In Pennsylvania, adoption allows individuals and couples to become the legal parents of a child who is not biologically their own. This process not only provides a nurturing home for children in need but also allows individuals and couples to fulfill their desires to...
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Adoptions
Identify positive signs when considering an adoption
The process of adoption in Pennsylvania involves many different steps. Each adoption has unique factors that determine the cost and outcome of bringing a new person into your family. Along the way, it helps to look at a few signs that indicate this life-changing...
Why do some families adopt an adult?
Many people believe adoption is only to bring young children into a family. However, state law also permits you to adopt an adult. If you know an adult that you want to adopt as a son or daughter, take heart that you likely have a good reason for doing so. WebMD...
What you should know about stepparent adoptions
Did you know that nearly 40% of adoptions that occur in the US involve stepparents? Stepparent adoptions and foster care adoptions have the greatest percentage of adoptions in the US. Stepparent adoptions typically begin because one biological parent is not involved...
3 ways children may react to an adoptive sibling
Anytime you add a new member to the family, it changes the existing dynamics permanently. Though the changes are typically positive, adjusting to them takes time. If you already have children, they may have mixed feelings about the addition of an adopted sibling....
What roadblocks could occur in an adoption?
Adopting a child is a huge undertaking. It is also a massive legal process that could have some challenges along the way. Common issues are when there is another person blocking your ability to adopt. FindLaw notes that such problems with adoption can occur at any...
What is the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network?
If you are thinking about adopting a child, the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network may be an option for you. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services explains SWAN is for children that may be harder to find adopting families due to various factors. Some...
Consider these factors before adopting grandchildren
Your adult children may be unable to care for their own children for various reasons. In this situation, it could be necessary to adopt your grandchildren. The Pennsylvania Legislature says that you can initiate adoption proceedings under several circumstances. Your...
What to expect during a Pennsylvania adoption home study
Before you may move forward with adopting a child in Pennsylvania, you must complete an adoptive family profile, which some call a “home study.” During the home study, an adoption agency worker takes at least one trip to your home with two main goals in mind. First,...
Facts about qualified adoption expenses
If you've been considering adopting a child or a disabled person in Pennsylvania, there are some things you need to be familiar with, including qualified adoption expenses, the adoption credit and the resulting tax savings. Understanding them can make the process...