When a couple decides that they are ready to adopt a child, the process can be exciting, unnerving, stressful, and unpredictable. These feelings are normal, but sometimes couples have negative misconceptions about the adoption process, which can lead to potential confusion, frustration, and uncertainty about adopting and following through with an adoption.

To help mitigate those fears, anxiety, and misinformation, below are the most common myths associated with the adoption process.

1 You need lots of money: While there are fees and costs associated with adoption, you don’t have to be rich to be able to adopt. Agencies will work with couples to find resourceful options to finance the adoption. You might apply for a grant, have a fundraiser, or seek out a loan.

#2 Adoptive parents cannot love an adopted child the same way as a biological child: Whether a child is biological or not, the relationship and bond they share are as organic and real as if they were their biological child.

#3 The Birth mom can take their child back: This concern can cause a lot of unwarranted fear, anxiety, and stress. Once the baby or child is with the adoptive parents, there is a revocation period, which means during that specified time, the biological parent can take back their consent to giving up their child. Once the revocation period expires, birth parents cannot legally regain their rights to the child.

#4 Couples have to be married to adopt: You can be single, married, or divorced and still be able to adopt a child. The adoption is more about whether or not you can provide a supportive, safe, and loving home for the child.

#5 Adopted kids are all bad: While some kids in foster care suffer from developmental and behavioral issues, they aren’t bad kids. Often, they have experienced hardships that no one should. Getting adopted and having a forever home helps them feel safe, secure, and experience an environment where they can flourish.

Adoption can be a rewarding experience for you and your child. In the state of Virginia, different laws apply to the adoption process, and an experienced attorney can help you understand how those laws impact you.