Adopting a child is a profound decision. One filled with hope, love, and a commitment to providing a nurturing home. In the state of New Hampshire, the path to adoption is as unique as the families it brings together. Through this blog post, I aim to shed light on the adoption process in New Hampshire.

As your adoption coach, I am not an attorney or an accountant; rather, I am here for support and information, helping you navigate the emotions and paperwork that accompany the adoption process. Whether you are just starting to explore the idea of adoption or are deep into the process, this blog post is designed to be a valuable resource, addressing key aspects of adoption in New Hampshire.

Who Can Adopt in New Hampshire?

In the state of New Hampshire, the criteria for prospective adoptive parents are built on the foundation of ensuring the well-being and stability of the child being placed for adoption. The state welcomes a diverse range of individuals and couples to embark on the journey of adoption, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or whether they have biological children. Prospective adoptive parents must be 21 years old and demonstrate emotional and financial stability. The primary focus is on the ability of the adoptive parents to provide a loving and supportive environment for the child. The state's adoption process encourages open-mindedness and inclusivity, recognizing that the strength of a family lies in its capacity for love, understanding, and commitment rather than conforming to traditional norms.

What Types of Adoption are Legal in New Hampshire?

Partnering with an Adoption Agency:

• Adoption agencies in New Hampshire play a pivotal role in connecting birth parents with adoptive families. These agencies offer a comprehensive range of services, from home studies to matching services and post-placement support. Choosing to work with an adoption agency provides a structured and supportive framework throughout the entire adoption process.

Working with an Adoption Consultant:

• For those seeking a more personalized and flexible approach, adoption consultants in the state can offer tailored guidance. These professionals provide expert advice, connecting prospective parents with reputable adoption professionals, including agencies, attorneys, and other essential resources.

Working with an Adoption Attorney:

• Engaging the services of an adoption attorney in New Hampshire is a common choice for those who prefer a legal-centric approach. Attorneys specializing in adoption navigate the legal intricacies, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order and representing adoptive parents in court if required.

Working with an Adoption Coach:

• An adoption coach, like myself, offers emotional support and educational resources to prospective adoptive parents. While not providing legal or financial advice, an adoption coach focuses on preparing individuals and couples for the emotional aspects of adoption, helping them navigate the highs and lows of the journey.

Self-Matching Your Adoption:

• New Hampshire allows for a unique approach where prospective adoptive parents can take a more hands-on role in finding a match with a birth parent. This self-matching method requires a proactive approach, involving networking, online platforms, and engagement in adoption communities.

Understanding the distinctive features of each adoption avenue empowers you to make a choice that aligns with your preferences and circumstances. Whether you opt for the structure of an agency, the personalized guidance of a consultant, the legal expertise of an attorney, the emotional support of a coach, or the hands-on approach of self-matching, the key is to embark on this journey with knowledge, readiness, and an open heart.

Steps to Adopt a Baby

1. Decide what type of adoption is right for you: The first step is to decide which type of adoption is right for you. Not sure how to decide? Take this quiz to help you decide.

2. Find your adoption partner: The next step in the process is to find your adoption partner.

3. Get your home study approved: The third step is to get your home study approved. You can find more information on how to have a successful home study here.

4. Create your adoption profile: Your adoption profile is arguably the most important part of your journey as a prospective partner. It is where you share your story to connect with a prospective family.

5. Share your adoption profile: Once your adoption profile is created, you have to share it so that an expectant family can pick your family to adopt their baby.

6. Match with an expectant parent: The next step is when an expectant parent picks you to parent their baby.

7. Next, the baby is born.

8. The last step in the process is when the adoption is officially finalized.

What is the average cost of adoption in New Hampshire?

The cost of adoption in the state of New Hampshire can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of adoption, the adoption agency or professional you choose to work with, and any associated legal fees. Here is a general overview of the average adoption costs in New Hampshire for different types of adoption:

Private Domestic Adoption: Private domestic adoption, where you adopt an infant within the United States, can cost anywhere from $35,000-$65,000. These costs typically cover adoption agency fees, home study fees, legal fees, counseling, and medical expenses for the birth mother.

Foster Care Adoption: Many of the expenses are subsidized or covered by the state and sometimes there are even adoption subsidies to support the child’s needs post-adoption. Costs vary.

Independent Adoption: Independent adoptions, also called self-matching, where you work directly with a birth mother without an agency, can have lower agency fees but may still incur legal, counseling, and medical expenses. Costs can vary widely in these cases, but they may fall in the $10,000-$30,000 range.

Adoption Consultant: Working with an adoption consultant can cost anywhere from $70,000 plus. 

It’s important to note that the cost of adoption can be significantly influenced by variables such as the specific circumstances of the adoption, legal fees, and the need for counseling and support services. Some adoptive parents may also be eligible for adoption tax credits, which can help offset a portion of the expenses. 

To get an accurate estimate of adoption costs for your specific situation, it’s advisable to consult with adoption agencies, attorneys, or professionals specializing in the type of adoption you’re pursuing. They can provide detailed information on the fees and expenses associated with the adoption process in New Hampshire and help you plan accordingly.

What is the Average Length of Adoption in New Hampshire?

The average length of the adoption process in New Hampshire can vary widely based on various factors, including the type of adoption (domestic, international, or foster care), the chosen adoption avenue (agency, attorney, consultant, etc.), the preferences of the prospective adoptive parents, and the availability of birth parents.

In domestic infant adoptions, which are often the most common type of adoption, the process typically takes anywhere from several months to a couple of years. The variability is influenced by factors such as the openness of the adoptive parents to different situations, the characteristics they are looking for in a child, and the preferences of the birth parents.

Foster care adoptions, on the other hand, may have a more unpredictable timeline as they depend on the legal process of terminating parental rights and the availability of children in the foster care system who are eligible for adoption.

As we conclude our exploration into the world of adoption in the state of New Hampshire, it's evident that this journey is as diverse as the families it brings together. Whether you find solace in the structure of an agency, the personalized touch of a consultant, the legal guidance of an attorney, the emotional support of a coach, or the hands-on approach of self-matching, the path you choose is uniquely yours.