Many misunderstandings surround the adoption process. Confusion comes when birth parents don’t know their rights.
If you are considering making an adoption plan for your unplanned pregnancy, learning what you can or cannot do is essential. You can change your mind about adoption…until a certain point. Do you see why there’s confusion?
Read on to learn more about adoption and birth parent’s rights.
A Legal Adoption
Every state has different adoption laws. Working with a reputable licensed adoption agency that understands your state’s laws is essential.
Adoption is the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from the birth parents to the adoptive parents.
For a child to be adopted, the birth parents must give their voluntary (of their own free will) consent unless the courts determine otherwise.
Voluntary consent to adoption is not required by the courts if:
- The parent has been declared mentally disabled
- His or her parental rights have been terminated
- Has abandoned the child for over a 90-day period
- Has been convicted of a felony that inflicted serious physical injury to the child
When You Can Change Your Mind
Any document regarding the ending of a birth mother’s parental rights signed before the baby is born is not legally binding. In Kentucky, a birth mother cannot sign the consent form for adoption prior to 72 hours after giving birth.
If she signs before 72 hours, it is not considered valid. Until she signs, she is free to change her mind. The consent must be in writing, witnessed, notarized, or executed before a judge or designated official. Once she gives her consent to the adoption, it is final.
Placing Your Child for Adoption
Although BsideU for Life cannot place your child for adoption, we can give you referrals to reputable licensed agencies in our area. It costs you nothing to place your child for adoption.
In most cases, the agency requires potential adoptive parents to cover your adoption-related expenses such as:
- Legal and agency fees
- Cost of placement services
- Medical costs (prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal) not covered by insurance
- Other court-accepted expenses
Would You Like More Information?
One of our client advocates can give you more information about all your pregnancy options. Contact us to schedule a no-cost confidential appointment to discuss them. We’re here – beside you for life.
Adoption laws change. This blog should not replace legal advice. See a licensed professional adoption coordinator for information on adoption law and birth parent’s rights.