The Adoption Process. The legal process of adopting, from application to finalization, can be a lengthy one. It may take six months or more from the time you apply before a child is placed in your home; it will take at least three to twelve months after that before the adoption may be finalized in court. The basic tasks in the adoption process in New York State are: 1  Choosing an adoption agency. 2  Submitting an application. 3  Completing the homestudy process. 4  Attending agency-sponsored training. 5  Working with a caseworker to find an appropriate match.