Palm Beach County Adoption

Women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in Palm Beach, Florida have a variety of options in front of them. One of which is adoption. While many women know this, they often don’t fully understand how creating an adoption plan for their baby would work. It’s not as simple as going to a Palm Beach County adoption agency and saying, “I’d like to give my baby up for adoption.” It’s much more involved. Today, women who choose adoption have a large amount of freedom in determining how they’d like their adoption to play out, both during pregnancy and after they’ve given birth. 

Palm Beach County Adoption Help: The Adoption Process in Six Steps

01. Support

When a woman comes to the Law Offices of Berkowitz & White PLLC, seeking help with a Palm Beach County adoption, we first choose to educate her on all of her pregnancy options. Then, we try to get her the support she needs at this time; whether that’s through a counselor, social worker, physician, clergy, or attorney.

02. Intake 

If a woman decides to make a Palm Beach County adoption plan with our law office, we’ll start by asking that she provide us with some background information, like social and medical history. After this, we’ll assist the woman in coordinating and receiving prenatal care, if she hasn’t done so already. 

03. Birth Mother Assistance

In accordance with Florida law, women who choose to pursue a Palm Beach County adoption plan are entitled to reasonable living expenses which the woman is unable to pay due to unemployment, underemployment, or disability. Reasonable living expenses may include rent, utilities, basic telephone services, food, toiletries, necessary clothing, transportation, insurance, etc. Our team can work with you to understand what level of assistance is available to you, and how to best obtain the support you need during this time.

04. Choosing the Adoptive Family

Once an expectant mother has completed intake and obtained her eligible birth mother services, she can then begin to choose the right adoptive family for her child. Our team will provide her with an array of waiting adoptive families’ profiles, all of which meet the matching criteria of both parties. Our team is always available to assist an expectant birth mother by providing additional information and insights when needed. 

05. Making the Adoption Plan 

Once an adoption match is made, the adoptive family and the birth mother will enter into an adoption plan. This document will address things like the events surrounding the birth of the child and the type of post-adoption relationship (open, semi-open, or closed adoption). There is no right way or wrong way to proceed in an adoption; every situation is unique. However, with open or semi-open adoption, the hope is that the child will better understand that his/her adoption was a positive and loving experience for all parties. If an expectant birth mother and adoptive family choose to maintain some level of contact, our team will help facilitate this relationship, whether through AdoptSwap or other means. 

07. Florida Adoption Law + Placement

Once the baby is born, the mother must wait 48 hours to execute a consent for adoption. The mother may also execute a consent for adoption on the day that she is notified in writing that she is fit to be discharged from the hospital or birthing center. Any possible biological father may execute documents in favor of the adoption pre-birth. 

The legal aspect of a Palm Beach County adoption is a two-step process. Birth parents’ rights are terminated in the first legal proceeding, and the second legal proceeding is the finalization of the adoption. Birth parents have the right to waive appearance in court. This would mean that they do not need to appear in court. However, should the adoption be contested, then a court appearance may be required. 

Palm Beach County Adoption 

If you’re pregnant anywhere in Palm Beach County, including Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton, Belle Glade, Pahokee, Lake View, or elsewhere, we can help you. The Law Offices of Berkowitz & White PLLC has guided hundreds of women through the adoption process. We would gladly sit down with you to discuss your pregnancy options. If you choose to make an adoption, we will help you gain the birth mother services and assistance you need to have a healthy pregnancy. 

Unplanned or unwanted pregnancies are never easy to navigate alone. If you need someone by your side during this time, don’t hesitate to call, text, or DM us on social media. We are here for you 24/7. 

Call us Toll-free at (877) 777-5070

Text us at (561) 841-3065 or (850) 610-4166

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