Considering Adoption?
Maybe you never considered the option of adoption until now. We get it: it’s a hard decision to make. Luckily, we can provide information on the adoption process and your rights as an expectant mother or birth mother. We can also offer referrals to agencies in our area.
Making An Adoption Plan
Adoption is the legal transfer of all parental rights and responsibilities from the biological parents to the adoptive parents. It is not co-parenting.
The process of adoption has dramatically improved over the last few decades. Today, the expectant mother or birth mother selects the couple who will raise her child and chooses the adoption plan that is best for her.
There are three plans to choose from:
1.) Open Adoption. With an open adoption, you and the adoptive family agree to exchange some identifying information to communicate with one another directly. You can exchange email addresses, phone numbers, or your physical addresses. You determine beforehand how much contact you wish to have with each other.
2.) Semi-Open Adoption. This plan is also known as a mediated adoption. You still communicate with the adoptive family, but all contact is exchanged through a third party, such as the adoption agency. It provides more privacy for everyone.
3.) Closed Adoption. Less than 10% of adoptions today are completely closed. With a closed adoption, everyone remains completely anonymous, and the courts seal the adoption records.
You Have Rights
As the expectant mother or birth mother, you have rights:
- The right to pay nothing for adoption services
- The right to have all medical and legal expenses covered
- The right to select the adoptive family
- The right to choose an adoption plan
- The right to counseling for as long as you need it
- The right to a full disclosure of the adoption process and legal requirements
- The right to change your mind anytime before signing legal papers
Is Adoption Right For You?
We’re sure you have many questions when it comes to adoption. We would love to help you learn more about this pregnancy option.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment to learn more. We’ll also provide referrals to help you decide if this is the right option.