If you are thinking about adopting your partner’s children, you probably already know how stressful adoption can be for everyone in your family. After all, according to Psychology Today, adoption can bring about family conflict, especially if not everyone is fully on board with the process. Because adoption can be a long and complicated journey, it can be easy to lose control of your mental health. You do not have to put up with increased anxiety, depression or conflict, though. Indeed, you might improve things considerably by going to therapy. Understanding why you feel the way you do Even if ..read more

Adopting internationally is overwhelming on several levels. One of the first things you must decide when you are thinking about international adoption is which country you wish to work with. Some are easier than others, and all have different requirements. A lot of this is a personal choice. Many families wish to have a child that is of similar ethnicity, which will restrict the countries. Others do not care, and this will widen their net. According to adoption.org, popular countries for adoption include South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine and Ghana. South Korea and Thailand These countries are pop ..read more

Whether you are a surrogate or an intended parent, going through the surrogacy process can be overwhelming. How much control will you have? What decisions can you make? What are your rights? By state and federal law, surrogate mothers and hopeful parents have responsibilities and rights. The unique agreement between each party also influences these matters. Crafting a valid agreement The General Assembly of North Carolina takes a look at surrogacy rights. First and foremost, hopeful parents and surrogate mothers must have a valid agreement crafted with the involvement and approval of all parti ..read more

Adopting a child is one way to grow your family and provide a loving home for a child who needs you. If you want to adopt a child, you may have to go through a home study or a pre-placement assessment. During a home study, an agent must interview every adult in your family to determine if you are suitable to adopt the child. Do you have to go through the pre-placement assessment? There are situations where you do not have to go through the pre-placement assessment. If you go through an adoption agency, you must go through a home study. However, you do not need a home study if you are a child’s ..read more

Deciding to use a surrogate to grow your family requires a lot of forethought and love. Your undeniable desire to become a parent may fuel your decision to pursue this unique solution to infertility. Knowing what to consider before settling on surrogacy can help you feel more confident about your choice. With adequate thought and preparation, your decision can be the start of something wonderful. Financial obligations The financial commitment of using a surrogate can make other parenting expenses appear minuscule. According to U.S. News, surrogacy costs could reach a staggering $150,000 for a ..read more

Adoption is a major decision under any circumstances. And while same-sex couples rights in the U.S. have come a long way in the past 15 years, there’s always an underlying question about discrimination. Here are a few things same-sex couples can do to prepare for adoption in North Carolina. The law is on your side The legalization of same-sex marriage in North Carolina in 2014 means that in the strictest legal sense there are no barriers to same-sex couples adopting. However, as we are painfully aware, same-sex couples still face frequent, everyday challenges. If you are confronted with discri ..read more

When you met the love of your life, his or her children may have made you feel a bit uncomfortable. After all, according to Psychology Today, your partner’s children may view you as an interloper. They also may reject your blended family and dream of the day their parents reunite. Whether you intend eventually to adopt your stepchildren, you want to have a good relationship with them. While you never may be able to replace your stepkids’ absent parent, you can take some steps to bond with your stepchildren. Doing so may make your life and theirs significantly better. Take cues from your stepki ..read more

If you are living with unofficial stepkids, you know how difficult the arrangement can be. After all, even though you act as a mother or father figure, the law does not recognize your relationship. This can make it challenging to work with school officials, doctors, government officials and others. According to Psychology Today, most blended families face a series of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Many of these challenges go away on their own after the stepparent adopts the stepchildren, fortunately. Still, if your stepkids are still adjusting to a new way of life, you may wonder if they ..read more

Perhaps you and your spouse have not been able to conceive, although you very much want a child. You might consider gestational surrogacy. Here are four facts you may not know about this process, which has become increasingly common. 1. Not related In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is often the biological mother of the baby she carries. However, in gestational surrogacy, there is no relationship. The real biological mother is the woman whose eggs are used during fertilization. This allows a genetic link between the baby and the intended parents. 2. Donor option In gestational surrogacy ..read more

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the country paved the way for partner adoptions. North Carolina responded with the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, prohibiting discrimination based on the prospective parents’ or child’s sexual orientation or gender identity. If one of you has a biological child, it is reasonable that both of you would want parental rights. As with any couple, there are challenges to adopting a stepchild, but it is possible under the right circumstances. Two cases would allow any stepparent to adopt a stepchild. Standard adoption of a stepch ..read more