Choosing to place your child up for adoption is never an easy decision. As a birth mother, you want what is best for your child and may be drawn to the idea of an open adoption which will allow you some form of contact or potential bridge to your child. To assist you in making this monumental decision, the following is a list of questions frequently asked by birth mothers about open adoption.
- What is open adoption?
An open adoption refers to an adoption in which the adoptive parents and the birth parents exchange identifiable information and contact is shared between both parties. Identifiable information can include first and last names, addresses, phone numbers, emails addresses, and more. Contact could include anything from phone calls and letters to emails and visits. Some open adoptions are more open than others, and the adoption can be structured in accordance with your wishes.
- How does open adoption work for me and my baby?
In a fully open adoption, the choices are up to you. You have the ability to:
- Choose an adoptive family for your baby
- Choose the amount of contact you would like as your baby grows
- Choose who you would like to have with you at the hospital
- Will the adoption cost me money?
The adoption will generally not cost you anything. You could even qualify for financial assistance for things pregnancy related.
- Can I choose a family for my baby?
Absolutely. You will be in control of selecting the perfect family for your baby. A licensed adoption attorney or an adoption service can help by introducing you to families seeking to adopt a child in your area.
- What if my due date is approaching and I have not yet made plans?
That is not a problem. It is not too late to make an adoption plan. Speak to a licensed adoption attorney or an adoption counselor to begin formulating an adoption plan you are comfortable with. Either resource can help you to find families immediately that would like to adopt. Even in the hospital, it is not too late to contact an adoption expert to make an adoption plan.
- Can I obtain financial assistance?
Kansas birth parents may be able to qualify for financial assistance to help pay for pregnancy related expenses. This can include medical bills, maternity clothes, transportation, food, and rent.
- What happens after the baby is born?
If you proceed with an open adoption, you will choose how you want your hospital experience to be. Most adoptive families are able to bring the baby home directly from the hospital if this is what you choose. Some women wish to have the adoptive parents support them at the hospital, while others prefer alone time with the baby in the hospital. An adoption attorney or counselor can assist you in determining what is right for you, your child, and the adoptive parents.
- Will I be able to see my child after he or she is placed for adoption?
You will develop an adoption plan along with the adoptive family that meets your wishes going forward. The plan will outline how often after the birth you will see the child, what contact information you will share, and what communication will be allowed.
McDowell Chartered: Kansas Adoption Attorneys Assisting Birthparents in all Forms of Adoption
The Kansas Adoption Attorneys at McDowell Chartered have spent decades assisting birth mothers in preparing the adoption of their child. Our compassionate attorney team understands how difficult it is to place your child up for adoption. We have vast experience in all forms of adoption and can assist you in completing an adoption that serves the best interests of all parties involved. Call us today at (316) 633-4322 for an initial consultation.