Access a nationwide network of curated adoption professionals to guide you through the legal process.

In Hawaii, any adult or married couple filing jointly may adopt. Adopting families may cover unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling, and living expenses for the birth mom, as well as lost wages due to pregnancy.  A birth mom can consent to adoption after the 6th month of pregnancy, but no judgement may be ruled upon until after the child is born. Consent is irrevocable after legal signing and is only revoked if found in the best interest of the child. Fun fact: Hawaii is an archipelago comprised of eight major islands and 137 smaller islands.

Hawaii

In Nebraska, any adult or married couple filing jointly may adopt. The adopting family may provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal and living expenses and lost wages due to pregnancy. Birth parent(s) can consent to the adoption 48 hours after birth. Consent becomes irrevocable after signing.  Fun fact: Nebraska welcomes 600,000 sandhill cranes to the central Platte River on their yearly migration.

Nebraska

In Nevada, any adult at least 10 years older than the child may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial assistance to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. The birth mom may consent to an adoption 72 hours after birth. Both biological parents must agree to the adoption, which can be finalized out of state. Consent is irrevocable upon signing. Fun fact: Nevada is home to over 600 ghost towns due to a silver rush in the 1860s.

Nevada

In Utah, any adult at least 10 years older than the child may adopt, and individuals who are cohabitating must be legally married to adopt. Adopting families may provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, counseling, legal, and living expenses. The birth mom can consent to adoption 24 hours after birth. Consent becomes irrevocable upon signing, unless fraud, duress, undue influence or lack of capacity is proven. Fun fact: Utah is home to the most International Dark Sky Parks.

Utah

In South Dakota, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) who has lived in the state for at least 6 months and is at least 10 years older than the child may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial assistance for the birth mom for all court-approved pregnancy-related expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to adoption 5 days after birth. Consent is irrevocable 30 days after finalization. Fun fact: Custer State Park is home to free-roaming buffalo!

South Dakota

In West Virginia, any adult or married couple (filing jointly or with consent) may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial assistance to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal and counseling expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable upon signing, except in cases of fraud or duress. Fun fact: West Virginia is only a days drive from 75% of the U.S. population.

West Virginia

In Iowa, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families may cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, counseling and living expenses. A birth mom may consent to adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable 96 hours after signing, unless under duress, fraud or misrepresentation. Fun fact: The red delicious apple originated in Iowa.

Iowa

In Washington, any adult 18 years or older may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial support to the birth mother for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling, and living expenses and lost wages due to pregnancy. Birth parent(s) may consent to adoption at any time but cannot present consent to the court until 48 hours after it is signed or after the birth of the child, whichever comes later. Consent is irrevocable upon court approval (generally 48 hours after birth) or consent signing, whichever comes later. Fun fact: Washington has more glaciers than the other 47 contiguous states combined.

Washington

In Delaware, any adult over the age of 21 may adopt. The adopting family can provide financial support for the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal and counseling expenses.  A birth mother can consent to adoption any time after birth. Consent is irrevocable 14 days after signing. Of note, adoption is not final until 6 months of home residency has occurred. Fun fact: With an average altitude of 60 feet above sea level, Delaware is the lowest state.

Delaware

In Maryland, any adult may adopt, and adoptions can be finalized out of state. Adopting families can offer financial support to the birth mom  for unreimbursed medical and living expenses and any transportation and accommodation costs related to pregnancy or court appearance. Birth parents may consent to adoption any time after birth. Consent is irrevocable 30 days after signing.Fun fact: For as small as it is, Maryland has extraordinarily varied environments - marshes, freshwater rivers, beaches and dense forests. 

Maryland

In South Carolina, any adult who lives in the state can adopt (or non-residents if they meet certain conditions). Adopting families may offer financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, living and legal expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to adoption any time after birth. Consent becomes irrevocable upon signing unless the birth parent can prove it was involuntary and that withdrawing consent is in the child’s best interest. Fun fact: South Carolina is nicknamed after the lovely Palmetto tree that also graces its state flag.

South Carolina

In Florida, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families can cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal and reasonable living and adoption-related expenses. A birth mom may consent to adoption 48 hours after birth or when she is released from the birth center or hospital, whichever comes first. For a newborn, consent is irrevocable upon signing; for children 6 months or older, 3 days after signing or when the child is placed in the adopting family’s home, whichever comes later (unless fraud or duress is proven). Fun fact: Wherever you are in Florida, you're never further than 60 miles from a body of salt water.

Florida

In New Jersey, any adult at least 18 years old and at least 10 years older than the child can adopt. Adopting families can provide financial assistance to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, transportation, counseling and living expenses. Birth parent(s) can give consent to adoption after 72 hours. Consent is irrevocable after parental rights are terminated to a licensed, New Jersey adoption agency or to a judge. Fun fact: New Jersey is called "The Garden State" because it was once said that the state is "an immense barrel, filled with good things to eat and open at both ends, with Pennsylvanians grabbing from one end and New Yorkers from the other."

New Jersey

In North Dakota, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families may cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, counseling, and living expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to the adoption any time after birth. Consent becomes irrevocable after a court order terminating parental rates is filed. Fun fact: The first camera was invented in 1887, and founder, David Henderson, scrambled the state's letters and added a 'k' to name his camera, Kodak.

North Dakota

In Wisconsin, any adult over 21, single or married (filing jointly), may adopt. Adopting families may cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. Birth parent(s) can file a petition terminating parental rights at any time, but the hearing that follows (usually within 30 days) cannot happen before the child is born. Consent is irrevocable upon signing, although the birth parent may appeal due to fraud, misrepresentation, mistake or other specific reasons within 30 days of signing. Fun fact: The first ice cream sundae was concocted in Wisconsin in 1881.

Wisconsin

In Maine, any adult over the age of 21 may adopt. Adopting families may cover unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and reasonable living expenses for the birth mom. A birth mother may consent to adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable 5 days after the consent is executed. Fun fact: Along the coast of Maine, it's possible to see the adorable and rare Atlantic puffin.

Maine

In Arkansas, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families can cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal and living expenses, and services related to post-partum recuperation. Birth parents(s) can consent to the adoption any time after birth. Consent may be revoked within10 days from birth or from signing, whichever is later. Fun fact: You can find diamonds in Arkansas!

Arkansas

In New York, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial assistance to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. Birth parent(s) may consent to adoption at any time. Consent is irrevocable 45 days after signing for a private adoption and generally 30 days after signing for an agency adoption. Adoptive parents may contest the revocation in a hearing before the court. Fun fact: Seneca Falls held the first Women's RIght Convention in 1848.

New York

In New Mexico, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) can adopt. Adopting families can offer financial support to birth mothers for unreimbursed medical, counseling, travel, living and other birth- and adoption-related expenses. Birth parent(s) may consent to adoption 48 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable upon signing. Fun fact: New Mexico is home to two amazing national parks, White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns.

New Mexico

In Idaho, any adult who lives in the state and is at least 25 years old or at least 15 years older than the child may adopt. Adopting families may cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses and lost wages due to pregnancy. Consent to adoption is irrevocable upon signing. Fun fact: Idaho grows a third of all America's potatoes!

Idaho

In Alabama, any resident 18 or older may adopt. Adopting families can cover the birth mother’s unreimbursed medical, legal, and living expenses, and, potentially, her lost wages. Birth parent(s) can relinquish parental rights within 5 days of birth if the adoption decree is signed prior to birth, or 5 days after signing, if signed after birth. Consent can be revoked for an additional 9 days in based on cause shown in a filed petition. 

Alabama

In Missouri, any adult or married couple filing jointly may adopt. Adopting families can cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, counseling, legal and living expenses. The birth mother can consent to adoption 48 hours after the birth. Consent becomes irrevocable once approved by the court, which must be done within 3 days (or a hearing must be set). Fun fact: Missouri is known for ragtime, St. Louis blues and Kansas City-style barbeque. 

Missouri

In Michigan, any adult or married couple filing jointly can adopt. Adopting families can cover a birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. Birth parent(s) may consent to adoption at any time after birth. Consent generally becomes irrevocable upon signing, however, if a birth parent wants to revoke their consent, they must petition the court. Fun fact: PairTree Founder, Erin Quick, adopted her first child from Michigan.  

Michigan

In Ohio, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal and counseling expenses. Birth parent(s) may consent to adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable after a final decree or interlocutory order is issued (usually 30 days), unless fraud, duress or misrepresentation can be proven. Fun fact: Seven Presidents have come from Ohio, giving it the name, "Mother of Presidents." 

Ohio

In Oklahoma, any adult 21 years or older may adopt, and married couples must file jointly (with some exceptions). Adopting families can cover a birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to the adoption any time after the child’s birth. Consent is irrevocable upon signing, unless in cases of fraud or duress. Fun fact: about 3000 buffalo range free in areas around Oklahoma.

Oklahoma

In New Hampshire, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) can adopt. Adopting families may provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling, education and living expenses. Birth parent(s) may consent to an adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable after the final hearing, unless birth parent(s) can prove fraud or duress in signing and can show that returning the child is in his/her best interest. Fun fact: New Hampshire is also known as "the Switzerland of America" for its beautiful mountain scenery.

New Hampshire

In Colorado, any adult or married couple over the age of 21 (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families can cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and pregnancy-related expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to adoptiion any time after birth. Consent is irrevocable upon signing, unless the birth parent can show fraud or duress within 90 days of placement. Fun fact: Colorado is home to the world's largest hot spring swimming pool.

Colorado

In Arizona, any adult who lives in the state may adopt. Adopting families may cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to adopt 72 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable upon signing unless obtained by fraud, duress, or undue influence. Fun fact:  Arizona's Sonoran Desert is the only place on earth that the iconic saguaro cactus grows.

Arizona

Adoptive parent(s) can cover medical, legal, counseling, plus their related transportation expenses. Living expense may be paid for by Adoptive Parents when Birth Mom is unable to pay due to pregnancy (up to $980/mo. in lodging, food, utilities, and clothing; up to $500/mo. in educational, vocational, recreational, religious services). Adoptive Parents can also cover 2 round-trip airfares for birth parent to in-state agency for adoption services. 

Massachusetts

In Georgia, any adult who is 25 years or older or is married and living with their spouse, has lived in the state for 6 months, and is at least 10 years older than the child may adopt in Georgia. Adopting families can provide financial support to birth moms for unreimbursed medical, legal and living expenses. Birth parent(s) may consent to adopt any time after birth or pre-birth. Consent is irrevocable 4 days after signing. Fun fact: Georgia's nickname is "The Peach State".

Georgia

In Kansas, any adult at least 10 years older than the child (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families may cover unreimbursed medical, legal and living expenses. A birth mom can consent to the adoption 12 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable after signing, unless the birth parent can show evidence that consent was not given freely and voluntarily.  Fun fact: Smith County in Kansas is the exact middle of the 48 contiguous states.

Kansas

In Vermont, any adult may adopt. Adopting families may cover all fees related to the pregnancy and birth for the birth mom, including medical, legal, counseling, and living expenses. Birth parent(s) may consent to the adoption 36 hours after birth. The child must reside with the adopting family for six months before the adoption petition is signed by the court. Consent is irrevocable 21 after signing. Fun fact: Vermont is also home to one hundred 19th-Century covered wooden bridges.

Vermont

In North Carolina, any adult over the age of 18 who has lived in the state for at least 90 days may adopt. Adoptive families may provide financial assistance to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling, travel and living expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to the adoption 48 hours after birth. Consent become irrevocable 7 days after signing, unless obtained by fraud or duress. Fun fact: Krispy Kreme donuts originated in North Carolina.

North Carolina

In Rhode Island, any adult who lives in the state can adopt, and married couples must file jointly. Adoptive families  may provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, and often counseling expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to adoption 15 days after birth. Consent becomes irrevocable 180 days after the adoption decree is entered, unless clear and convincing evidence filed by the court proves the adoption is not in the best interests of the child. Fun fact: Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state. 

Rhode Island

In our nation’s capital, any adult or married couple filing jointly may adopt. Adopting families can provide financial support to the birth mother for unreimbursed medical, legal, and counseling expenses. Consent is irrevocable after the adoption order is filed in an independent adoption. For agency adoptions, consent is final after 14 days. Fun fact: It may be only 68.34 square miles, but it's home to the most important government buildings in our country!

Washington D.C.

In Kentucky, any adult who has lived in the state at least one year may adopt, and married couples must file jointly. Adopting families may provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, counseling, legal and living expenses. A birth mom can consent to adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent becomes final 20 days after signing or state/interstate approval, whichever is later. Fun fact: Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park - the longest cave system on earth.

Kentucky

In Wyoming, any adult who has lived in the state for 60 days may adopt. The state doesn't outline what expenses adopting families may cover for the birth mom, so working with a professional may be helpful. Birth parent(s) may consent to adoption any time after birth. Consent is irrevocable upon signing, unless obtained through fraud or duress. 

Fun fact: Yellowstone, the world's first national park, is mostly in Wyoming.

Wyoming

In Oregon, any adult may adopt as long as one of the adopting parents or the consenting birth mother has lived in the state for at least 6 months. Adopting families may provide financial assistance to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, and counseling and living expenses. Birth parent(s) can consent to adoption any time after birth. In an agency adoption, consent is irrevocable after a child is placed, while in an independent adoption, it’s after state requirements are met (a few days after placement).Fun fact: Oregonians are serious about their big foot beliefs--there's at least one Sasquatch trap located in the remote mountains of Oregon.

Oregon

In Tennessee, any adult 18 and older who has lived in the state for 6 months may adopt, and married couples must file jointly. Adopting families may provide financial assistance to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. Birth parent(s) may generally consent to adoption 3 days after birth. Consent becomes irrevocable 10 days after signing. Fun fact: Tennessee is the home of Graceland, the Grand Ol Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Tennessee

In Virginia, any adult who has lived in the state for 6 months may adopt. Adopting families may cover unreimbursed medical, legal, transportation and living expenses for the birth mom. Birth parent(s) can consent to the adoption 3 days after birth. Consent is irrevocable seven days after signing unless fraud or duress is proven. Fun fact: Earth Day was officially started in Virginia.

Virginia

In Mississippi, any adult who has lived in the state for at least six months may adopt, and married couples must file jointly. Adopting families can provide financial support to the birth mother for anything connected with the pregnancy, birth or adoption process.  Birth parent(s) may consent to adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable upon signing. Fun fact: The Magnolia State is home to B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more. 

Mississippi

In Illinois, any adult who has lived in the state for at least 6 months (with some exceptions) and is at least 21 years old may adopt, and married couples must file jointly. Adopting families can provide financial support to the birth mom for pregnancy-related expenses. A birth mom can consent to adoption 72 hours after birth, and consent is irrevocable upon signing or within 12 months if proof of fraud or duress. A birth father can consent to adoption prior to birth and can revoke consent within 72 hours after birth.  Fun fact: The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago, Illinois, was the tallest building in the world for 25 years.

Illinois

In Connecticut, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial support to the birth mother for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. A birth mother can consent to adoption 48 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable after finalization, which typically occurs within 30 days of filing the adoption order. Fun fact: The state bird is the American Robin.

Connecticut

In Louisiana, any adult over the age of 18 or a married couple filing jointly may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial support to the birth mother for unreimbursed pregnancy-related medical, legal, counseling, living and travel expenses. A birth mother may consent to adoption 5 days after birth in a private adoption, or 3 days in an agency adoption. Consent is irrevocable upon signing or 5 days after birth if the birth father signs prior to birth, unless fraud or duress are proven. Fun fact: Louisiana has eight different culinary regions in the state.

Louisiana

In Alaska, any adult or married couple filing jointly may adopt. Adopting families may provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical and living costs. Birth parent(s) can provide consent to adopt any time after birth. Consent becomes irrevocable 10 days from birth or 10 days from signing the adoption order. Fun fact: Alaska is home to the largest national park, highest peak, longest coastline, longest day and longest night. 

Alaska

In Minnesota, any adult who has lived in the state for at least one year may adopt. Adopting families can provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling, and living expenses. Birth parent(s) may consent to adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent becomes irrevocable ten days after signing. Fun fact: Minnesota is the home of Robert Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan.

Minnesota

In Pennsylvania, any adult can adopt, but open adoptions are only allowed if approved by the court. Adopting families can provide financial assistance to birth moms for unreimbursed birth-related medical and legal expenses. The birth mother can consent to adoption 72 hours after birth.  Consent by the birth mother is irrevocable 30 days after signing and may only be invalidated if obtained through fraud or duress. Fun fact: Pennsylvania brought us Hershey's chocolate and Philly cheesesteaks. 

Pennsylvania

In California, any adult who is at least 10 years older that the adoptee can adopt, with certain exceptions. Adopting families can provide financial support to the birth mom for unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling, and living (housing, food, clothing) expenses, but there are no official guidelines for how long. Birth parent(s) can consent to adoption any time after the birth mother is discharged from the hospital or birthing center. In private adoptions, birth parents have 30 days after signing until consent for adoption is irrevocable, unless they waive their right to revoke upon signing. 

California

In Texas, any adult 21 or older may adopt. Adopting families can cover the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses. The birth mom can consent to adoption 48 hours after birth. In a private adoption, relinquishment of parental rights is revocable for 10 days and consent to adopt is revocable for 60 days after signing.  In an agency adoption, consent is irrevocable after signing. Fun fact: Dr. Pepper was invented in Texas in 1885.In 

Texas

In Indiana, any adult who lives in the state may adopt, and married couples must file jointly. Adopting families may provide financial coverage for the birth mom’s unreimbursed medical, legal, counseling and living expenses and lost wages due to pregnancy. A birth mom can consent to adoption at any time after birth. Consent may be revoked within 30 days after signing, if the birth parents prove it is in the child’s best interest to withdraw consent. If birth parent confirms consent for the court, he/she loses the right to petition.  Fun fact: Indiana is often called "The Crossroads of America" possibly because it has more miles of interstate than any other state.

Indiana

In Montana, any adult or married couple filing jointly (with some exceptions) 18 years or older can adopt. Adopting families may cover  medical, legal, counseling, travel and living expenses for the birth mom. Birth parent(s) may consent to the adoption 72 hours after birth. Consent is irrevocable once an order has been issued to terminate parental rights. Fun fact: Montana is home to two incredible national parks, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.

Resources

Everything you need to know

about how to adopt in

Adoption Professionals

Popular Listings in TN