The length of time it takes to adopt a child can vary greatly depending on how willing the parties are to the adoption as well as the type of adoption that is taking place. However, some things are consistent in every adoption. Once the biological parents have either agreed to the adoption or their rights have been terminated by the court, the process can take three to four months. The petition can be filed relatively quickly, and you can expedite this process by bringing certified copies of the child's birth certificate and any court orders. But the attorney's paperwork varies with the type of adoption and can take some time. You may also be required to submit to a preplacement assessment on you and your home. Once all the necessary steps are completed and an adoption decree is issued, it is sent to vital records for a new birth certificate to be issued. This could also take several months depending on the workload at vital records. If you're interested in adopting a child, it's imperative you have an experienced Family Attorney to help you and your family through the process.