Deciding to adopt a child is one of the most important choices you’ll ever make. And yet, many couples have only a foggy notion of what is involved in the adoption process.

Fortunately, many resources are available to help. They can guide you every step of the way, from applying for adoption eligibility right through to the moment when you pick up your bundle of joy.

Adoption is a very personal and lifelong decision. Individual feelings and circumstances will determine which choices are right for you. Keeping the following in mind can help make the journey a little easier.

Educate yourself

The first step begins with questions you (and, if applicable, your partner) must answer. The answers will govern all subsequent steps:

Do you plan to adopt a child within the country or internationally? Would you prefer to adopt an infant or an older child? Will your adoption process be handled by a public agency, a private agency, an adoption facilitator or attorney? Do you want more than one child?

It is important to carefully consider the answers to these questions. For instance, the requirements for parents who adopt overseas vary, as does the wait time. Parents may find wait times and regulations less onerous when adopting from certain countries, but they may not learn as much about the child’s background as compared to a domestic adoption.