If your married at 18 can you adopt?
2007-09-15 20:22:14 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adoption
It depends on what state you live in. I've been married for over two years (I'm 19) but can't adopt because in the state I live in you have to be 21.
In the meantime I'm just TTC (no luck yet, been trying since Nov.). I think they should just make it where you can adopt at 18 irregardless of where you live. It makes no sense that at 18 you can go to war for your country, vote, smoke, be tried as a adult, rent, own property and be held completely accountable for your actions under the law and yet you can't adopt or drink. Makes little sense to me.
I think also (just my personal opinion) that if your 18 (but not 21 or whatever age they want you to be) and over, meet all the other criteria, and have been TTC for a specific amount of time (a year or whatever) they should waive that age limit. I get so sick of them whining that they have SOOO many kids in need but won't approve people to adopt. This just isn't my case either. When I was about 13, my mom attempted to adopt, went through all the classes and everything then they told her she couldn't adopt (b/c of her age, I think she was 50) but she could be a foster parent, to her that's like a slap in the face because she wanted her own children, not have to give them back to parents who potentially didn't love or care about them. (couldn't have more after me)
2007-09-17 05:35:07 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Ani♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most adoptions cannot be done before the age of 21 anywhere in the US. If it is a close relative, typically, you could become guardian and then adopt when you are 21. If someone specifically wants you to adopt their child (after 21), you don't even have to be married if it is a state that allows non-agency adoptions.
An acquaintance of mine adopted her best friend's baby when she was 18 and still not married (law was moved to 21 later). The best friend (a party gal) knew her friend couldn't have children (had leukemia at 6) and didn't want a kid to raise at that time. It worked out.
2007-09-16 06:11:38 · answer #2 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
every state, agency and country have their own rules on that. In Wisconsin, its as you must be foster care certified to adopt and that is 21 but you can be a foster parent to a close relative at 18. And if you are married, its still 21 but married for at least 2 years. They want to make sure the marriage is stable. If adopting from overseas, they have their own guidelines. Some say 25 or 30. Some say must be married, some won't let older people adopt or overweight people adopt.
2007-09-16 00:28:42 · answer #3 · answered by Molly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing to consider is the fairness to this child. When he or she is grown - 18 and is graduating high school - they will be, what, nearing their 70's? So instead of looking forward to having kids and sharing them with "grandma and grandpa", most likely, "grandma and grandpa" won't be around much longer. I faced a similar situation, losing my adoptive parents before I was 23. I had no father to walk me down the aisle, my children will never know their grandparents, it is very lonely and painful to lose yet another set of parents at such a young age. While they may live on well into their 90's, really, why don't they just look forward to your grandkids or give their love to an older child who they can be around for? Or take in foster children in the area, who need the stability and love that they can provide? IF it IS a baby they desire to care for, how about becoming a crisis nursery for families in need? They may not be taking a baby as a permanent family member, but the help they are providing is immeasurable. There are many ways in which they can provide very valuable contributions into the lives of babies and children. But from someone who was adopted by older parents and had to lose them when I was young, and face that tremendous pain, I hope they consider the ramifications to the child.
2016-03-17 04:31:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
How old can you be to adopt a baby?
If your married at 18 can you adopt?
2015-09-06 01:33:56 · answer #5 · answered by Sauncho 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes legally you can adopt at 18. It is easier if it from someone you know but the county agencies allow it as does a lot of other agencies.
2007-09-15 20:30:43 · answer #6 · answered by momof3boys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is the youngest age.
It actually really depends what state you are in...
But some states say 21.
Others 18.
Don't adopt yet...you'll probably regret it if you don't wait.
2007-09-16 04:39:51 · answer #7 · answered by Abby Corneto 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
probably 21 but it should be 16. if your willing to take care of it, adopt one
2007-09-16 08:42:00 · answer #8 · answered by Ben C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to be 21, even if your married 21 is still the minimum age, but when you do turn 21 the marriage will help you get a baby big time
2007-09-15 20:27:29 · answer #9 · answered by Kyle 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it's more than your age and being married. you have to meet certain criteria which differ from state to state. contact your local DCF and ask them.
2007-09-16 07:36:38 · answer #10 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋