Almost 30% of adoptive parents nowadays are single — and about 85% are women. It makes sense. A woman who feels called to be a mother might in the past have chosen a man who would be a good dad and a good provider, even if he didn’t seem like her soulmate. Today’s woman may not be willing to make that choice. Yet there is that biological clock. A man can wait till he’s in his 50s to marry and have a family, but women don’t have that luxury Instead of waiting for a perfect traditional family situation, single women are increasingly deciding to begin a family through adoption. Yet adopting in Arkansas as a single woman can bring up concerns.
Is it legal for a single woman to adopt?
Yes, single women or men can legally adopt a child in Arkansas. While the law used to forbid this, it now is clear: prospective adoptive parents don’t have to be married to adopt. However, unmarried couples can’t adopt together in Arkansas. A woman with a long-term live-in partner can adopt by herself.
Can I meet the requirements to adopt?
A single woman wanting to adopt may be nervous about the home study. Women make just about 80 cents for every dollar men make in Arkansas. A single woman with just one income may feel concern about being financially stable enough to adopt. It makes sense to think about this carefully and to work through your financial documents and your budget just the way your social worker will.
You must also have a good plan for childcare while you’re at work and while you take care of other responsibilities and priorities. The home study is intended to make sure that the prospective adoptive parents can provide a stable home for a child, so this question will definitely arise.
Will I be able to do it alone?
Before you have your home study, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll care for a child if you become ill or if the child has medical issues. You should also take care of estate planning and make sure you have someone to serve as guardian for the child in the event of your death.
Being single doesn’t have to mean you’re alone, even if you don’t have a partner. Family and friends may be the village you need to raise a child — but make sure they’re really in your corner. Will your mom actually be willing to provide emergency childcare on school holidays? Is your bestie truly fond of children, or just being polite when you talk about it?
Have some serious conversations with the people you expect to be your support system.
Will finding a match be harder?
Arkansas laws encourages birth moms to choose the adoptive families they think will be best for their children. You might wonder — will a woman who doesn’t feel ready to parent by herself choose a single mom for her child’s adoptive parent?
It’s a fair question, but you can make sure to present yourself honestly in your portfolio and meetings with expectant moms or birth moms. If you foresee that your marital status could be a concern, bring it up in a positive and authentic way.
Talk with an adoption attorney
Every adoption brings up surprises and there are always twists and turns in the adoption journey. You will need an attorney at some point along the way, and it makes sense to have one at the beginning when you have concerns about any part of the process. Heimer Law is an Arkansas family law firm specializing in adoption. Meet with us for a free consultation.
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