Information For Birth Parents
 We believe that every woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy deserves to know that she has the option of adoption. Adoption is a very loving and unselfish decision. There are many women all of ages and all walks of life who have an unplanned pregnancies and do not feel they are ready to parent. There are so many couples who cannot conceive a child, and who have a loving home ready for a child. The greatest dream of these couples is to be parents and make a child the center of their lives, as every child deserves. That is the greatest gift you can give your child.
We will work with you to select a stable, loving family to care for your baby. If you so choose, you can get updates on your child's progress. You can be assured that your child will be in a loving and nurturing home.
The Florida Statutes govern the requirements for adoptions in the state of Florida. If you currently reside in another state, the answers to the questions may be different because each state has enacted its own set of adoption laws. We work with birth mothers from other states and will be able to provide you with the help you need..
Below you will find some of the more common questions a birth parent has, however, we would be glad to talk with you about your specific situation and answer any questions you may have and provide more individualized information. We can discuss with you all your options. Please be assured that all information is completely confidential.
You can also call us at (352) 374-7977 or toll free at 1-877-374-7977. We are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Adoption Frequently Asked Questions - Birth Parents
*Click on a question below to link to its answer.
1. Will any body find out?
2. Do you only work with newborns? What if my baby is older?
3. Can I pick the family and how open the adoption is?
4. What happens after the baby is born?
5. Can the birth mother choose the adoptive parents?
6. How will I know my child will be taken care of?
7. Can the birth mother receive pictures and updates after the baby is born?
8. How much will the family and the child know about me?
9. Is the birth mother required to appear in court?
10. Does the birth mother have to live in or move to Florida in order to work with you?
11. What about birth fathers?
12. Does the birth mother have to pay legal fees or expenses?
13. How much financial assistance may the birth mother receive?
14. What states do you work with?
15. What hours are you available?
1. Will any body find out?
Who you choose to tell is up to you. We can take extra precautions if there is somebody you do not want to know, but please be assured that it is completely confidential.
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2. Do you only work with newborns? What if my baby is older?
We do not limit our adoptions only to newborns. Call us anytime and we can talk with you about your options. We may have the perfect family for your situation. So whether your baby is older or you are looking to place a sibling group, don’t hesitate to call us. We are here to help you in any way we can.
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3. Can I pick the family and how open the adoption is?
Absolutely, this is your decision and we want you to be comfortable with it. You may choose your adoptive family based on what is important to you! We will give you profiles of families to consider based on your needs, wants and wishes.
You will be able to pick the family for your child and whether the adoption is open, semi-open or closed. You are providing a family with a dream come true and deserve to have your wishes honored. Once you choose your family you are considered a match and they will no longer available to anyone else. We will go over the laws of the state you will need to know. Nothing permanent can be signed until after the birth of the baby. So just take care of yourself and build the relationship with your adoption family.
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4. What happens after the baby is born?
The majority of the time, the adoptive family will be there with your baby if possible. However, please know that if you would like to see your baby and spend time its okay. If not, that’s ok too. We want you to do whatever is most comfortable for you. If varies by state and by situation, but normally after you and the baby are discharged from the hospital you will meet with a counselor to sign the paper work. The adoptive family will take the baby home.
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5. Can the birth mother choose the adoptive parents?
Yes. A birth mother is encouraged to specify the characteristics of the family (age, religion, hobbies, length of marriage, etc.) she prefers to raise her baby. She may speak with the adoptive family by telephone or meet them in person and ask questions, so she feels assured that she has chosen the perfect family for her baby. There can be communication between the birth mother and the adoptive family throughout the pregnancy, with letters, phone call and/or meetings.
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6. How will I know my child will be taken care of?
Our adoptive parents must go through an extensive screening process before they are approved to adopt. The adoption process includes social worker visits to their home, interviews, criminal background investigations, child abuse checks and references.
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7.
Can the birth mother receive pictures and updates after the baby is born?
Yes. That will be worked out in the adoption plan with the adoptive family.
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8.
How much will the family and the child know about me?
That depends on what type of adoption plan you choose: open, semi-open, or confidential. We encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history to your child, no matter what type of adoption plan you make. You may choose to share your identity and where you live with the adoptive family. If you've made an open adoption plan, you may have ongoing, direct contact with your child and the adoptive family.
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9.
Is the birth mother required to appear in court?
No.
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10.
Does the birth mother have to live in or move to Florida in order to work with you?
No. If the birth mother lives in another state, we will coordinate efforts with another attorney, counselor or licensed child-placing agency to provide the best services possible to the birth mother. If the birth mother lives in Florida, we will meet with her in person, either at our office, her home or at any other place that is convenient for her.
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11. What about birth fathers?
Florida law requires birth fathers to provide financial and emotional support to the birth mother during her pregnancy and after birth to be able to interfere with the birth mother's adoption plan. In addition, Florida has a paternity registry that cuts off the rights of unmarried birth fathers who do not timely register. We are available to speak with birth fathers and help foster a mutual understanding of adoption. We also utilize a licensed private investigator to locate the father if needed.
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12. Does the birth mother have to pay legal fees or expenses?
No. All fees and expenses, including medical expenses, are paid by the prospective adoptive parents. The birth mother is not required to pay anything.
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13. How much financial assistance may the birth mother receive?
A birth mother is permitted to receive financial assistance for her actual living and medical expenses during the term of the pregnancy and for a period after the child is born, not to exceed six weeks. This includes OB and hospital care, prescription medications, counseling, living expenses (rent, food, phone, utilities, toiletries), insurance, clothing and transportation.
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14. What states do you work with?
We work with any state in the US.
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15. What hours are you available?
We are available 24hrs 7 days a week. Why? Because we know when you need to talk to some one it sometimes can not wait.
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Call us with any Questions: 1-877-374-7977
Remember no question is too small. Day or night, We are here for you!
DISCLAIMER:
The information provided above is an overview of Florida’s adoption law. It is a brief introduction to a complex topic. This is not a complete dissertation of the law, is not tailored to a specific case, and you should not rely on this document. Moreover, the adoption law is relatively new and untested; therefore, this information may change as the courts interpret the law. When you have specific questions regarding your particular adoptive placement, please address them with us, or another qualified adviser.
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