The Reality of the Most Common Adoption Myths

Adoption can be a complicated and incredibly overwhelming experience for anyone, which is why it’s important to rely on the services of a family law attorney who can help guide you through the process. There are so many complexities to consider from cost to legal issues, and there unfortunately are also a lot of myths and misconceptions about adopting children.

Here are a few of the most common falsehoods that swirl around about the process of adopting a child:

Myth: Open adoption is essentially the same as co-parenting

Reality: Many people are reluctant to enter into an open adoption situation because they feel as if it’s going to be like a sort of shared custody, but that is not the reality. Much of the depth of the relationship between a child and his or her birth parents is determined by the adopting family and it can range from occasional visits to having a familial relationship similar to what a child would experience with an extended family member.

Myth: Adoption isn’t affordable

Reality: In truth, adoption can be expensive but that doesn’t have to be the case. Generally the adoption fees for a child from here in the U.S. being placed with a domestic family ranges from about $5,000 to $30,000. It’s important for parents to realize they’re not “paying” birth parents for the adoption of their child—the fees that come with adoption typically are associated with peripheral fees going along with the process. If you’re concerned about the cost of an adoption, speak with a family lawyer who can help you better understand your options.

Myth: You can’t adopt a child you personally know

Reality: Many people may come in contact with a friend or family member’s child who they would like to adopt but they feel as if that’s not an option. In reality, case workers dealing with children whose parents have had their parental rights terminated first look to people who have previously had a connection or relationship with that child. There’s also instances of step-parents adopting children and of course grandparents adopting their grandchildren in some circumstances. Also, while you may think the legal system will shun you if you’re the relative of a child being placed in the foster care system, in reality relatives are certainly looked at as a great match option in many cases.

Myth: Only married couples can adopt a child

Reality: Fortunately, in today’s world adoptive families of all backgrounds and demographics are being considered as viable families for children who need it. This means regardless of sexual orientation, age or marital status, you’re not likely to be automatically disqualified from adopting. You also don’t have to be someone who’s rich, young or someone who already has your own child or children, as many people commonly believe.

These are just a few of the many adoption myths that frequently arise—if you’re considering adoption in any capacity and have legal or logistical questions about the process, contact a Rhode Island family lawyer who can help answer those questions and guide you through what’s certainly a complicated but also exciting process.