Eternal Family Adoptions:
An Adoption Journey for LDS Families

Lesson 5

Legal, Ethical & Spiritual Preparation

Adoption isn’t just emotional, it’s legal. And sacred commitments are built on clear, honest foundations.

You will encounter paperwork, background checks, home studies, contracts, and state-by-state regulations. These steps can feel overwhelming.

But remember: they’re not barriers. They’re protections—for the child, for the birth family, and for you.

God honors order. And adoption, in all its modern complexity, is an act of stewardship. It’s your job to show up not just with hope, but with integrity.

You’ll also need to prepare spiritually.

The sealing ordinance can’t occur until the legal process is complete. But the preparation begins long before that temple day. It begins with how you talk about adoption. How you treat the birth family. How you honor the child’s story. How you allow room for grief, for identity, for complexity.
This is your chance to align legality with love, to let your faith and your paperwork both testify to your readiness.

Reflection Prompt

What parts of the legal process feel intimidating to you?

Where do you feel spiritually prepared—and where do you feel stretched?

How do you plan to protect the dignity of your child and their birth family?

Optional Devotional Thought

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40

The sealing begins with your preparation.