Independent, or private, adoption and agency adoption are very different. There are some states that do not allow independent adoption. In independent adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents go through an attorney to find each other. In agency adoption, adoptive parents seek to adopt through a private or public agency. There are pros and cons to both types of adoption, and ultimately you must decide which one is best for you. In either case, you will want to work with an adoption attorney at some point.

Independent Adoption

Independent adoption can typically help you adopt a child more quickly than adopting through an agency. It gives the adoptive parents and birth parents the power to decide if the adoptive parents and child are a good match.

In an independent adoption, there are no additional requirements beyond what is required by law. Adoption agencies can set their own requirements, which may mean that you are ineligible by their standards.

Although independent adoption tends to be less restrictive, in most cases a home study is still necessary.

Agency Adoption

Agency adoption has some advantages too. You will be working with a network of people who are experienced with adoption and how it affects families and children. There is typically training and counseling available to adoptive parents to help with the process and the transition, as well as preparing you for the many issues that you and your child will face in the years to come that are unique to adoptive families.

To learn more about independent and agency adoption, please search this directory for an excellent adoption law firm in your area.