Have you recently started to consider the possibility of adopting a child? If you have, there is a variety of factors that you will want to consider before you start the process, given the fact that it is a lengthy one. If you want to be a part of the nearly 135,000 adoptions that take place in the United States every year, there are some questions that you should first ask yourself.

Public or Private Adoption?

The first thing you should consider when deciding whether or not you want to adopt a child is if you would want to go through a public or private adoption, which can be discussed in detail with a PA adoption lawyer. Adopting through a public agency means that the adoption will take place through a government entity. Government agencies have structured procedures involving the adoption of a child, which our adoption lawyer will be able to guide you through. Each county and jurisdiction has their own department that handles social services and is responsible for children in foster care.

As for private adoption, this form of adoption takes place with a private agency that is licensed and regulated by the particular state that the agency is in. These agencies are usually nonprofit organizations. There are some distinct differences between the two options, but they are designed to use similar processes. If you still have questions about which type is best for you, a New Jersey adoption lawyer may be able to help.

Can You Make the Necessary Investments?

Taking care of a child will require substantial investments that can extend from buying clothes to saving for college. It’s important to ascertain if you will be able to make the necessary investments throughout the child’s life before you go through with an adoption. These investments also extend beyond monetary ones and include the ability to provide the care, love, and understanding that the child will require throughout their life. Our NJ adoption lawyer here at Cofsky & Zeidman will be able to assist you in determining whether or not you have the means of supporting an adopted child.

Have You Been Through a Major Event Recently?

An adoption is always going to be a significant and lengthy event in your life, which is why you might want to start the adoption process during a time that has been free from life-altering events. Have you recently suffered from a major illness, lost your job, or moved to a new location? If so, ask yourself if you are physically and emotionally ready to undertake an adoption so soon after another major event. The decision you make is entirely up to you. You’ll also want to ask yourself if you have time to go through comprehensive counseling before and after the adoption as this is required by any private or public adoption agency. If you believe that now is a good time to adopt, a PA adoption attorney is an invaluable resource to have on your side.

Why Do You Want to Adopt?

Make sure to ask yourself why you want to adopt before beginning as you should be certain that this is something you’re prepared for. Whether you want to adopt because you cannot conceive a child biologically or simply believe that it would be the best option for you, it’s important that you feel strongly about adopting a child. Adoption, unfortunately, is not something that works for everyone. If you really long to be a parent and believe that you would enjoy being around a child and raising them, look into all of your options before starting the adoption process. If you’ve settled on why you want to adopt, an adoption attorney can help you take the next steps.

Once you have made the final decision that you would like to adopt a child and are capable of caring for a child, contact our NJ adoption attorney here at Cofsky & Zeidman LLC to schedule your initial consultation. Our Haddonfield, New Jersey, office can be reached by phone at (856) 429-5005. We also have additional locations in Woodbury, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA, which you can reach by phone at (856) 845-2555 and (215) 563-2150 respectively. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you along your journey toward becoming a parent.