How to Adopt a Baby in Mississippi
Everything You Need to Know to Adopt a Baby in MS
Adopting a baby in Mississippi can change your life forever — and American Adoptions can help you make it happen. With the right guidance and support, you can move from dreaming of parenthood to holding your child in your arms.
When you choose American Adoptions, you’re choosing a licensed, full-service agency that provides honest wait times, financial protection, and 24/7 support. You deserve a family, and you deserve a professional who can get you there.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to adopt a baby in Mississippi, including every major step, local legal requirements, costs, timelines, and how we’ll support you at every stage.
How to Adopt a Baby in Mississippi: 5 Steps to Parenthood
Adoption is a powerful way to grow your family — and American Adoptions is here to help you every step of the way.
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Step 1: Contact an Adoption Agency
Choosing a trusted professional is the first step to success. With American Adoptions, you’ll work with a fully licensed, national agency that provides personalized support for families adopting a baby in Mississippi. We handle every detail, from matching to placement.
Schedule a consultation today.
Step 2: Become an Active Family
After choosing an agency, you’ll complete an Adoption Planning Questionnaire (APQ), create your adoptive family profile, and start your home study.
Your home study ensures you're ready to welcome a child, and we’ll guide you through it.
Step 3: Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother
Expectant mothers choose the adoptive family they feel is right for their baby. Thanks to our national marketing reach, your chances of being chosen quickly are higher with American Adoptions.
You'll have the chance to get to know the expectant mother through conference calls, emails, or even in-person visits when appropriate.
Step 4: Meet Your Baby: Delivery and Hospital Stay
Once matched, you'll develop a hospital plan with the birth mother. You'll be there for the birth, ready to welcome your child into your family.
Our staff will walk you through what to expect during the hospital stay to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Step 5: Post-Placement Life: Living Out Your Dream of Parenthood
After placement, you’ll complete the necessary legal steps to finalize the adoption. In Mississippi, finalization typically occurs about six months after placement.
Who Can Adopt a Baby in Mississippi?
If you’re wondering whether you qualify to adopt, you’re not alone. In addition to the state’s laws, you have to meet our requirements as well which include:
How American Adoptions Supports You: Why Families Trust Us
With 13,000+ families created and wait times that average of 12 months, American Adoptions is one of the most trusted names in adoption.
Understanding Adoption Costs in Mississippi
Wondering how much it costs to adopt a baby in Mississippi? Here's a quick breakdown of what goes into your cost:
- Fixed Agency Fees: For services like matching and support
- Variable Expenses: Medical costs, legal fees, birth parent living expenses
Your adoption specialist will help you budget for this journey to ensure you feel confident with the financial aspect of this journey.
We know cost can be a common concern for hopeful adoptive families, which is why we protect your finances with Adoption Disruption Insurance — so you don’t lose money if a situation changes.
Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options
You don’t have to navigate adoption financing alone. We offer guidance and resources to help you plan.
Explore options like:
- Adoption loans
- Grants
- Employer benefits
How Long Does it Take to Adopt a Baby in Mississippi?
Families working with American Adoptions experience wait times that average of 12 months — much shorter than many other agencies.
These industry-leading wait times are a result of:
Why It’s So Important to Complete Your Home Study Early
The home study is your ticket to becoming an active adoptive family. It’s a requirement in order to adopt that makes sure you and your family are ready to welcome a new family member into your home.
Find a home study provider near you today and take the next step toward parenthood.
When is Adoption Finalized in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, adoption finalization typically happens about six months after placement. You'll attend a court hearing to make your family official.
Other Adoption Laws in Mississippi
When adopting a baby in Mississippi, you should know about:
- ICPC: Governs interstate adoptions
- ICWA: Protects Native American children
- Post-Adoption Contact Agreements (PACAs): Not legally enforceable in Mississippi
Adoption Attorneys Near You
Some trusted Mississippi adoption attorneys include:
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The Law Office of Dan Davis (Tupelo)
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Ashley W. Pittman, PLLC (Jackson)
Different Types of Adoption in Mississippi
FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Mississippi
Can birth mothers change their mind?
Yes — up until they legally relinquish their parental rights.
Is there an adoption tax credit in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi offers a $5,000–$10,000 adoption tax credit.
Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?
No — American Adoptions proudly supports all families.
Are adoptive parents listed on the birth certificate?
Yes — once finalization is complete, adoptive parents are listed.
Are open adoptions legally enforceable?
Mississippi does not enforce PACAs legally. However, American Adoptions emphasizes honest, committed open adoptions.
Don’t Wait Any Longer – Adopt a Baby in Mississippi Today
Imagine holding your baby — a dream finally come true. You don’t have to wait any longer.
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.