Though it’s far easier in today’s world to adopt as a single parent than it was 50 year ago (you couldn’t do it then), it’s still not a simple process. Many agencies will simply not work with you and others will give priority to couples seeking to adopt. Here are some tips from single parents who have successfully adopted.

Prepare Financially

One of the significant concerns from adoption professionals is the fact that single parents typically have only one source of income. If that income goes away—a job is lost or the parent cannot work—the child may not have his or her material needs met. Accordingly, you want to prepare in advance. Try to get 3-6 months worth of expenses into savings, so that you have something to meet your needs in the event of a temporary job loss. Determine how much time you will need to take off from work when your adopted child first comes home with you, and put money away to cover that time period.

Build a Network of Support

Raising a child is hard work and can wear you out emotionally and physically. When there are two parents, it’s much easier to get a break. If you are a single parent, you’ll want to find family and friends who can offer you the same type of respite on an occasional basis. Otherwise, you may develop some resentment that your child has left you no time for yourself.

Be Prepared for the Social Stigma Associated with Single Parenting

Though the acceptance of divorce has made single parenting more prevalent, there’s still a common perception that there must be two parents in the home to raise a well-adjusted and emotionally healthy child. To get a different perspective, look for single parent groups in your area, or get to know other single parents, so that you can share successes and failures together, and see that you are not alone.

Contact Our Office

To set up an appointment, call us in Haddonfield at 856-429-5005 or in Woodbury at 856-845-2555. We can also be reached in Philadelphia at 215-563-2150 or by e-mail. For clients with personal injury or workers’ compensation claims, we offer a free initial consultation, and will represent you on a contingency basis, only charging attorney fees if we recover compensation for you.

Our offices are open weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Weekend and evening appointments may be arranged upon request. We will also come to your home or the hospital, if necessary.