Where do we begin?

The first step to building your family through adoption or assisted reproduction technology is to sit down with an experienced attorney who can explain all of your options and answer your questions.   

How much does Adoption cost?

The cost of any adoption is determined by the type of adoption you are pursuing.  Public Agency adoptions tend to be the least expensive and sometimes do not cost the adoptive parents anything after subsidies, tax benefits and other factors.  A private agency or independent adoption can cost between $15,000 and $40,000.  Some of the factors that impact the cost of an adoption are whether the birth mother has medical insurance, where the adoption is being finalized, interstate requirements and the role of the birth father.

  

What information is provided to an expectant parent about me?

A lengthy family, social and medical history is generally compiled by the birth mother, and sometimes the birth father. Following a match, you will also obtain medical records from the OB/GYN and from the hospital as soon as practical given the doctor or hospital’s cooperation. If requested and authorized by the birth family, criminal records or other third party documents. No one cannot guarantee the health or medical history of a baby. 

 

Searching Parents

The laws impacting how a searching family locates a birth parent vary from State to State.  Some jurisdictions do not allow private adoptions, others restrict living expenses, have longer revocation periods, prohibit advertising and have other legal restrictions.  Jennifer has worked with numerous families in the past 12 years helping them navigate their adoption journey.  Many families contact Jennifer before they begin the home study process and months before the hire her so that they fully understand the process and what to expect.  Others hire her as they begin their search privately.  Since many families locate expectant parents wanting to make an adoption plan through the Internet or in other States, it is important to have your own attorney to ensure the legal requirements are met so that you may proceed with an adoption plan and finalize your adoption. 

There are certain emotional and financial risks associated with independent adoption. When birth parents initially agree to place a child for adoption but later change their minds, the adoptive parents undoubtedly suffer emotionally. Even if the child is not yet born when the birth parents change their minds, the adoptive parents have formed emotional ties with the birth mother and the expected child. If the child has already come into the physical custody of the adoptive parents, the emotional trauma will be even greater.

In addition, the adoptive parents may have already paid attorney fees and medical expenses when the birth parents change their minds. In this event, the adoptive parents will most likely not be reimbursed by the birth parents. 

Maryland and D.C. prohibit facilitation ("matching") so Jennifer will not locate a birth family for you, however, she can assist you in advertising and networking strategies, refer you to ethical attorneys in other States to assist you, help you analyze situations you find on your own and represent you in any ICPC procedures or a finalization in your home state.