How to Adopt a Baby in North Dakota [Complete Guide]

Are you hoping to adopt a baby in North Dakota?

You may still be gathering information, or you might be ready to move forward on your family-building journey. Wherever you find yourself, there is support available to help you move forward.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to adopt a baby in North Dakota. You'll learn about the costs, timeline, laws and more. When you're ready to take the next step, you can fill out our form for free information.

How to Adopt a Baby in North Dakota [5 Steps to Parenthood]

At American Adoptions, we've helped thousands of families achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Here's how you can get started:

Step 1. Contact an Adoption Agency

Choosing a licensed, experienced adoption agency is one of the most important steps you will take. A full-service agency like American Adoptions offers the protection, support and expertise you need throughout your journey. Contact us when you're ready to get started.

Step 2. Become an Active Family

To adopt a baby in North Dakota, you need to become an active family. Here's what that involves

Adoption Planning Questionnaire: This helps define what types of adoption situations you're comfortable with.
Adoption Home Study: A licensed social worker will complete background checks, collect documents, inspect your home and interview you and your family.
Adoptive Family Profile: You'll create a profile with photos, letters and a video to help expectant parents learn about you.

Step 3. Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

In private domestic adoption, it's the expectant parent who chooses the adoptive family. Once you're an active family, your profile will be shown to pregnant women considering adoption. If a woman selects your family, you may build a relationship through calls, video chats or in-person meetings, depending on what she's comfortable with.

Step 4. Meet Your Baby

As the hospital stay approaches, you'll receive updates about the expectant mother's plans. You may be invited to the hospital for the birth or to meet your child shortly afterward. Our team will ensure that you, the expectant mother and the baby all receive the support you need during this emotional step.

Step 5. Finalize the Adoption

Adoption finalization typically occurs six months after placement. A judge will review your case to ensure everything followed legal procedures and then issue a final decree of adoption.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in North Dakota?

To ensure successful placements, American Adoptions has a few eligibility guidelines. Hopeful parents must:

Be married for at least two years
Be between 25 and 50 years old
Have no more than two children already in the home

Learn more about North Dakota’s adoption requirements.

How American Adoptions Supports Your Journey

Choosing the right agency is critical. American Adoptions has completed over 13,000 successful adoptions and can offer comprehensive support.

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 North Dakota

How much does it cost to adopt a baby? Private adoption costs typically include:

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

We provide detailed, upfront cost estimates to help you plan. Plus, our Risk-Sharing Program refunds your post-activation funds if an adoption opportunity doesn’t work out.

Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options

Many families ask, "How can I afford adoption?" Fortunately, we can help you explore adoption financing options, such as:

Adoption grants
Low-interest adoption loans
Fundraising support
The federal adoption tax credit

We’re here to help you build a financial plan that fits your family's needs.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Baby in North Dakota?

Every adoption journey is different. However, American Adoptions offers shorter average wait times overall. Our wait time is average of 12 months

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 Is It So Important to Complete Your Home Study Early?

An adoption home study is a thorough review that ensures a safe and loving home for a child. It includes:

Background checks
Document gathering
Home inspections
Interviews with all household members

The home study process can take a few weeks to a few months because it involves multiple important steps. Starting early ensures there's plenty of time to complete everything correctly without delaying your adoption journey.

If you need a home study provider, we can connect you with a trusted professional. Find a provider today.

When Is Adoption Finalized in North Dakota?

Finalization typically takes place six months after placement. During this hearing, the judge will officially recognize your parental rights.

Many adoptive parents celebrate this day because it marks when their babies became official members of their families.

Learn more about North Dakota adoption finalization.

Other Adoption Laws in North Dakota

Here are some important laws to know:

Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): The ICWA is a federal law that protects the rights of Native American children and their tribes. It ensures that adoptions involving Native American children prioritize maintaining their cultural heritage and tribal connections.
Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): The ICPC is an agreement among all 50 states. It regulates the placement of children across state lines to ensure their protection and adherence to each state's laws.
Post-Adoption Contact Agreements: Post-adoption contact agreements outline the type and frequency of communication between adoptive families and birth families after placement. However, these agreements are not legally enforceable in North Dakota.

Learn more about North Dakota's adoption laws.

Adoption Attorneys Near Me

An adoption attorney plays a crucial role in helping you navigate the legal aspects of adoption. Having an experienced attorney ensures your adoption process is smooth and legally sound.

One trusted professional in our network is:

Nilles Law Firm (Fargo): William Harrie is licensed to practice in North Dakota and is a member of the American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Attorneys (AAAA). He has over 30 years of experience and focuses on adoption, business litigation, and insurance law.

Different Types of Adoption in North Dakota [And How They Compare to Private Adoption]

Families have several options for adoption: private domestic, foster care and international. Each path comes with different goals, costs and timelines.

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 North Dakota

Can birth mothers change their mind in North Dakota?

Yes. In North Dakota, a birth mother can revoke her consent to adoption before the final decree is issued. She must request court approval, and the court will only allow it if it's in the child's best interest.

Is there an adoption tax credit in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota offers a state adoption tax credit equal to 10% of your federal adoption tax credit amount, limited to 50% of your state tax liability.

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

No. American Adoptions proudly supports all families, including LGBTQ+ parents. Learn more about our inclusive approach.

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in North Dakota?

Yes. Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents’ names will appear on the amended birth certificate. Processing takes about three to five business days.

Are open adoptions legally enforceable in North Dakota?

No. Open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable in North Dakota. However, we encourage openness through ongoing photo updates, letters and at least one visit before the child turns five.

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

You deserve the joy of building your family through adoption.

Our experienced team is ready to help you every step of the way. Get free adoption information today.

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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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