This requirement varies but is
usually a minimum of two to three years.
Divorced persons can usually adopt
without any problem.
Usually, adoptive parents must be
at least 18 years old. Some adoption agencies set maximum age limits as well. Age
limitations vary considerable so it’s best to determine if there are any age
considerations when you are exploring adoption agencies or countries for
international adoption. Interestingly,
the parents cannot be older than 40 for a Korean adoption while the Chinese
require that the parents be at least 30 (used to be 35) before they will be
considered for adoption. Some Asian, Latin American and South American
countries allow adoption by people in their 50s although every country wants to
be sure that the children they adopt out will have parents that are alive
throughout their childhood and teenage years.
Adoptive parents are expected to be
in good health. That doesn’t mean that you have to be able to run a marathon or
have perfect blood pressure but you should be able to demonstrate that you are
physically able to care for a child and you will live long enough to parent the
child to maturity.
Health requirements do not
necessarily mean that a person with disabilities cannot adopt. Every situation
is different and the agency will look at your situation during the home study
to determine whether or not they believe your disabilities would prevent you
from caring for a child.
