How many years do you have to be married to adopt?

mrshoughton · 09-18-2008, 02:25 AM

My husband have been married for a year and a half now, but we've decided we want to start the adoption process. I've heard a couple different stories from people. I've looked on the internet and can't find a straight answer. I live in Missouri so if anyone knows the answer that would be very helpful. thank you.

calches · 09-18-2008, 02:49 AM

With each agency it is different. Some require 2 years other it can be 3 or 5.

Here is what it says on the Missouri DSS:
Who Is Eligible?

Children in the custody of CD who are legally free for adoption. Any family (parent at least 21 years of age) or single person (21 and over) in Missouri may be considered as a prospective adoptive family.

http://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/adopt.htm

Notice it says nothing about years of marriage. You could call and ask.

I would basically start with calling around the agencies and asking what their requirements are (age and length of marriage).

Now I can say this from experience the longer that you are married to more appealing you are to a prosective birth mom. It shows that you are stable and committed. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck! If you ever want to vent or chat you can pm or talk to us here in the adoption corner. The adoption world is very scary place and you need friends in it!

JaniceBrasil · 09-20-2008, 05:06 AM

we didn't have to be married any certain amount of time but we had to be what they consider stable...

dakotabluebaby · 09-21-2008, 06:14 PM

Different agencies require different amounts of time and some aren't so clear cut, like say you've been together 3 years then married one verse met dated two months married two.

our agency wanted to see at least a year, Plus they ask you tons of questions and get a pretty good view of your stability.