Is It Possible to Start the Adoption Process before the Birth of a Child?
Q: Dear Kate,
Is it possible to start the adoption process before the birth of a child?
My partner and I want to have a child and for me to carry it and be a stay-at-home mom for a while. The problem is that the company we work for does not offer domestic partner benefits. It will be very expensive to get insurance for the baby and me. But if my partner could adopt the child, there would be excellent health coverage.
Thank you for any advice you can offer.
Therese
A: Dear Therese,
Unfortunately, an adoption petition cannot be filed until the child is born, which means that your partner cannot become a legal adoptive parent until after your child's birth.
Some things you can do now to speed up the process include retaining an attorney and beginning to get your paperwork in order. Depending on the procedures in your state, the adoption process can take anywhere from a few months to a year.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Kendell
Kendell is executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Dec. 13, 2001