Adoption

Great Parenting Books for Waiting Families

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By E. Parker Herring

All expectant parents, including adoptive parents, must prepare for a new baby. Parenting books come in a variety of styles and formats. One author might not appeal to you, while you may find another author’s style and layout very readable.

Recommendations from my library of parenting books:

“Touchpoints” series by T. Berry Brazelton M.D., rev. by Joshua D. Sparrow M.D.
This is a two-book collection – “Birth to Three” and “Three to Six.” Dr. Brazelton was a Harvard medical professor and Director of the Children’s Hospital in Boston. The fully updated second edition by Dr. Sparrow includes informative sections on fathering and co-sleeping as well as general childcare.

When I started parenting more than 25 years ago a good friend told me to pick up Dr. Brazelton’s Touchpoints. She said the large print and easily marked age sections would make it easy to find the section I need when I become bleary-eyed from sleep deprivation. She was right. It’s still a great book for new parents and it has been updated and completely revised since its original printing in 1992.

“What to Expect the First Year” by Heidi Murkoff
This bestselling classic was originally published in 1962. Now in its third edition, it recently went through a line-by-line update. While there are many used versions available, I highly recommend purchasing the recent third edition.

“Your Baby and Child” by Dr. Penelope Leach
This childcare book has sold over two million copies and is very easy to read. Dr. Leach was educated at Cambridge and is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society, as well as a founding member of the UK Branch of the World Association for Infant Mental Health. She is a strong advocate of reading to newborns, toddlers and all ages.

“Between Parent and Child” by Dr. Haim G. Ginott
This book has been recently revised by the author’s wife, psychologist Dr. Alice Ginott. It talks about how parenting is a skill that anyone can learn. It offers advice on how to respond properly to your child, including how to discipline without making threats, punishment, bribes, or sarcasm. it also discusses how to criticize without being demeaning, and how to acknowledge your child’s feelings.

“The No-Cry Sleep Solution” series by Elizabeth Pantley
This is a three-book collection – “The No-Cry Sleep Solution,” “The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Newborns” and “The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers.” These are must-have books for new parents, as the one thing everyone wants for themselves and their child is sleep, beautiful, wonderful sleep.

On that note, the calming sound of a parent’s voice can often be the best way to quiet a child. Reading “Good Night Moon” aloud always put my kids to sleep. Take it easy and don’t let the reading list overwhelm you.

Quick Tip: You don’t have to read any book cover to cover. Nevertheless, you should start by reading the sections on newborn care while waiting to become parents. Leave the remaining chapters as your child grows.

About E. Parker Herring: An attorney and mother of three children, Parker has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on helping birth mothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed nearly 450 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. 
**The links shared in this article are for the convenience of the user to preview the books online. A Child’s Hope is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse any specific retailer.

Shining a Light on Adoption: Celebrating Adoption Awareness Month

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November is a special month that shines a spotlight on a journey that forever changes lives – adoption. It’s a time when communities, adoption agencies, and families come together to celebrate Adoption Awareness Month. At A Child’s Hope, we are deeply committed to supporting and promoting the beautiful and loving process of adoption. In this Article, we explore the significance of Adoption Awareness Month, its impact on families, and the importance of advocating for the welfare of babies in need of loving families.

Understanding Adoption Awareness Month

National Adoption Awareness Month has been celebrated since 1976. Its primary aim is to raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families for children waiting in the foster care system, but it also serves to honor all forms of adoption. 

The Heart of Adoption: Building Families

Adoption is an extraordinary journey of love, hope, and resilience. For birth parents, it may involve making a deeply emotional and selfless decision to provide a secure and loving home for their child. For adoptive families, it’s about growing your family through adoption.

Supporting Birth Parents and Adoptive Families

At A Child’s Hope, we recognize that the path to adoption is a unique and often emotional journey for birth parents and adoptive families. We are dedicated to offering guidance, support, and expert assistance to help all parties involved make the best decisions for themselves and their children.

The Miracle of Family through Adoption

Adoption creates families that defy cultural, racial, and geographical boundaries. It underscores the belief that family is built on love and acceptance, regardless of differences. Adoptive families come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, beautifully reflecting a diverse society.

Myths Debunked: The Truth about Adoption

Let’s dispel some common myths about adoption:

  1. Adoption is not a second-best choice: It’s a deliberate, wonderful way to grow a family.

  2. Adoption isn’t just for couples facing infertility: It’s open to anyone with the capacity to provide love, care, and stability to a child.

  3. Adoption isn’t a one-time event: It’s an ongoing journey filled with joy, challenges, and personal growth.

The Importance of Open Adoption

Open adoption, a concept gaining popularity, emphasizes maintaining varying degrees of contact and communication between birth parents, adoptive families, and adopted children. This approach fosters trust, understanding, and a strong sense of identity for the child. Children placed in open adoption do not have to fervently search for their biological parents as they grow older because the birth family and the adoptive family have been in touch since the beginning.

Get Involved: Make a Difference

Adoption Awareness MonthAdoption Awareness Month is not only about celebrating adoption but also offering support. 

  • Become an Advocate: Raise awareness about adoption in your community.
  • Consider Adoption: If you’ve ever thought about adoption, now might be the perfect time to explore this journey. Learn more about A Child’s Hope, click here.
  • Support Birth Parents: Empower and support birth parents in their courageous choices.

Adoption Awareness Month is an opportunity to honor the remarkable journey of adoption and the extraordinary families it creates. It’s a time to dispel myths, raise awareness, and encourage more families to open their hearts to the gift of family through adoption. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and parents, ensuring that every child finds a loving and nurturing forever home.

Citations and References:

  1. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021). National Adoption Month.
  2. Adoption Council. (2021). National Adoption Month 2021.

Are you eating for two? How much weight is too much to gain during pregnancy?

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Pregnancy can also bring its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to eating. Many women experience nausea or “morning sickness” and cravings, making it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. However, eating well is crucial for both you and your baby.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

All women gain weight during pregnancy, and those expecting multiples may gain even more. Keeping snacks handy can help stave off nausea and hunger pangs. Many pregnant women find that saltine crackers and wheat thins help keep their blood sugar levels stable.

How much weight you should gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. The American Pregnancy Association provides guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy:

Pre-Pregnancy WeightRecommended Weight Gain
Underweight28-40 pounds
Normal weight25-35 pounds
Overweight15-25 pounds
Obese11-20 pounds

The Mayo Clinic also offers detailed guidelines:

  • Underweight (BMI less than 18.5): Gain 28-40 pounds
  • Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): Gain 25-35 pounds
  • Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): Gain 15-25 pounds
  • Obese (BMI 30 or higher): Gain 11-20 pounds if carrying one baby. For multiples, the recommended weight gain is 25-42 pounds

Most women gain 2-4 pounds during the first trimester (12 weeks) and then about a pound a week thereafter. Larger weight gains typically occur after 20 weeks, directly related to your baby’s growth.

Nutritional Needs

It’s important not to fast or go on highly restrictive diets during pregnancy. Your baby needs sufficient iron to grow, and it’s not uncommon for pregnant women to be iron deficient and require iron infusions.

To ensure you’re getting enough iron, include these foods in your diet:

  • Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, red and green peppers, Swiss chard, and peas.
  • Fruits: Apples, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), bananas, kiwi, watermelon, and berries. Avoid pineapple, grapes, and papaya.
  • Proteins: Seafood, red meat, and eggs.

Monitoring Your Weight

Your doctor will weigh you at every prenatal visit. It’s important to discuss your weight gain and ensure you’re within the recommended guidelines. Gaining too much weight can also pose problems during pregnancy, so be mindful of your diet. Remember, your baby is eating everything you eat!

Sources: American Pregnancy Association and Mayor Clinic

Contact A Child’s Hope

This guide, provided by A Child’s Hope adoption agency in North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper prenatal care for both maternal and infant health. If you suspect you might be pregnant, don’t hesitate to take a test and seek medical advice, or contact the agency for personalized care and support. TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396, we are happy to talk to you confidentially.

About E. Parker Herring

About E. Parker Herring: An attorney and mother of three children, Parker has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on matching birth mothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed 470 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. For a confidential adoption counselor, TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396.

I am Pregnant, But Who is the Father?

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Discovering you’re pregnant can be overwhelming, especially when questions arise about the baby’s father. Understanding your situation and exploring next steps can help bring clarity and peace of mind during this uncertain time.

Initial Steps to Determine Paternity

Once you find out you are pregnant and have been given a due date, it’s important to think back and remember who you were having sex with at the time of conception. If there is more than one potential biological father, don’t feel ashamed. Not every woman with an unplanned pregnancy can automatically name with certainty who the biological father is.

Determining the Date of Conception

To figure out who the father might be, start by determining the dates you conceived. The conception period can help you narrow down the potential biological fathers. To determine the time period of conception, take your due date and count backwards 240 days. For example, if your due date is January 5, 2024, counting backwards gives you the approximate date of conception as May 10, 2023. While this method is not foolproof, it can help identify potential birth fathers.

Contacting Potential Fathers

Once you have a general idea of the conception date, write down the names of any men you had sexual intercourse with during that time period. Review your phone calendar and call records to be thorough. Contact the potential birth fathers to inform them of the pregnancy and why you think they might be the father.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test (NIPP)

If you or the potential fathers are uncertain about paternity, consider a Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test (NIPP). This test is safe for both the mother and the fetus, requiring only a blood sample from the mother and a cheek swab from the potential father. The test analyzes free-floating fetal DNA from the mother’s blood and compares it with the DNA of the potential father. The cost ranges from $1,600 to $2,000, and results typically take about one week and are highly accurate, providing at least a 99.9% probability of paternity​.

RESOURCES: (American Pregnancy Association)​​ (DDC DNA Tests)​​ (DDC DNA Tests)​​ (DDC DNA Tests)​.

It’s important to do what you can to sort this paternity issue out before you deliver. Whether you plan to parent or place the child for adoption, you want to know who the biological father is and inform him of the pregnancy. In North Carolina, the birth father’s consent is required if he has supported you during the pregnancy and acknowledged that the baby is his.

Importance of Resolving Paternity Issues and Legal Considerations

If you decide to make an adoption plan for your unborn child, you can ask the biological father to sign consents before the child’s birth. In most states, including North Carolina, biological fathers can give consent for the placement of the unborn child ahead of time. These documents need to be prepared by an attorney or an agency.

One of the benefits of working with an adoption agency is that agency counselors can communicate with the birth father if you request. At A Child’s Hope, for example, your adoption counselor will meet with the potential birth father to explain adoption. However, it’s best if you discuss the pregnancy with him first. If he agrees to the adoption, the agency can assist with the necessary consents.

Although you have several months to address the paternity issue, the sooner you start, the faster it will be resolved. Knowing the biological father is crucial, whether you plan to parent or place the child for adoption.

For more information on prenatal testing, consult a reputable laboratory or your healthcare provider.

 

Contact A Child’s Hope

This guide, provided by A Child’s Hope adoption agency in North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper prenatal care for both maternal and infant health. If you suspect you might be pregnant, don’t hesitate to take a test and seek medical advice, or contact the agency for personalized care and support. TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396, we are happy to talk to you confidentially.

About E. Parker Herring

About E. Parker Herring: An attorney and mother of three children, Parker has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on matching birth mothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed 470 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. For a confidential adoption counselor, TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396.

When Will I Feel My Baby Move and Learn the Sex?

Adoption, Children, Education, Expecting Moms -

For some women, a pregnancy doesn’t seem real until they learn the sex of the baby and start to feel the baby kick and move. The timing of these experiences can vary among women, with ranges for determining the sex of the baby and feeling the baby’s movements for the first time.

Feeling the Baby Move

Pregnant women feel their baby’s kicks and movements at different times during pregnancy. For most women, the first movements, known as “quickening,” are felt between 18 and 22 weeks. If this is not your first pregnancy, you may feel your baby move and/or kick earlier than 22 weeks.

As the pregnancy progresses, it’s important for the mother to stay in tune with the baby’s movements and be alert if there is a time when the baby stops moving or kicking. Regularly tracking the baby’s movements can provide reassurance and help identify any potential concerns early on.

Determining the Baby’s Sex

For most women, the gender of the baby is determined during the anatomy ultrasound, which is usually performed between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasound technicians are trained to examine the genitalia of the fetus to determine gender. These ultrasounds are a routine part of prenatal care.

There are also other diagnostic tools available to determine the gender of an unborn child before 18 weeks. Some women opt for a blood test done between 11 and 14 weeks. Blood tests are approximately accurate in predicting the baby’s sex by measuring the amount of certain markers in the blood.

Gender identity during pregnancy is also possible through a procedure known as CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling), a test primarily used to detect genetic disorders. This test can also provide information about the baby’s gender.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Before you start feeling the baby move or learn the baby’s sex, there are early signs and symptoms of pregnancy to be aware of, including missed periods, nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration among women.

Importance of Prenatal Care

Regular prenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health and development of both the mother and the baby. Prenatal visits typically include ultrasounds, blood tests, and discussions about the mother’s health and any concerns. Staying informed and attending all scheduled appointments can help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Understanding when you might feel your baby move and learn their sex can help make the pregnancy feel more real and exciting. Each pregnancy is unique, and these milestones can vary. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized information and guidance during your pregnancy journey. Regular prenatal care and being attentive to your baby’s movements can contribute to a healthy and positive pregnancy experience.

Contact A Child’s Hope

This guide, provided by A Child’s Hope adoption agency in North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper prenatal care for both maternal and infant health. If you suspect you might be pregnant, don’t hesitate to take a test and seek medical advice, or contact the agency for personalized care and support. TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396, we are happy to talk to you confidentially.

About E. Parker Herring

About E. Parker Herring: An attorney and mother of three children, Parker has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on matching birth mothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed 470 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. For a confidential adoption counselor, TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396.

A 5-Step Guide to Accessing Prenatal Care

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Prenatal care is crucial for both expecting mothers and the health of their unborn babies. If financial concerns are looming, rest assured that avenues like Medicaid exist to provide support. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help navigate the process:

  1. Confirm Your Pregnancy: Seek confirmation from a doctor if you suspect you’re pregnant due to symptoms like missed periods, nausea, or cramping.
  2. Apply for Pregnancy Medicaid Online: Lack medical insurance? Apply for Medicaid online, specifically for Pregnancy Medicaid, via the Medicaid website. This ensures coverage for pregnancy-related expenses.
  3. Explore Maternity Clinics: Upon approval for Pregnancy Medicaid, access care at county maternity clinics. These clinics are well-equipped to provide essential prenatal services.
  4. Consider Private Obstetricians: If you prefer private care, inquire with obstetricians in your area about Medicaid acceptance. Many offer a one-time flat rate for basic prenatal care. Compare rates and services among different practices.
  5. Check Your Health Insurance Policy: Already have health insurance but lack maternity benefits? Contact your provider to explore options for adding coverage, albeit at an additional fee.

Keep yourself updated about your rights and available resources. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance or clarification from healthcare providers or support services as needed. Many women are interested in options such as learning about adoption and whether it’s a consideration. Know that medical expenses can be covered by adoptive parents under North Carolina law. A Child’s Hope has eight counselors located throughout the state to seek guidance. Remember, regardless of your financial situation, prioritizing prenatal care is paramount for monitoring your health and ensuring the well-being of your unborn child. By using resources like Medicaid and exploring available options, you can access the care you need without undue financial burden. Both your health and your baby’s health are worth investing in.

This guide, provided by A Child’s Hope adoption agency in North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper prenatal care for both maternal and infant health. If you suspect you might be pregnant, don’t hesitate to take a test and seek medical advice, or contact the agency for personalized care and support. TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396, we are happy to talk to you confidentially.

About E. Parker Herring: An attorney and mother of three children, Parker has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on matching birth mothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed 470 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. For a confidential adoption counselor, TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396.

Am I pregnant?

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Are you feeling different lately? Have you been wondering, “Am I pregnant?” For many women, the realization of pregnancy can be met with uncertainty. Identifying early signs of pregnancy can provide clarity and help you take appropriate steps towards your health and well-being. Let’s recognize some initial signs:

Missed Period: The most common indicator of pregnancy is a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is regular and you’ve missed your period, it’s time to consider the possibility of pregnancy.

Take a Pregnancy Test: Once you’ve missed your period, waiting three to five days before taking a pregnancy test can yield more accurate results. Pregnancy tests are widely available, including affordable options at stores like the Dollar Store. However, if the test shows negative and your period still hasn’t arrived, wait another week before retesting.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms: While every woman’s experience varies, some early signs of pregnancy include:

  1. Nausea: Known as morning sickness, this can manifest as feelings of queasiness or actual vomiting. Some women may find certain smells intolerable during this time.
  2. Abdominal Cramping: Some women experience mild cramps in the abdomen or lower back, similar to premenstrual cramps.
  3. Tender Breasts: Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can lead to breast tenderness or sensitivity.
  4. Frequent Urination: The urge to urinate more frequently than usual can be a symptom of early pregnancy.
  5. Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations may cause mood swings, leaving you feeling more emotional or irritable than usual.

Not All Symptoms are Universal: It’s important to note that not all pregnant women experience these symptoms, and some may experience only a few or none. Additionally, bleeding during pregnancy can occur, so if you suspect you might be pregnant despite bleeding, it’s still advisable to take a pregnancy test.

Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you receive a positive pregnancy test result or experience persistent symptoms suggestive of pregnancy, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can confirm your pregnancy and provide guidance on prenatal care, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments to support a healthy pregnancy.

Contact A Child’s Hope: You can call, text, or message A Child’s Hope any time, for free and with no obligation talk  with a licensed adoption counselor. Our team is here to offer support, information, and guidance on all options available to you. For a confidential counselor, TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396.

This guide, provided by A Child’s Hope adoption agency in North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper prenatal care for both maternal and infant health. If you suspect you might be pregnant, don’t hesitate to take a test and seek medical advice, or conract the agency  for personalized care and support.

 

About E. Parker Herring: An attorney and mother of three children, Parker has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on matching birth mothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed nearly 450 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. For a confidential adoption counselor, TEXT PREGNANT to 919-971-4396.

 

 

Covering the Cost of Adoption – The Adoption Tax Credit

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Answers to Six Common Questions about the Adoption Tax Credit

Adoption Tax CreditTaking advantage of tax credits can greatly reduce adoption expenses, even after you have your baby. Changes to the law allow the credit to adjust each year based on the fed’s cost-of-living calculation for the year of adoption finalization.

For adoptions finalized in 2023 (tax returns claimed in 2024), the maximum amount a family can receive as credit is $15,950 per adopted child. Next year it will be higher.

Summary of Credit by Year Finalized:

2024 $16,810
2023 $15,950
2022 $14,890
2021 $14,440
2020 $14,300
2019 $14,080

Unlike a tax deduction, which lowers gross income, a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in tax liability. Depending on the annual tax liability, you may receive back 100% of the taxes withheld from your paycheck. If the credit exceeds your annual tax liability, you can carry forward the credit balance for up to 5 years.

  1. How Do I Make Sure I Get Every Penny?

The secret to being reimbursed for the maximum you are eligible is good record keeping and holding onto expense receipts. While some adoptive parents will be fortunate enough to have all of their expenses occur during the calendar year of adoption finalization, most will have expenses that fall outside of the finalization year. When this happens, you risk forgetting pre-finalization expenses from a year or more prior.

  1. When Can I Claim the Adoption Tax Credit?

The short answer is right now. Any adoption expenses incurred in 2022 for adoptions that were finalized in 2023 should be claimed on the 2023 tax return. In addition, adopting parents do not have to wait for finalization to access the credit when seeking to adopt a U.S.-born child. Qualifying adoption expenses can be claimed on tax returns the year after the expense is incurred. This means that even if you do not complete the adoption process or your adoption takes longer than average, you can be reimbursed for qualifying expenses along the way.

The adoption tax credit can only be claimed after the adoption is finalized for international adoption.

  1. What if I Was Previously Eligible for the Adoption Tax Credit and Did Not Claim it in the Year of Eligibility?

You may be eligible to file an amended return to claim the Adoption Tax Credit for previous years. Consult a qualified tax attorney, CPA or licensed tax professional to determine specific eligibility.

  1. What Are Qualifying Adoption Expenses?

According to the IRS, any adoption expenses must be reasonable, necessary and directly related to the child’s adoption. Qualified expenses are any expenses necessary for the adoption. For example, court fees, agency fees, attorney fees, dossier, travel and meals, and any other required expenses. Re-adoption expenses related to the intercountry adoption of a child also qualify. Generally, the only adoption-related expenses that do not qualify are birth mother expenses.

An expense may be a qualified adoption expense even if the expense is paid before an eligible child has been identified. For example, prospective adoptive parents who pay for a home study at the outset of an adoption effort may treat the fees as qualified adoption expenses.

  1. Does Everyone Get the Full Amount? What is the income eligibility criteria for the adoption tax credit?

Most adopting parents will qualify for the full Adoption Tax Credit. However, there are income restrictions. In 2023, families with a modified adjusted gross income below $239,230 can claim full credit. Those with incomes from $239,230 to $279,230 can claim partial credit, and those with incomes above $279,230 cannot claim the credit.

Employer-provided adoption benefits can also affect the amount of tax credit available. The amount paid by the employer needs to be deducted from the total adoption cost first. The remaining balance will be the maximum tax credit that can be claimed.

  1. What About Adopting My Spouse’s or Domestic Partner’s Child?

While the adoption tax credit does not apply to expenses incurred to adopt the child of the taxpayer’s spouse. Unmarried domestic partners who live in states that allow co-parents or same-sex second parents to adopt their partner’s child may qualify for the credit.

To learn more about the Adoption Tax Credit visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.

To file for the Adoption Tax Credit, complete Form 8839.pdf, Qualified Adoption Expenses, using Form 8839 Instructions.

To learn more about covering the cost of adoption, watch the “Making Adoption Affordable – Ways to Pay for Adoption” Facebook Live recording with Adoption Attorney E. Parker Herring.

Starting Your Adoption Journey? If you, or someone you know, is considering adoption and would like to learn more, call A Child’s Hope at 919-839-8800. Watch our placement day videos to hear adoptive parents share their adoption stories.

Pregnant? If you are a birth mother and are looking to place your child in a loving home, contact our Pregnancy Hotline to speak with a counselor: call or text (919) 971-4396 

Questions about the legal process of adoption in North Carolina, visit parkerherringlawgroup.com.

The information contained in this article is for general knowledge purposes only and not official tax advice. Individuals interested in claiming any tax credit should consult a qualified tax professional to determine specific eligibility and amounts.
About E. Parker Herring: An attorney and mother of three children, Parker has a deep respect and understanding of family law and the adoption process (for which she’s adopted two children of her own). She is the founder and director of A Child’s Hope, a North Carolina licensed adoption agency located in Raleigh that focuses on helping birth mothers and families looking to adopt. A Child’s Hope has placed nearly 450 children since 2000 and is the only North Carolina domestic adoption agency directed by an attorney. 

Happy Holidays 2022

Adoption, Children -

It’s been a wonderful and busy 2022 at A Child’s Hope as we celebrate 25 forever families created through adoption this year.

We take great joy in seeing each family in our offices for legal placement, and our hearts are warmed knowing each child will be loved by so many. We honor the birth families, as many will not be there for the first steps, holidays, or birthdays, their hearts are always joined with hearts of their children.

Each child is a wonderful blessing with bright futures. Peace, love and joy to you in 2023 and beyond.

Surviving the Holidays When Pregnant

Adoption, Parenting -

The holidays are full of emotions, even more so when experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Friends and family that you may not have seen in a while may have questions or well-meaning advice. Preparing yourself ahead of time can help relieve some of the stress during these encounters.

Three tips to help you survive the holidays:

  1. Role-play with your adoption counselor some of the scenarios you might encounter.
  2. Spend as much time as possible with supportive friends and family.
  3. If you are matched with a family, connect with them and talk about the beautiful life planned for your baby.

Remember you are in control. You do not need to tell anyone anything you do not want to, and you can excuse yourself from conversations if you are feeling uncomfortable. 

Birthmother Hotline: (877) 890-4673

Envia Un Texto: (919) 218-6270

Text: Pregnant to (919) 971-4396