.
- ICWA protects Native American children and prioritizes cultural preservation by ensuring their placement within extended family or tribal communities whenever possible. This law helps safeguard the rights of Native families and tribes, and our agency works closely with legal professionals to ensure compliance in all ICWA-related adoptions.
- PACAs—Post-Adoption Contact Agreements—aren’t legally enforceable in Maryland. However, many families and birth parents voluntarily follow these open adoption arrangements, which may include photos, letters, or visits. At American Adoptions, we help establish clear expectations so ongoing contact is positive and centered around the child’s well-being.
Explore Maryland’s Adoption Laws
Maryland Adoption Attorneys
At American Adoptions, we only work with trusted adoption attorneys who have met the standards set out by the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (Adopt-ART). These attorneys must meet rigorous standards, ensuring the quality of their practice. Here are a few you could consider working with:
- Foster + Bloom Family Formation Law Group
- Law office of Margaret Swain
- Sheri A Mulilkin attorney at law
Comparing Adoption Paths
We’ll help you evaluate every path and find the one that’s right for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can birth mothers change their mind?
Yes. Birth mothers can change their decision until their parental rights are legally terminated.
Is there an adoption tax credit in Maryland?
There’s no state-specific credit, but most families qualify for the federal adoption tax credit.
Can LGBTQ+ couples adopt?
Absolutely. American Adoptions welcomes LGBTQ+ families with full support.
Will we be on the birth certificate?
Yes. After finalization, you’ll receive a new birth certificate naming you as the legal parents.
Is open adoption legally enforceable?
No, but open adoption agreements are commonly respected in Maryland.
Ready to Adopt in Maryland?
You’ve waited long enough to become a parent—and the best time to begin is now. Whether you've been considering adoption for months or just started looking into it, your child’s story can begin today—with you leading it.
Let us help you take that next step with clarity, care, and the trusted experience we’ve provided to so many hopeful families right here in Maryland.
Disclaimer
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