
As a mother, the decision to place your child for adoption is not one you take lightly. For many mothers, it is an emotionally taxing process, even under the best circumstances. If you are pregnant and considering placing your child for adoption, you might have a lot of questions. The good news is, the process might be easier than you think. At Florida Adoptions, we have years of experience helping birth mothers and adoptive families through the adoption process. In this article, we will go through the basics of how to get started with adoption and some things to know beforehand.
Understanding What Adoption Means
Adoption is a word that you may have heard more than once. If you’re reading this article, you probably even have a good understanding of what it means. In short, adoption is the act of creating a legal relationship between a parent and child in a situation where a legal relationship did not already exist. The reason this is such a significant legal process is because this essentially severs the existing legal relationship and applies it to another person. This can have a profound impact on the child and the biological parents. In the overwhelming majority of cases, this impact is primarily positive. With that being said, adoption is a complex legal process that requires the expertise of a Florida licensed attorney regardless if you use an adoption agency or an attorney. Adoption attorneys like Florida Adoptions possess a deep understanding of the adoption process and the impact it can have on families involved, especially the birth mothers.
How Birth Mothers Can Get Started with Adoption
Many birth mothers who are considering adoption might be scared and unsure of where to begin. Afterall, adoption isn’t necessarily a process you go through often. Luckily, getting started is the easiest part, and there are plenty of people who are ready to help with as much compassion and understanding as you deserve. Below are a few tips to get started and what you can expect.
- Research adoption attorneys and agencies in your area. The first step is going to be finding a qualified and reputable adoption attorney, like Florida Adoptions, and adoption agency who is close to you. Make sure you read plenty of reviews and browse their website to learn more about their practice. Picking an adoption entity that knows the adoption process is a critical first step to placing your baby for adoption.
- Schedule time to speak with the Adoption Attorney. This is the easy part. It’s as simple as picking up the phone to call the attorney, sending a text, or an email. Let them know that you’re pregnant and wanting to place the child for adoption. Many adoption attorneys and their social workers are flexible, offering house visits or video conferencing as an option if you can’t make it to the office. If you are on drugs or struggling with addiction, let the attorney know. They can help with free counseling and other assistance programs. It’s important to note that drug and alcohol addiction is NOT a disqualifying factor if you want to place your child for adoption.
- Meet with the Adoption Attorney. Your first meeting with the adoption attorney will include a lot of different things. He or she will review the basics of Florida adoption laws, ascertain your social and medical history, get a HIPAA form signed, ask about your financials, and more. It’s important during this time to be truthful and forthcoming with as much as possible and remember that your answers will not disqualify you from placing your child for adoption.
- Select and meet your adoptive family. As the mother, you get to browse through adoptive families and meet them. This process gives you a chance to make sure that you find a family that will be the perfect match for your child. This is also an opportunity to start developing a relationship with the adoptive family. Oftentimes, the birth mother and the adoptive family maintain a close contact relationship after birth and throughout the child’s life. This can make the process easier on the birth mother and make her feel more connected to her child.
After the preliminary paperwork, the majority of the adoption process for the birth mother is a bit of a waiting game until the baby is born. During that time, you will continue to meet with the adoptive family, receive free counseling if needed, and discuss financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses as needed. You will also receive an attorney who will represent you at the consent signing. Once the baby is born, the birth mother will sign a consent to adoption form. Remember, until you sign the consent for adoption, you can change your mind. At the end of the day, birth mothers are in control of what happens to their child. This is your choice.
Final Thoughts on How to Start the Adoption Process
Adoption can be a rewarding journey. Birth mothers who place their child for adoption are performing an act of love and selflessness, giving their child a chance at a life filled with happiness and support. However, it can also be a scary time for mothers who feel alone and like they have nowhere to turn. Taking that first step toward adoption is an important moment that can mark the beginning of an amazing story for the mother and the adoptive family.
About Florida Adoptions
Florida adoptions is a small, hands-on practice located in Pensacola, Florida. Our team is passionate about child-related issues and helping mothers and adoptive families through the adoption process. We specialize in all areas of adoption law, including private placement with infants and children, step-parent adoption, relative adoption, foster care adoption, and adult adoption. Our practice also encompasses representing children in the foster care system.
Get in Touch
If you are in Pensacola and need to talk through any thoughts and feelings you may be having about adoption, our team is here for you. Feel free to contact us regarding any questions or concerns you may have. Call us today at (850) 610-4166 or send us an email at stephanie@fladoptions.com.