A child brings a lot of joy to a family. Many families feel incomplete without a child and are ready to try anything to have a child of their own. Things do not always go as planned and some couples may be childless due to various reasons. Are you among those who are thinking about when adoption is a good option for you? This article has everything you need to know.
While assisted reproductive treatments are available for those suffering from infertility, they may not always work due to either financial reasons or the treatments not solving the issues. Adoption is a beautiful concept where a family without a child, and a child without a family, are matched and made into a new family. Irrespective of religion, caste or creed, a family wholeheartedly makes someone else’s biological child, their own.
In This Article
- Who Can Adopt?
- Fertility Issues And Thinking of Adoption?
- Are You Single And Thinking of Adoption?
- Are You Considering Adoption And Already Have Children?
- FAQ’s
Who Can Adopt?
Adopting a child is not an easy task. Since it has to be done the right way, the government and the governing bodies have a few pre-requisites in place.
In India, you can adopt a child if you are
- An adult with a sound mind and body
- Do not suffer from any life-threatening disease
- Have the financial capacity to support a child
If you are a couple, planning to adopt a child, both of you
- Should agree to adopt the child
- Have to give consent for the gender preference of the child
- Must be married for at least 2 years
- Should not have more than 2 children of your own
- Both of you must be at least 25 years older than the child
The composite age of the couple should not be more than
- 90 if they want to adopt a child below four years of age
- 100 if they want to adopt a child older than 4 years
- 155 if they want to adopt a child between the ages of 8 and 18.
A child’s blood relative can also adopt if the parents are deceased or give up the baby for adoption.
Fertility Issues And Thinking of Adoption?
Many couples suffer from fertility issues. Many of these couples try almost everything under the sun to conceive. They undergo treatments, take hormonal injections and make drastic lifestyle changes to become a parent.
When a biological child is not possible, a couple can consider adoption rather than giving up on their dreams of becoming a parent. Adoption is a great procedure where a child finds a home and home gets a child. It is a win-win for everyone.
Are You Single And Thinking of Adoption?
Marriage is not a prerequisite to becoming a parent. An adult with sufficient emotional maturity and financial capability can adopt a child if they want to be a parent. If you want to adopt a child, you should decide on it. You don’t have to marry someone to be eligible to provide a secure future for an orphan child.
In India, even single persons (unmarried, divorced, widowed) can adopt a child. For a single parent, the following rules of adoption apply:
- If you are a female, you can adopt a boy or a girl
- If you are a male, you cannot adopt a girl child
You cannot be
- More than 45 years if you want to adopt a child below 4 years of age
- More than 50 years if you want to adopt a child over 4 years of age
- More than 55 years if you want to adopt a child between the ages of 8 and 18 years
Are You Considering Adoption And Already Have Children?
There is no hard and fast rule that only people without a child can adopt. A family with children can adopt more children if they wish to. The authorities and governing bodies do not stop a child from getting a family.
If you are married and already have biological or adopted children and want to adopt another child, no one can stop you. The process is similar to any adoption across the country. The governing bodies will go through the same process and steps for verification and once they are satisfied, they will put you on the waiting list for adoption.
However, you cannot adopt if you already have 2 biological children of your own. If you have already adopted, the rule of 3 or more still applies
Adopting a child is a wonderful gesture, whether you already have children or not. The willingness to provide a secure future for an orphan is a great decision. If you are mentally and emotionally ready to take up such a responsibility, adoption is a good option for you.
FAQ’s
1. What is The Common Age to Adopt?
The parent or parents must be 25 years older than the child they plan on adopting. Unless they are too old, there is no common age to adopt. A person may want to adopt when they are 30 or 50, it is their personal choice.
2. How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Child in India?
As per governmental guidelines, it should not cost more than Rs 46,000 to adopt a child. Registration will cost Rs 1000, the home study will cost Rs 5,000 and the child’s official corpus fund will cost Rs 40,000. If you are an NRI, the charges will vary.
3. Can You Choose to Adopt a Boy or a Girl?
Yes, you can. Only single men cannot adopt a girl child. Single women and couples can choose to adopt either a boy or a girl, without any restrictions.
