Compared to some states, North Carolina’s adoption laws are relatively lax. Truthfully, the only real requirement the state has is that you must be an adult. However, that is not to say that adoption will be easy for you. North Carolina does have a few stipulations, if not necessarily requirements, which American Adoptions explores more in-depth.
North Carolina’s adoption requirements are relatively straightforward: you must be at least 18 years of age, pass a fingerprint check and criminal background screening and, depending on the agency from which you adopt, undergo training or counseling. Beyond that, the only real stipulations the state has in place are in regard to whom you may adopt. For instance, you cannot adopt another adult, and if you wish to adopt a minor of Indian heritage, the Indian Child Welfare Act will dictate said minor’s adoption.
In addition to the few legal requirements, North Carolina does have a few emotional requirements for adoption. These are just as important as the legal ones and include the following:
• If you tried to have a child of your own and could not for fertility reasons, you must have moved beyond the disappointment of not being able to conceive.
• You are just as excited to grow your family via adoption as you would have been had you conceived a biological child.
• You understand and have accepted that the adoption process will come with both highs and lows.
• Your close friends and family members know about your plans to adopt.
This content shared in this article is for educational purposes only. You should not view it as legal advice.