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Hi Julie,
I have adopted twice domestically and am working on number 3 now (so you can tell that I will support single adoption!).
Domestic adoption of a newborn generally costs between $15,000 and $25,000 and my last one took 9 months which was the average for my attorney then. My first was state adoption and was much longer (don't recommend it for infant adoption).
There is a $10,000 tax credit and many companies also have adoption programs (mine is one of the most generous with $10,000.
During the time you are thinking it through you might want to look at the book "Adopting on Your Own" and the book Single Mothers By Choice, both of which are designed for singles starting the process of family building.
You may have a local chapter of Single Mothers by Choice as well - you can join as a "thinker" and get support, advice etc.
I believe it is totally possible to be a great single parent but I don't believe it is possible to "have it all" so you have to choose your priorities in order to make it all work. And you need a good support system - either family, friends or paid help all can work.
Good luck with both your journey's - adoption and your education.
__________________
Cynthia
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