[yodafan]

Does bankruptcy effect your eligibility to adopt? We are interested in adopting domestically thru DCS.

[kllee4]

Speaking from experience, we filed bankruptcy in 1998 or 1999 but under the section we filed (can't remember that also, Chapter 13???) we had to pay back our creditors under a 5 year plan. We paid it off in 2, which was a HUGE feat. We sat in the courtroom before our case and I was so sad at how many people couldn't keep up the payments and eventually lost their home anyway. We were determined not to have that happen to us (and looking back we had a defaulted student loan, numerous medical bills due to all of our sons' premature births, and an overpayment by Soc. Services that was eventually waived because it wasn't our fault).

In our homestudy, we were honest about it and had to show the discharge papers of the case and judgment (or in your case if you are still in the plan, a statement from the trustee). It didn't present a problem at all. Actually, our SW said that it showed that we were responsible in paying it off and working together to overcome any obstacles. The main thing that is the priority is whether you are currently in a position to financially raise a child. We had to fill out the usual financial sheet of our income and expenses. They want to ensure that you also have a plan as to how you can avoid any financial issues further down the road once you are raising the child.

In my opinion, it shouldn't be a problem at all. Good luck on your adoption journey!

[momofmykids]

We were never asked this, however, they do ask things like how much money in savings, checking, how much is rent/mortgage, that kind of thing. That's how it is in TN.

Good luck on your adoption journey. It thrills me to hear of people interested in adopting through DCS!

God bless,
Jill

[yodafan]

Thanks for the replies. That reassures me.