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How to Adopt a Baby in Nevada

Your Guide to Parenthood

Adopting a baby in Nevada could be the beautiful, life-changing step you’ve been waiting for. When you partner with American Adoptions, you’ll have expert support at every milestone, making the journey to parenthood as smooth and joyful as possible.

With our proven process, you could soon be holding your child in your arms—and experiencing the family life you've been dreaming of. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to adopt a baby in Nevada, from your first inquiry to finalization.

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

At American Adoptions, we believe that adopting a baby in Nevada is not just a legal process—it’s a deeply emotional journey.

Step 1: Contact an Adoption Agency

Choosing the right professional is the first and most important step. With American Adoptions, you’ll have access to decades of experience, licensed social workers, and unmatched support.

Start Your Adoption Journey with a Free Consultation

Step 2: Become an Active Family

You'll complete an Adoption Planning Questionnaire (APQ), a home study, and create a family profile. These steps ensure you’re fully prepared and visible to prospective birth mothers.

Step 3: Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

In Nevada, prospective birth mothers review adoptive family profiles and initiate matches. With our proven matching process, your wait time is shorter, and connections are stronger.

Step 4: Meet Your Baby: Delivery and Hospital Stay

In many cases you can be present at the hospital to welcome your child into the world. We coordinate the hospital plan so that this emotional moment is filled with excitement and support.

Step 5: Post-Placement Life: Living Out Your Dream of Parenthood

After placement, the legal finalization process begins. We’ll guide you through Nevada’s court requirements so you can move forward as a new family with confidence.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Nevada?

American Adoptions’ basic requirements include:

  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Must pass a home study and background checks.
  • Married couples and single individuals can adopt.

View Adoption Requirements

How American Adoptions Supports You: Why Families Trust Us

  • 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 Nevada

Adopting a baby in Nevada includes fees for:

  • Agency services
  • Birth parent expenses
  • Legal fees
  • Home study

We protect your investment with adoption disruption insurance.

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

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. 

Learn How We Provide Shorter Wait Times

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

A completed home study is legally required before a placement can happen. We’ll connect you with the help you need. You can also start at 1-800-HomeStudy

When Is Adoption Finalized in Nevada?

Adoption finalization happens in family court after post-placement supervision, typically within 6–12 months.

Learn More About Finalization in Nevada

Other Adoption Laws in Nevada

  • Home Study Requirements: Required for all adoptive families.
  • ICPC: Applies if adopting across state lines (Learn About ICPC).
  • ICWA: Applies for Native American children.
  • PACAs: Nevada does not recognize legally enforceable open adoption agreements, but American Adoptions encourages openness.

See More on Nevada’s Adoption Laws Here

Adoption Attorneys Near You

  • Shelly Booth Cooley (Las Vegas): Founder of The Cooley Law Firm, Shelly Booth Cooley is certified by the State Bar of Nevada as a Family Law Specialist. She is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, focusing her practice on family law matters including adoption and assisted reproduction. ​

  • Eric A. Stovall (Reno & Las Vegas): With over 30 years of experience, Eric A. Stovall has assisted with more than 2,000 successful surrogacies and adoptions. He is recognized for his extensive work in adoption and surrogacy law throughout Nevada. ​

  • Shoshana Kunin-Leavitt (Las Vegas): Shoshana Kunin-Leavitt focuses exclusively on family building through adoption and surrogacy. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and is known for providing both legal and emotional support to her clients. ​

  • Iśrael "Ishi" Kunin (Las Vegas): Founder of Kunin Law Group, Ishi Kunin is a Family Law Specialist with over 30 years of experience in family law, including adoption and surrogacy. She is also a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.

Different Types of Adoption in Nevada

Private DomesticFoster CareInternational
Permanent placementReunification if possiblePlacement of a child from another country
Newborn0-18 years oldVaries
average of 12 monthsUp to 5 years1-5 years
Agency-assistedState-runInternational laws; agency-assisted

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Nevada

Can birth mothers change their mind in Nevada?

Yes, until the legal consent paperwork is signed after birth. Once rights are terminated, the adoption is permanent.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Nevada?

Nevada does not offer a state-specific adoption credit, but families can claim the federal adoption tax credit—up to $15,950 in 2023.

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

Not at all! American Adoptions welcomes and supports LGBTQ+ families.

Learn About LGBT Adoption

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Nevada?

Yes, after adoption finalization, your name(s) will be placed on the amended birth certificate.

Are open adoptions legally enforceable in Nevada?

No. Open adoption agreements are not legally binding but are encouraged for the child’s benefit.

Learn How Open Adoption Works

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

Your child’s future is closer than you think. Start your journey with the experts who have helped thousands of families achieve their dreams.

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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.

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