New York

Adoption in New York

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

For Adoptive Families

Below is both a summary of information regarding adoption laws in New York and a list of Home Study Providers to aid you in taking the initial step in the adoption process as an adoptive family. If you’re just beginning your adoption journey as a prospective adoptive family, please check out our ADOPTIVE FAMILY PAGE to learn more about the process.

New York Adoption Law

Trying to track down a summary of laws that pertain to adoptions in New York governing can be difficult. Below is a synopsis of the common New York adoption laws. But by no means should this information be relied upon as complete lawful guidance or applicable to your adoption. It should be used as a reference only.

Consent to Adopt

The birth mother and birth father can sign consent anytime after the birth. The signing of consent must be done before a court. 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 30 days postpartum expenses may be allowable.

Adoption Finalization

Finalization may occur 3-12 months from the date consent to adopt is irrevocable. The state does allow non-residents to finalize in the state of New York.

New York Home Study Providers

A home study, which is the first step in the New York adoption process, is done to make sure that you would be good parents to a future adopted child. They may be performed by the New York Department of Human Resources or other licensed entities. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions has created a national database of professional and licensed Home Study Providers to make the task of finding a home study provider painless.

This list is provided to you in the interest of positive adoptions. All individuals and entities listed are independent of and do not represent Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions does not receive a fee or portion of the home study provider’s fee for making their contact information available to you.