Frequently Asked Adoption Questions

1. Who makes the decision as to which family adopts the child?

You do! Under most states' laws, only agencies and birth parents can place a child for adoption. That decision cannot be delegated to anyone, not the attorney, doctor, grandmother, etc.

Adopting families come in a variety of ages, races, religions, and life styles. Our office represents people who are seeking to adopt children and people who are seeking to place children with loving families. We are happy to provide brochures and profile letters from Adopting Families to Birth Parents at no charge or obligation.

2. What living expenses can be paid on behalf of a birth mother?

Some states do not allow the Adopting Family to cover any of the Birth Mother's expenses, but most allow some assistance. It is common for there to be limits on the overall amount that is paid, or on the types of expenses that can be covered. Both the law of your state, and the law of the state where the Adopting Family lives will affect the permissible assistance in your adoption.

It is a crime in every jurisdiction (adoption fraud and/or against anti-slavery statutes) for a Birth Mother to receive a lump payment not connected with actual expenses or for her to receive extraordinary "gifts" (such as a new car). The well-known stories about Birth Mothers making a fortune are just that -- stories.

3. Who pays the doctor's bill?

In virtually every state, the Adopting Family may pay all medical bills, or the Birth Mother's insurance can cover some or all of the cost. Prior to the birth of the child, the funds for medical expenses can be placed into our trust account. We also can arrange pre-payment in accordance with the physician's usual practice.

4. What about counseling?

Your choice. We strongly believe that an adoption should be a win-win situation. We encourage counseling for the birth parents both prior to and after the arrival of the baby and understand the grieving process a birth family may go through around the birth of the child. We refer to counselors local to the birth mother. All of the counselors involved are unbiased in the adoption and have no vested interest, financial or otherwise, in the outcome of the adoption. Counseling bills are paid by the Adopting Family through our trust account. Some states may require a minimum number of counseling sessions before the Birth Mother can consent to the placement of her child.

5. Who pays the attorneys' bill?

The Adopting Family pays the attorney's fees.

6. What type of contact may the Birth Mother have with the Adopting Family?

Generally speaking, it is whatever you want. Contact with the Adopting Family is completely optional and at the discretion of both the Birth Mother and the Adopting Family. Most Birth Mothers talk to the Adopting Family or their attorney on the telephone to get the majority of their questions answered. Usually before the birth of the child, the Birth Mother meets the Adopting Family. The Birth Mother and the Adopting Family may agree upon continuing contact, and most Birth Mothers do request letters and pictures after the birth of the child.