Things to Consider Before Adopting

Adopting a child is one of the biggest choices a parent or couple can make. In fact, some would argue that, depending on the child or children’s age and disposition, it involves an even greater degree of responsibility, patience, and inner strength than having a child through birth.

Whatever the case, there can be no question that adoption comes with its own very particular set of concerns. While the desire to adopt is one of the greatest human impulses one can feel, it is incredibly important that you ask yourself and give deep, honest thought to several difficult questions before acting. Some of these might include:

Can I accept that this child will not carry my genes?

This is probably the first and most difficult question that any potential adopter will have to face. Some people adopt because they cannot have biological children. Others do so out of a sense of personal duty toward those less socially and economically fortunate. No matter your reason, you must be ready to build a loving relationship with a child who is not related to you by blood.

Am I ready financially and personally to adopt?

Even if you can deal with the “gene issue,” it is always important when making room for a child to acknowledge and evaluate your personal circumstances. Adopting is far and away the largest financial and emotional investment many people ever make. Pause and think: would I be okay with passing up a new job offer or cutting back my hours if it mattered to my child?

Will I be able to deal with someone coming from a drastically different background?

Chances are, if you are adopting, the child will not be coming to you from a background similar to yours at all. Beyond the potential dividers of ethnicity and heritage, an older child will sometimes be more set in his or her personality and can have an extremely difficult time adjusting to new circumstances.

Additionally, adopted children frequently carry with them the scars of a traumatic early childhood, from physical abuse to the emotional wounds of crowded, hostile orphanages. Will you have the patience and compassion to help your adopted child move past these issues?

Only when you can answer “yes” truthfully to questions such as these after extensive consideration should adoption be a possibility in your mind.

Contact Us

For more information on the legal in-and-outs of the adoption process, contact the experienced San Jose family lawyers at the Law Offices of Daniel Jensen by calling 408-296-4100 today.