Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption

Only you can answer that, and you don't have to decide today. Our counselors offer confidential, no-pressure conversations so you can explore your options at your own pace.

No. Every conversation with our counselors is confidential and without obligation.

Yes, you have at least until the time you sign the voluntary relinquishment.

Five steps: (1) start a conversation, (2) create your adoption plan, (3) choose an adoptive family, (4) prepare for placement, (5) post-placement support.

You browse home-study-approved family profiles and decide who matches your values. Take your time; there's no right or wrong choice.

You are in charge. Your hospital plan, who is there, who holds the baby first, how discharge works, is your plan.

Yes. You receive independent legal counsel at no cost. Your attorney represents your interests, not the agency's.

Utah maintains a putative father registry. Your attorney walks you through notice requirements and how they apply to your situation.

Yes, if you choose open or semi-open adoption. Most adoptions today include some level of ongoing contact.

No. All services to birth parents seeking adoption are confidential and at no cost. Support for birth parents seeking adoption may be provided as allowed by state law.

Support for birth parents seeking adoption may be provided as allowed by state law. All services to birth parents seeking adoption are confidential and at no cost. Depending on your actual expenses and the state law that applies, support may include adoption-related expenses, including adoption pregnancy-related expenses, counseling, transportation, housing help, utilities, grocery needs, and adoption-related legal fees as permitted by state law.

No. We help birth moms in many states. Out-of-state placements are coordinated through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). Adoption laws vary by state, so a free consultation is the best way to understand what is possible where you live.

Most adults meeting their state's home study requirements, age 21+, financially stable, free of certain criminal history, can adopt. Married couples, single adults, and LGBTQ+ families are all welcomed.

No. We work with adoptive families in most U.S. states. Your home study must be completed by a state-licensed provider in your home state.

Yes, fully. Same terms as any other qualified applicants.

Typically 12 to 24 months from application to placement. Home study: 3 to 6 months. Wait after profile is active: 9 to 18 months on average.

A state-licensed evaluation confirming you're ready and able to provide a safe, loving home. Background checks, home visits, interviews, and adoption education.

Birth mothers review our home-study-approved family profiles and choose the family that feels right for them.

All services to birth mothers are confidential and at no cost. For adoptive families, fees vary based on your situation and the services you need. Contact us for a personalized estimate. The IRS also offers a federal adoption tax credit per child, adjusted annually.

Yes. Organizations like Gift of Adoption, Show Hope, and the National Adoption Foundation offer grants to adoptive families.

After consent is signed (in Utah, no earlier than 24 hours after birth), the baby goes home with you. Post-placement visits follow for 3 to 6 months.

In Utah, typically within 6 months of placement. Timelines vary by state.

Ongoing counseling, openness facilitation with the birth family if chosen, and resources for your growing family.

Yes. A Act of Love Adoptions is a licensed non-profit adoption agency in the State of Utah.

Since 1993, over 30 years of domestic infant adoption work.

Our full review history is published on Google. We maintain an average of 4.8 stars across 129 reviews.

No. A Act of Love is a non-denominational licensed non-profit that welcomes and serves families of all faiths.

Complaints about Utah-licensed adoption agencies go to the Utah Office of Licensing at dlbc.utah.gov/concerns-and-incident. See our compliance page for detail.