Interstate Adoption

Interstate Adoption

Interstate adoptions can involve any manner of adoption, with the main difference being that the birth parents and adoptive parents live in different states. There is a law called the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) that requires two states to give approval of the adoption—before the child can be brought home after birth. Each state has adopted this law.

Our firm is well-versed in ICPC adoptions and has established relationships with qualified adoption attorneys throughout the United States. We can guide you every step of the way, whether you are a birth parent or adoptive parent.

We represent adoptive parents in Minnesota who take placement of a child from another state.

  • Each state has different laws regarding consent rights of the birth parent and the rights of birth fathers to be notified.
  • Each state has different laws regarding residency requirements to finalize for adoption in that state.
  • Each state has different laws about what birth parent expenses are considered proper and legal.

We can advise you on the pros and cons of where you should adopt. Because of our connections with the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, we have the ability to consult with experts on adoption in other states to figure out how and where your adoption should be finalized.

We often get asked “how much” these interstate adoptions cost, and our answer is always the same: It depends! We first consult with our peers in the other state, determine what laws must be applied, and then we can give you a reliable quote of expected fees.

After we determine how to proceed with your interstate case, we work with the attorney and agencies in the other state to have your placement approved by the ICPC administrators in the sending and receiving state.

We will work with you so when you drive or fly to another state, you have a plan in place for discharge at the hospital, consent signing, and applying for permission to have the child “placed” in your home by the ICPC authorities. Then we call you, usually within days of the ICPC request, to tell you, “ICPC approved!”—you can return home with your baby!

An interstate adoption is a complicated procedure. When you get that exciting call that the birth mother is going into labor, you need to know you have a plan in place. Then all you have to do is “work the plan.”

CONTACT US TO CREATE YOUR PLAN

or dial 612-822-4095