Adoption is a life-changing, beautiful experience. But finding the right resources for an adoption in your city tends to be the hardest part. If you’re like most adoptive families and women considering adoption, then you’re probably unsure of where to start or who to talk to.

We know that it’s easy to find general information for an adoption in North Carolina. But the same can’t always be said when it comes to an adoption in your specific city. That’s where this Wilmington adoption guide comes in.

Find the information you need to start your adoption in Wilmington right here.

Wilmington Adoption Agencies

As a full-service national adoption agency that works across the U.S., American Adoptions has everything you need to start your Wilmington adoption in North Carolina. Our services cover everything from 24/7 counseling and support for prospective birth mothers researching their unplanned pregnancy options to post-placement communication once the journey is over. And because of our size and scope, we’re able to offer other services that smaller, local professionals can’t, like shorter wait times and a risk-sharing program to protect adoptive family’s interest in the event of a disruption. At our agency, we truly do it all.

If you’re ready to learn more about what it’s like to work with our agency, please call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with a specialist.

Wilmington Adoption Attorneys

Adoption attorneys are essential in every adoption. They’ll be the ones who make sure your adoption is legally sound and that you understand the laws governing each and every step. Whether you’re a prospective birth mother or an adoptive parent, it’s important to find one that you can trust wholeheartedly.

If you decide to work with American Adoptions, we can connect you to a trusted professional in your area. But if you decide to work with another agency, you might need to find a legal attorney on your own. A few Wilmington adoption attorneys in your area are:

• Cape Fear Family Law
• Lee Ann Quattruci
• Speaks Family Law

Wilmington Home Study Providers

The home study is an essential step to becoming an eligible adoptive family in North Carolina. This process has a few steps involved, including an in-home visit, documentation, and interview, which makes it the longest part of your adoption. That’s why we recommend speaking to a home study professional in North Carolina as soon as possible to get started. You don’t want to have to wait on your home study to make your adoption plans come true.

For your Wilmington adoption, here are a few NC home study professionals you might consider contacting:

• Children At Heart Adoption Services, Inc.
• Nathanson Adoption Services
• Triangle Adoption Services

If you have any other questions about the home study process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your adoption specialist.

Wilmington Foster Care Agencies

Adopting a foster child is an amazing opportunity — especially if you’ve always wanted to adopt an older child or a sibling group. Foster agencies in North Carolina are always looking for loving families, so there are plenty of opportunities for this type of adoption. However, there are some differences between this path and a domestic adoption. So, be sure to look at the pros and cons before you get started. If you’re interested in this type of Wilmington adoption, there are several professionals who would be more than happy to help you get started:

• Access Family Services, Inc.
• The Bair Foundation Child & Family Ministries
• New Hanover County Department of Social Services

Wilmington International Adoption Agencies

Wilmington families who plan to adopt from another country will need to find an international adoption agency that’s licensed in their desired country. Although American Adoptions can only work within the United States, there are a few options for this type of adoption in North Carolina.

A few professionals who can help you start your Wilmington adoption are:

• Christian Adoption Services
• Bethany Christian Services
• Saint Mary International Adoptions

Wilmington Hospitals

As a pregnant woman considering adoption in Wilmington, North Carolina, you’ll be in charge of making a hospital plan and choosing where you plan to deliver with the help of your specialist. You’ll also be able to decide everything from how much time you’d like to spend with your baby to if you plan to nurse. We know that this process can be overwhelming, but don’t forget to ask your adoption specialist if you have any questions. They’re always available to help.

If you haven’t had a chance to pick a location that’s right for you, you have a few options. The closest location for a Wilmington adoption is:

• New Hanover Regional Medical Center

If you don’t mind the drive, here are a few more options that you might consider:

• Onslow Memorial Hospital
• Duke Raleigh Hospital

Remember, American Adoptions is here to answer all of your unplanned pregnancy questions — not just ones that concern adoption. And, if you are considering placing a baby for adoption in North Carolina, we can provide all of the services and support you need through every step. To speak with an adoption specialist today, please call 1-800-ADOPTION.

Wilmington Court System

For adoptive families, the last step in every legal adoption is finalization, which takes place a few months after placement. The hearing itself will be rather short, only lasting about 30 minutes to an hour. Once it’s over, the judge will hand you the final decree of adoption. And with that, your child will officially be a permanent member of your family.

If you’re thinking about an adoption in Wilmington, you can contact your local county court to learn more about the finalization process in your area.

Wilmington Tourist Attractions

Depending on where you live, you may have to do some traveling from out of state to complete your Wilmington adoption and meet the newest member of your family. This means that you’ll have to do some waiting until you hear back from ICPC. While you’ve got some free time on your hands, check out these popular tourist attractions:

• Airlie Gardens
• Bellamy Mansion Museum
• Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
• North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

If you’re ready to start your adoption journey, we’re here to help. Use our free information form to speak to an adoption specialist today for more information.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.