How long does it take to adopt?

The amount of time it takes to adopt in California depends on a variety of factors. The most important factor is the type of adoption you are pursuing. For a domestic adoption, the time varies, as the process can move quickly if a suitable birth mother is located. However, in other cases, the process can take years. International adoptions often take between 18 and 24 months, though some countries and agencies may have longer wait times. In California, for a stepparent adoption, the process is often more complicated and takes more time than a traditional adoption. In most cases, the adoption of a stepchild must be finalized before the stepparent has parental rights. This often requires a petition to the court, a home study, and a consent to adoption from the biological parent who is not the stepparent. All of these steps can add up to a 6-month or longer process. Once the adoption is approved by the court, California requires a six-month post-placement supervision period. This period gives social workers the chance to evaluate the family and make sure the adoption is proceeding in the best interest of the child. After the post-placement supervision period, the adoptive parent will then receive the child’s adoption decree and the child will be considered a legal, permanent member of the family.

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How long does it take to adopt?

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