Adoption Questions

Getting Started With Adoption

• We’re just exploring adoption. Where should we start?

  Most adoptive parents begin exactly where you are right now: curious, hopeful, with questions and looking for answers. You don’t have to feel fully ready to start learning. We walk with you step-by-step and help you understand what adoption could look like for you.
• We’re interested in adoption but not ready to commit. Is that okay?

  Absolutely! Many families begin by learning, praying, and asking questions before taking next steps. Completing our free application isn’t a commitment—it’s simply a starting point for conversation. It helps us get to know you, understand your hopes for adoption, and offer guidance and clarity as you explore whether adoption is right for your family, at your own pace.
• What if my spouse and I aren’t on the same page about adoption yet?

  This is very common, especially after fertility challenges or pregnancy loss. Sometimes one heart moves a little faster and the other needs time and information. You can move slowly, learn together, and take time as you become more informed about what modern adoption is like.
• Is it normal to feel scared or unsure about adoption?

  Yes. Almost every adoptive family starts with mixed feelings: excitement, fear, hope, and uncertainty all rolled into one. Feeling unsure doesn’t mean adoption isn’t right; it simply means you need time and space to learn more. You don’t need all the answers right now. We’re here to help you one step at a time.
• How do we know we’re making the right choice?

  Adoption is a thoughtful, emotional decision. We are here to offer honest guidance, practical information, and, if you choose, prayer support as you explore your options. Remember, take it one step at a time, one question at a time.
• Who can we talk to if we want to understand more?

  Our team is available to answer questions about your specific situation or to simply listen. Whether you’re just beginning, feeling uncertain, or ready to take the next step, you are welcome to reach out. At Lifetime, you are never alone.
• Where are you located?

  Lifetime Adoption provides services nationwide from our Center in beautiful New Port Richey, Florida. Located in central Florida, our Pasco County office is approximately one hour northwest of Tampa International Airport. 95% of our clients live outside of the local area, and we have an open-door policy for visiting clients.
• How can we learn more about your adoption agency?

  Our website and our webinars are the best places to begin learning about Lifetime. These Frequently Asked Questions are updated regularly to help families like yours learn more about Lifetime and the services we offer.
• We are just starting out – what services do you offer for newbies to adoption?

  We have extensive guidance and support through our programs, monthly educational webinars and phone consultations, as well as outside resources we provide each adoptive parent through our programs. As a Lifetime adoptive family, you’ll have an abundance of adoption services, resources, and information to help you succeed.
• Are you available if we need to reach you after hours or on the weekend?

  Lifetime is unique in that we provide our clients with many ways to contact us for any emergencies that come up. We have cell phones, live chat, email, a 24-hour answering service, fax, and texting. Unlike most organizations, Lifetime has staff available on call every weekend and holiday to take calls from birth mothers around the clock. This can be very important if your birth mother goes into labor after hours. Lifetime is dedicated to your success, no matter what time or day of the week it happens to be.

About Lifetime Adoption Agency

• Why do families choose Lifetime over other agencies?

  Families choose Lifetime because they genuinely feel supported here. We combine decades of experience with honesty, compassion, and steady guidance. From your first questions to the day you bring your baby home, we help you navigate fears, adoption finances, emotions, and next steps with clarity, encouragement, and prayer.
• Is Lifetime faith-based?

  Yes, our work is rooted in Christian compassion, God’s love for children, and family values, but we honor where each family is spiritually. We never pressure, but we are always here to pray with you or encourage you.
• How does Lifetime support birth mothers?

  Birth mothers receive compassionate care, emotional support, counseling, and practical resources as they explore adoption for their child. They are never pressured or judged. Families appreciate knowing that the woman who is considering them is being cared for with respect and kindness throughout her journey.
• Is Lifetime transparent about costs and expectations?

  Absolutely. We are committed to honesty and clear communication. You’ll always know what to expect, and there are no hidden fees or surprises.
• We live in another state. Can you still help us adopt?

  Yes. The majority of our families live out of state, and we offer services nationwide. Lifetime has also assisted military families in other countries in adopting from the United States.
• Can we meet Lifetime staff in person?

  Yes, we welcome prospective parents to come and meet our staff and visit our office in New Port Richey, Florida. Lifetime Adoption is open during the week for visitors. We will send you directions and information on lodging and bed & breakfast accommodations in our area. Visitors may fly into Tampa International Airport or Orlando International Airport. If you are interested in a private consultation in our office, please call (727) 493-0933 for an appointment.

Adoption Basics & Eligibility

• Who is eligible to adopt?

  Potential adoptive parents must be at least 21 years of age and show that they can provide a child with healthy, stable family life. We will review your application to adopt as a whole, and if we have any questions, we will call you to discuss your needs and be sure we can help you. We have had a high success rate because of this adoption eligibility screening process.
• Do you have age requirements for adoptive parents?

  Most birth parents are looking for loving adoptive parents that are healthy, active, and who can provide a loving and supportive environment in which their child will thrive. Potential adoptive parents must be at least 21 to adopt, and Lifetime has helped adoptive parents up to their late 50's. We review applications thoroughly and give you an honest assessment if we feel that age may be a concern in being selected by a birth parent. Lifetime Adoption will only offer a contract to those we feel confident we can help.
• Do you accept applications from single parents?

  Several single women have successfully adopted through Lifetime. Lifetime works with a limited number of single parent adoptions at one time, as it can often take longer to be selected by a birth mother. Many birth mothers are hoping to provide their children with a two-parent home, especially if this is something they cannot provide. We advise singles looking to adopt to research adoption online and through books to help educate them about adoption and different paths to achieve a safe and successful adoption.
• Can we adopt if we are just living together but not married?

  No, most states only provide adoption proceedings for singles or couples who are married. Birth parents often prefer (and request) a married couple, so seeking to adopt through Lifetime Adoption as an unmarried couple may not be the right choice for folks in those situations.
• We are US citizens living overseas, can you work with us?

  Yes, we work with military families stationed abroad. As you serve our nation, it is our honor to serve you as you begin your adoption journey. We’ve helped a number of military adoptive families, stationed both in the United States and abroad. As you explore how you can adopt while you’re active duty, you’ll likely come up with lots of questions. We’re eager to assist you with your adoption planning and exploration, and have had great adoption success for our military families.
• Do we need to be an American citizens to adopt?

  We can assist you if you are currently an active duty military family stationed abroad for your service. Here at Lifetime, we love and appreciate our military families! In addition, we work with residents of the Virgin Islands and other U.S. Territories. If you are currently residing within the United States long-term, and at this time you are not a U.S. citizen, you are welcome to apply for our program. Unfortunately, if you live abroad for any other reason, we cannot assist in your adoption.

Adoption Process and Timelines

• How long does it take to adopt through Lifetime?

  At Lifetime Adoption, it is the expecting mother (or placing parent) who chooses the family. Some are chosen within a few months, others take up to two years or even more. There are factors, such as your adoption preferences, that play a large part in how long it takes for you to be chosen.
• What can we do to speed up the adoption process?

  There are many variables in the waiting period, including your adoption preferences, emotional readiness, openness to profile recommendations, and willingness to follow the steps we request of you as a Lifetime Family. To adopt safely and successfully, you will need to follow Lifetime's proven program. Lifetime proudly builds families through adoption, but you will also need to do your part to speed up the adoption process.
• What time of the year has the most adoptions?

  The truth is, there’s isn’t really such a thing as a peak adoption season. Babies are born in any month, during office hours, on weekends, holidays, or the middle of the night. This is why it’s so important for birth mothers and waiting adoptive families to know Lifetime is here to help 24/7. Every adoption is a sweet miracle–and they are happening all the time. There are times when we see small surges in calls from women seeking adoptive parents. A couple of examples of small surges include when the seasons change, when the school year ends, or starts back up. Since adoptions can happen with lots of notice or just a little time to plan, it’s so important to be prepared before you are chosen for your adoption match!
• Are the birth mother situations listed on your site still available?

  The birth mother situations you see posted are women who've contacted us and are interested in placing their child for adoption. They are all in various stages of the process. For example, they may be reviewing Lifetime's Adoptive Family profiles or speaking with Lifetime's adoptive families. Or, Lifetime may still be awaiting the birth mother's medical records or other information.
• Will you help us prepare an adoption profile?

  Yes, Lifetime will help you create an adoption profile by providing you with suggestions, tools for training, and sample successful adoption profiles. In addition, your coordinator will work with you extensively to help you design and create the best profile possible. We can also provide you with referrals to companies that can design your profile for you if needed.
• What if the birth mother changes her mind?

  This is one of the most common fears all waiting families have. When a woman is supported consistently and able to make the decisions about her pregnancy and child, she often feels more confident in her adoption plan. Lifetime gently encourages both sides with care and compassion, providing a space for clear communication, clarity and peace.
• What if we don’t bond with the baby right away?

  Bonding is a journey, it doesn’t happen in a moment. Some parents feel an instant connection; others grow into it gradually, even with a biological baby! Both are completely normal. Love often deepens as you care for and nurture your child, and we are here to help prepare you for those early days.

Home Study and Legal Paperwork

• What is a home study?

  The adoption home study is a written report required by each state for every type of adoption. Its purpose is to satisfy the courts that an infant or child is being placed into a suitable and safe home environment. A trained social worker conducts the process over two or three meetings, and at least one meeting must take place in the home. A home study requires information about your employment, finances, health and medical history, and insurance coverage, and also involves background checks and character references. Each home study must meet the general requirements as prescribed by your state’s adoption laws.
• Do we need a home study before we contract with Lifetime?

  No. Lifetime can refer pre-approved families to a profound list of social workers and private agencies in their home state to work with them on this critical component of their adoption. The home study should be for private adoption (and if working with a Lifetime Adoption Inc. Agency, an agency home study) and updated when needed. Because both the Lifetime process and home study may require similar information, it may save both time and money to work on them simultaneously.
• Where do we get our home study done?

  We have reputable home study providers and licensed social workers we will refer you to for your home study. This will be one of the first steps you’ll take when we start working together in your adoption.
• How do we handle the paperwork for our adoption, since we live in a different state?

  Lifetime Adoption has been working with adoptive families and birth mothers nationwide since 1986. In fact, most of Lifetime's hopeful adoptive parents do not live near our main office in Florida, so we have purposefully developed our program to work with families across the nation. All of the paperwork Lifetime requires can be completed by mail, fax, or email. It is not mandatory to travel to meet us unless you would like to. The choice is yours, and we are always happy to meet families in person when they come to visit.
• If we don’t have an attorney, how do we find one?

  Lifetime works with reliable adoption attorneys in most states, and we can recommend them to our contracted families. Because we work nationwide, we have built a network of adoption lawyers familiar with our program and our staff. Lifetime is proud of our associations with these attorneys and is pleased to have a solid network of legal referrals. We recommend that all families pursuing adoption use a qualified adoption attorney to complete the legal aspect of the adoption.
• Do you help with interstate adoptions? (ICPC)

  Lifetime Adoption has developed our program to work with families across the nation. All of the paperwork Lifetime requires can be completed by mail, fax, or email. The majority of our families live in a different state than the birth mother's state, and many birth parents prefer a family who does not live in their state. They may not want contact or may only want limited contact after placement. Some birth parents are interested in a family with similar interests and have not found that in their state.
• Can Lifetime help us if we are already connected with a birth mother?

  Yes. That’s exactly what our Florida Adoption Match Support Program is designed for. If you’ve already connected with a birth mother in Florida (through personal connections, networking, or an attorney), Lifetime can step in to provide the licensed services required by Florida law. We’ll handle the consents, coordinate with your attorney, manage hospital planning, and most importantly, provide the birth mother with counseling, resources, and caring support.

Birth Mothers and Matching

• Do you have newborns or infants now?

  Lifetime is currently working with both expectant mothers as well as those with children who are already born. Visit our Birth Parents Seeking Families page, where we have posted many of our current birth mothers. This page is updated daily, and it will give you an idea of the qualities birth mothers are seeking in adoptive parents.
• If I adopt an infant, how old is the baby when I receive him/her?

  Generally speaking, the baby is between 24 hours old to three days old when adopting an infant. In most cases of domestic infant adoptions, the baby will be discharged directly from the hospital to you — the adoptive parents. However, a few states require temporary cradle care before placing the infant with the adoptive family members.
• Do you ever have twins?

  Yes! We happily see our families blessed with adopting newborn twins a few times each year. In any year, we might have two to three sets of newborn twins for adoption amid over 100 adoptions, on average, that we perform per year. Newborn twins are an extra blessing, as most all waiting families are open to them.
• Where do your birth parents come from?

  Our prospective birth parents and children come from all over the U.S. We receive referrals from various sources, including personal recommendations, hospitals, counselors, physicians, newspaper articles, TV appearances, radio programs, social media, nationwide outreach programs, and counselors. In addition, Lifetime advertises in most states, and many birth families locate adoptive parents from our websites.
• Will birth parents consider a family outside of their area?

  Yes, many birth parents prefer a family who does not live in their state. They may not want contact or may only want limited contact after placement. Some birth parents are interested in a family with similar interests and have not found that in their area. For example, a birth mother searching for a family of the same faith with less than one child and pets may find the exact match two states away.
• Will prospective birth parents be calling us?

  At Lifetime, we want to protect our adoptive families and birth parents from disappointment by screening both parties. Through this screening process, we can avoid adoption scams and achieve confidence regarding the adoption situation. Once we can verify and confirm the readiness of a birth parent for adoption, your adoption coordinator will contact you directly to find out if you are interested in speaking to the birth parents. Birth parents will not be given your contact information until you have agreed to speak.
• What if the baby is born with medical issues we can’t handle?

  It is very rare in this age of medical technology that we are unaware of medical issues before birth, but it can happen. We have families waiting who are prepared for the long-term needs of adopting a child with special needs. Lifetime's policy is to find homes for all our children and prevent them from going into the foster care system. If an adoptive couple doesn't feel equipped to care for a child with medical issues, Lifetime would never force them to bring that child home.
• Can we see photos of birth mothers?

  Very few birth mothers give us photos of themselves. It takes a lot of courage to reach out to an adoption agency, and we don't put additional pressure on her by requesting a photo. Lifetime doesn’t want birth mothers to feel as if they’re being judged on their looks. She might feel like her baby is being rejected if an adoptive family turns down the adoption based on appearances. When a birth mother shows interest in you, Lifetime Adoption will let you know the basic information we’ve gathered from her. This includes things such as whether she used substances during her pregnancy, the race of her baby, and her hopes for future contact. As you match and develop a relationship with a birth mother, she may be open to sharing more with you.
• What ages and ethnic backgrounds of children are available?

  Most of our adoption opportunities are newborns, although we occasionally have toddlers, sibling groups, and older children of all races. Our birth mothers represent a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, including Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, African American, East Indian, and Asian backgrounds, as well as mixed and other heritages.
• Can we select the gender of the child?

  Yes, but you need to understand that you may experience a much longer wait to be chosen by a birth parent with more specifics required for your child. Many of our birth mothers don't know what gender the baby will be, so you'd only be presented to less of Lifetime's adoption opportunities if you're gender-specific. We encourage those interested in a specific gender to consider the adoption of a waiting child where the gender is already known.
• What about the baby’s health?

  Lifetime Adoption requests a medical release and health information from each birth mother. We will provide you with all the documentation we receive regarding the health of the baby you're considering adopting. In addition, many hospitals will routinely do a toxicology screen on all newborns. Most of our babies are healthy and have been cared for in utero by loving birth mothers. However, be aware that some birth mothers have no prenatal care and records to share.
• Where are older children living now?

  Most of the children that you see on our site are living with their birth parents or relatives. The birth parents have tried to raise the children and for different reasons, from health issues, aging grandparents, personal problems or divorce are seeking a better life for them. Adoption is the option many of these parents request, often wanting to avoid the children going into the foster care system. They come to us to find adoptive parents, allowing them the ability to decide the type of environment and family their child will be raised in. This is often the last loving choice they can make for their child.
• Do you place children directly with adoptive families?

  Yes, our original adoption placement formula has been working since 1986. A birth mother will place her baby directly with you through an independent or designated agency placement. We have set up these adoption programs to assist you in locating a birth mother through Lifetime's time-tested methods and invaluable resources. Lifetime networks throughout the United States with a vast database of resources and proven strategies for reaching birth mothers.
• How can we prevent a scam?

  We have years of experience in avoiding adoption scams and frauds and know the signs to watch for. Lifetime personally screens and previews each potential birth parent situation for professional recommendations before you are presented.

Understanding Open Adoption

• What is open adoption?

  Open adoption can mean many things, from just speaking over the phone with a birth mother, or having a single meeting with your birth mother, to ongoing letters and photos, phone calls, or visits after the adoption. The degree of contact is something to be agreed upon between the adoptive parents and the birth parents.
• Does open adoption mean we’ll be co-parenting?

  No. You are the parents. An open adoption arrangement creates room for honesty and connection. It provides the opportunity for your child to grow up knowing their story while allowing you and the birth parents to set expectations prior to the adoption.
• Can birth parents show up whenever they want?

  No. Open adoption is created through mutual agreements and clear communication. Lifetime helps you and the birth mother establish expectations so everyone is on the same page from the beginning.
• Will open adoption confuse our child?

  Children who grow up understanding adoption and knowing their story typically feel more secure, not less. Openness helps answer questions before they become fears and gives your child a sense of identity that is grounded in truth and love.
• Is open adoption unpredictable?

  With clear expectations, communication, and support, open adoption can be steady and meaningful for everyone. Remember, you aren’t going to navigate the relationship alone, Lifetime is here to help, even years after your adoption if needed.
• Doesn’t open adoption benefit the birth parents more than us?

  No. Open adoption benefits everyone involved, especially your child. Most adoptive families in a modern, open adoption say that the relationship is a blessing they never expected.

Costs and Funding

• Is it still possible to afford adoption in today’s economy?

  Yes, absolutely. Many families worry about finances, especially today, but Lifetime has a program that provides more help than ever before, including our Adoption Finance Coaching. Adoption with Lifetime can be approached in stages, with grants, tax credits, and employer benefits that make the process more manageable than it may seem at first.
• Does the adoption tax credit really make a difference?

  Yes! Most adoptive families receive a substantial federal tax credit after their adoption, helping reduce the overall cost significantly.
• Are grants actually available?

  Yes. Many Christian and nonprofit organizations offer grants, sometimes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Lifetime provides direct guidance and coaching through our Adoption Finance Coaching option.
• We want to adopt but feel overwhelmed by the upfront cost. What can we do?

  This is a common concern. The good news is that with planning, support, grants, tax credits, and employer benefits, many families find adoption feels much more achievable than they expected. At Lifetime, we provide a number of programs that offer payment plans or allow you to raise funds prior to starting.
• What if our employer offers adoption reimbursement?

  Employer adoption benefits are becoming more common than ever. Some families have been surprised to discover their employer provides adoption benefits that cover the majority of their adoption costs. Other benefits may include reimbursement, paid leave, or family-support funds.
• What is the total cost of adoption?

  Nationally, adoption costs can range anywhere from $0 to more than $50,000. Adoptive parents who choose to adopt a child through Lifetime Adoption pay a one-time, flat fee covering all of Lifetime's services, including those provided to expectant parents. How much it costs to adopt a child in the U.S includes the cost of the adoption process and a wide range of other potential adoption expenses, including travel expenses, legal fees for adoption attorneys, adoption agency fees, birth mother expenses if any, and more.
• Does Lifetime accept credit cards?

  Lifetime Adoption accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards as an alternative to a personal check or wire transfer for adoption fees. However, some bank card companies have daily limits, so you may wish to check yours. If you do have a daily limit, learn how to modify it for one day. We also accept electronic checks and direct deposit to expedite your process and e-signatures on contracts, allowing you to contract within the day if desired. Be sure to let the application coordinator know your needs.
• Do you offer payments or have resources for adoption loans?

  Yes, Lifetime Adoption has a no-interest payment program. We can provide referrals to organizations offering adoption loans, grants, and other programs to help families with expenses. Those interested in African American or special needs adoptions can receive a grant through a separate program developed by Lifetime, the African American Enrichment Program.

Working with Other Agencies

• Will you work with a family already signed up with another organization?

  Yes, Lifetime regularly works with other agencies and attorneys whose families contract with Lifetime to utilize our services. Lifetime will work side by side with other adoption professionals on your behalf. Adoptive couples who have been waiting a long time find that Lifetime offers them more exposure to potential birth mothers due to the number of pregnant women we work with at any given time. Unlike many agencies and attorneys, Lifetime can work with birth parents nationwide.
• Can Lifetime work with families already matched with a birth mother?

  Absolutely. Our experienced Lifetime coordinators are ready to guide you through evaluating whether the birth mother who’s reached out to you is the right fit for your family. Upon enrolling with us, we’ll connect with the birth mother right away to confirm her pregnancy, review medical records, and assess her needs, including counseling. These services come at a lower cost compared to those for families yet to match. Lifetime is committed to helping you avoid adoption risks and build a strong, secure adoption plan.
• Can Lifetime help if we’ve already found a birth mother in Florida?

  Yes. In Florida, a licensed adoption agency or attorney must be involved to complete the adoption legally. Our Florida Adoption Match Support Program ensures everything is handled correctly, while also giving the birth mother caring support.
• What is the procedure to be presented to a birth mother?

  As soon as you contract with Lifetime, you are available for any situation that matches your criteria. You will be visible to many prospective birth parents through your adoption profile and Lifetime website. Lifetime will help you prepare your website and electronic version of your profile so we can present you to the prospective birth mothers we are working with. If a birth parent is interested in speaking to you, we will call you with background information on the situation. If you choose to move forward, we will arrange a phone call between you and the birth parents.