Illinois

Adoption in Illinois

If you live in Illinois and are pregnant and considering adoption, please visit our For Birthmothers page for more information on how the adoption process works.

For Adoptive Families

A summary regarding adoption law information can be found below. Below you will also find a list of Home Study Providers who operate in Illinois to help you take your first steps in the adoption process. Lastly, visit our ADOPTIVE FAMILY PAGE to learn more about how adoption works as an adoptive family.

Illinois Adoption Law

In order to aid in your understanding of adoption laws that govern the state of Illinois, we provide a quick summary of the most common laws. It is essential to note that this is not a complete and extensive list of adoption laws and should not be viewed as such. This is not a replacement for outside legal advice and should be used as a reference only.

Consent to Adopt

Birthmother can sign consent anytime 72 hours after birth. The signing of consent must be done before a court. Birthfather can sign consent at any time before or after the birth. Consent is irrevocable at signing without a court hearing. The state does have a birth father registry.

Birthmother Living Expenses

Birthmother living expenses are allowed to be paid with no specified maximum. Up to 60 days postpartum expenses may be allowable. The state requires that all birthmother living expenses must be disbursed by a licensed child-placing agency.

Adoption Finalization

Finalization may occur 6 months from the date consent to adopt is irrevocable. The state does allow non-residents to finalize in the state of Illinois.

Illinois Home Study Providers

There are multiple entities in the state of Illinois that can perform home studies, which are the first step in the adoption process. The vast amount of options can be overwhelming and making sure that whoever performs your Home Study is licensed in the state of Illinois is vital to a positive outcome. Because we know this, Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions has created a national database of qualified and professional Home Study Providers for your use.

NOTE: All individuals and entities on this list are independent and separate from Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. They do not represent Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions in any way. Also, Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions does not receive any fee or portion of any fee for making this contact information available to you.