Adoption requires stamina, commitment, and patience. Lots of patience. The reality is that adopting families will find themselves in adoption limbo in any or all of the following parts of the adoption process:
1. The wait to be chosen by a birth mother
2. The 9 months that an expectant birth mother will be pregnant (come on, science!)
3. The 10 day waiting period (Arkansas specific) before an adoption is finalized
Here is what we recommend you do during a limbo period.
1. Paperwork
While you wait for a birth mother to choose your family, make sure you have all paperwork turned in as a child’s arrival comes without trumpet blasts. Another step you could take is to put together a fundraising plan. Finally, anything you do to spruce up your profile will make the wait that much shorter.
2. Invest your time
During the birth mother’s pregnancy, you have the opportunity to invest in her with your time and attention. She is in a rough spot, so if you have the opportunity to be there for her, do it. She is carrying the child you hope to adopt, and it’s important that she like you. Further, how great would it be for her to see firsthand what a wonderful family her child will become a part of?
This is also a good time to paint the nursery. Go ahead. Throw paint on each other movie style and enjoy the day.
3. Write a letter
The child may be placed with you immediately after birth. The state of Arkansas, however, will not finalize an adoption until 10 days after the birth. You will have your hands full, but those 10 days may be a great time to write a letter of thank you to the woman whose courage made the adoption possible.
Adoption limbo is notably less fun than regular limbo, but when done right, the wait can serve as an opportunity to get the small stuff done and out of the way.
Contact Heimer Law for answers to your questions, or for more information about the adoption process in Arkansas.
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