When considering moving forward with the adoption process, it’s obviously important to have a crystal-clear understanding of your rights as a prospective parent. To help you understand whether adoption is the best choice for you and your family, we will outline key rights you will have as the birth parent of an adopted child.

The Right to Choose the Adoptive Family

The decision of the adoptive family who will raise a child is obviously a colossal one, and that’s why parents are given the right to be in charge. The decision process may include in depth discussions with prospective parents, profiles of their families, and in-person meetings. There is no rush to make this choice, and parents may do so at any point during a pregnancy.

The Right to Change Your Mind

It’s never easy to make the call whether to move forward with the adoption process, and that’s why parents are given the right to change their mind regardless of how far along they are in their adoption plan. If the final paperwork has yet to be submitted, birth parents have the right to change their mind about the decision.

The Right to Define the Post-Placement Relationship

Once a child is placed with their adoptive parents, the birth parents naturally lose legal parental rights. However, birth parents do have the right to define the logistics of the post-placement relationship with their child. The most common choice here is an open adoption, which gives birth parents the right to stay connected with their child and the adoptive family for years to come. If you would like to remain in contact with your child as they grow up, an open adoption will grant you the legal right to do so.

The Right to Legal Representation

Before completing the paperwork to confirm plans for an adoption at birth, an attorney can ensure you completely understand the specifics of this life changing decision before it is set in stone. For a comprehensive view of your rights, in addition to the ability to ask questions along every step of the adoption process, hiring an attorney will likely be the ideal route to ensure your needs and your child’s needs are met.

Protect the Rights of Your Adopted Child with Elizabeth Anu Lawrence Law

The Law Office of Elizabeth A. Lawrence offers high-quality legal representation, personal attention, and professionalism to help represent those who need it most. Click here or call (410) 986-0088 to consult with an experienced attorney today. Skype, Zoom and Facetime consultations are available as well.

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