How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption

    If you’re considering making an adoption plan for your child in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C, the following guide will provide you with a better understanding of how to “give a baby up” for adoption, and how Jennifer and Catelyn can help if you decide that adoption is the right choice for you and your baby.

    Understanding the Adoption Process for Pregnant Women in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.

    Your first step should be to learn about all of your pregnancy options, so you can be sure that adoption is the path that you want to pursue. Choosing to place a child for adoption is one of the most difficult decisions that you can make, but it’s never a choice that anyone makes lightly. Adoption isn’t “giving up.” Adoption is giving your baby the life that you want him or her to have that you are not able to provide at this time in your life. If you’re thinking about adoption, it’s because you want your baby to have the best life possible. We can help you achieve that through adoption if you feel that’s what’s best for you and your child’s future.  We will listen to you and give you information that will allow you to make an informed choice about adoption.

    At this stage, you may be wondering, “How does the adoption process work?” Here’s a basic breakdown of how to put a child up for adoption in D.C., MD, and VA:

    Step 1: Decide If Adoption is Right for You

    Contact us and we can walk you through everything and answer any questions you might have at this point. Contacting our firm doesn’t mean that you’re committing to adoption. You can call whether you’re ready to start the process right away or whether you’re still considering all of your options and you’d just like some more information.  We will take the time to explain all the adoption options so if you decide on adoption you can select the type that works best for you and your baby.

    We can help you decide if you’d like to work with an adoption agency to find an adoptive family for your baby, or we can help you if you’d like to search on your own or if you have a family in mind already.

    Step 2: Make Your Adoption Plan

    You’ll create an adoption plan that outlines how you want your adoption to go, including your time in the hospital, how much contact you want to have with your child and their parents after the adoption, and more.

    We can help you review all the choices available to you throughout the process of how to give a child up for adoption in VA, MD and D.C. so you can make informed decisions that you feel are best for you and your baby.

    Step 3: Choose Your Baby’s Adoptive Family

    Jennifer and Catelyn can help you find the adoptive family that you feel is right for your child, whatever that looks like for you. We can show you where to view adoption profiles of waiting families online, and assist you in contacting the prospective adoptive couple that you choose. You can get to know the waiting family throughout the adoption process. If you want to work with an agency for this part of the process, we can refer you to an adoption professional that’s right for you and they can guide you through the adoption process.

    Step 4: Finalize Your Adoption Decision

    Once your baby is born, you’ll need to wait a minimum amount of time required by the adoption consent laws before you can give your consent to the adoption and place your child with their adoptive family. We will continue to support you through the adoption consent process, so you’re fully informed of all your rights before you decide to issue your consent. (Follow the links to learn more about consent and revocation of consent in adoptions in District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.)

    It’s important to know that you’re in charge of every decision that’s made in the process of how to put a child up for adoption. We are here not only to legally protect and represent you, but to offer you information, counsel and most importantly, support.

    Step 5: Post-Adoption Communication

    Although you’re placing your child for adoption, you can continue to stay in touch with them and remain an important part of their lives. One of the most important in MD, VA and D.C. is post-adoption communication. Today, 95 percent of adoptions are open. You can choose to have an relationship with your child and their family after the adoption, and communicate through letters, photos, family visits or however you feel comfortable keeping in contact. It’s entirely up to you!

     

    How to Start the Adoption Process with Jennifer Fairfax

    When you contact us about how to put a baby up for adoption, we’ll meet with you to talk about the adoption process in your state, your pregnancy and your options. If you’re ready, you can also discuss what you might be looking for in a potential adoptive family for your baby.

    We can offer recommendations for the best adoption agencies, if you decide to work with one, help you find a good hospital for your maternity health needs, and help you look through adoption profiles, if you like.

    Facing an adoption decision can feel overwhelming. It can feel lonely if you don’t have a strong support system. Our passion lies in representing birth parents through the adoption process. We’re always here to talk, provide you with information and help in any way we can.

    To learn more about how to put a baby up for adoption in D.C, Maryland, or Virginia, contact us now online.

    Surrogacy & Gestational Carriers

    Jennifer Fairfax Family Formation Law Offices represents Gestational Carriers in the negotiation of their legal contract with Intended Parents once matched through a Coordinating or Matching Program.  Representing Gestational Carriers for over 17 years, Jennifer will review with you the legal terms of the contract and explain the court process.

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    “I believe in working with each of my clients—in support of their family dynamic—to make the dreams of parenthood a reality. Whether you are single or married; or gay; a step-parent, a surrogate or intended parent or a child of adoption, it is my mission to serve as your advocate. With a dedication to the ethical and sensitive nature of each situation, I will help you understand the laws within Maryland or Washington, DC for adoption or surrogacy, and pledge to be your partner throughout the journey.” - Jennifer Fairfax