In many states, it is legal for single adults to adopt children. Unmarried couples may adopt together, and unmarried individuals may adopt through a process known as "single-parent adoption." In general, you should anticipate to undertake additional effort to demonstrate that your house is a stable and healthy setting in which to raise children. For example, if you are adopting from overseas, you will need to show that you have the means to provide for these children. In addition, there are state requirements that must be met before an individual can be considered eligible to adopt. The majority of states require that you be at least 18 years old; some states allow people under 21 to be adopted as an "adult adoptee." Many states also require that you not be convicted of a felony or have been declared mentally incompetent by a court. The process of becoming approved to adopt varies from state to state. Consult with an attorney who specializes in adoption law in your area to learn more about what is required in your state. Finally, some states impose additional requirements on certain types of individuals. For example, some states do not permit gay men to adopt because of concerns that they would not be able to provide a home environment that is acceptable to both them and the child they are adopting. Women who have had abortions may be excluded from eligibility to adopt because of such laws.