Korean Adoption

[~Lisa~]

I have some questions about adopting from Korea.

What ages does the adoptive parents have to be in order to adopt?

How long does the process usually take?

Do you get to choose the sex of the child?

If the required amount wanted up front for the adoption process or after?

Does anyone know of any agencies to go thru?

Thanks In advance.

[~Lisa~]

Or if anyone knows about Korean adoption can you help w/ some questions. I really would appreciate it! Thanks in Advance! ((hugs))

[Lisa67]

A friend of mine is currently waiting to adopt from Korea. I think her referral is expected in May. I'll email her your questions and get back to you.

[~Lisa~]

THank you so much!!!!! ((HUGS))

[HLLB]

Hi!

For adopting from Korea, parents need to be between the ages of 25 and 45 at the time of PLACEMENT of the child (so there are usually restrictions lower than 45 when you start the program). Couple must be married at least 3 years, and I think there is a limit of only 1 previous marriage per person.

How long the process takes varies greatly by agency. It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years! I think the average is probably 12 to 15 months. It is usually a little longer if you're requesting a girl. Most agencies only let you request a certain gender if you have other children of only that gender (or mainly that gender, like you already have 3 boys, 1 girl and want to request a girl). If you wanted a boy, most agencies would let you request a boy regardless of the gender of other children since there are more boys available. Childless couples do not get to choose gender unless they go through a waiting child program and select a specific child.

The majority of the cost is expected when you accept the referral of a child. Generally, you pay around $100 for the application, $600+ for immigration fees, and then the homestudy fee (anywhere from $1000 to $2000) up front. Then, you don't usually have any additional fees until you accept the referral of a child. With my agency though, they move so fast that it's pretty much all due right away.

As for agencies to use, it depends on what state you're in. You can find LOTS of information on this website: www.adoptkorea.com

If you're in MI, OH, WI, KY, TN, or PA, you could use my agency which is VERY fast right now and in need of families!

[~Lisa~]

THAnks so much for your response. Means a lot to me. I will check out that website. I live in Southern Illinois so I guess that means that i can't use your agency. Wish I could....

We really would love a girl. We have a daughter by adoption right now.

I'll be talking more to you about this. Thanks so much.

[Cassandra Gayle]

please clean out your pm box and pm me... i have some info for you.. cassie

[~Lisa~]

Cassandra Gayle--Hey there, I checked my PM box and it was cleaned out. I have no idea what's going on with it. I don't know if it's not working or what, but I did send you a PM and I hope that you get it! Let me know please. I sent you my yahoo email address. Maybe you can email me the information so I know i'll for sure get it. I've used this PM box before and haven't heard any replies from people. I wonder if it's not set up right or something.

Thanks so much for everything!

~Lisa~

[London]

Holly -- What agency did you use? I live in Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. DH and I have been trying for 14 months and have recently decided that it may be time to pursue adoption. The financial side is scary but if it's supposed to be, a way will be made. We are primarily focused on South Korea. DH shocked me yesterday by saying he's ready to fill out the initial application - NOW. We're moving into our first home in June so I'm wondering if we should wait until we're settled and such, and also to save up more money. However, to apply for a grant your homestudy must be complete. Ugh! So, we'll see...

[HLLB]

London - I PM'ed you yesterday. Did you get it?

[London]

Holly -- Yes, I sure did, I've been busy with school so I've not had a chance to reply. Thank you so much for the information!