Single Parent

Whether you're gay, infertile, unmarried or divorced, if you want to adopt, love and raise a child as a single parent, you're bound to encounter a few hills and valleys during the adoption process. Single parent adoption, while legal in every state, is still considered a nontraditional adoption. This means that single-parent adopters are more likely to fall in priority behind more traditional couples adopting. Single parent adopters are more likely to be placed with a child with special needs and some private agencies may abstain from adopting to individuals completely.

Single-parent adoptions may be easier overseas, as it is for other nontraditional adopters. Single adopters should keep in mind that some countries refuse to adopt to single parents, though. Other countries may have strict age and gender regulations for single-parent adoptions as well. For the most part, agencies will have an easier time adopting out to females than males.

Single parent adopters are least likely to be placed with an infant from a private agency. This depends on the pregnant woman who is choosing the adoptive parent or couple of the child, but many women will not place with a single parent because she probably didn't see herself fit to be a single parent either.

Single parent adopters can get ahead by joining a support group or forum for advice on how to approach the adoption process as a nontraditional adopter.