How to Adopt a Child Independently

When you adopt independently, you do not retain the services of an agency.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adoption Announcements
• Attorney

1. Locate a birth mother who would be willing to place her baby up for adoption. You may do this through an attorney or doctor, by advertising in the newspaper where legal, or by sending information about yourself to pregnancy crisis centers, obstetricians or others who may be able to help you.

2. Expect to pay for all of the birth mother's medical and legal expenses related to the pregnancy, birth and adoption. You may also have to pay for her living expenses.

3. Consider an investment in counseling for the birth mother - even in states where it's not required.

4. Understand that adoption organizations recommend that you pay for a separate attorney for the birth mother or birth parents so their rights can be best represented at all times during the process.

5. Consult with the birth mother to come up with a contract regarding what contact will be allowed with the child after the adoption.

Tips & Warnings

• It's easiest - and less complicated legally - to adopt within your state of residence. If you do go out of state to adopt, obtain and read a copy of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
• If you choose a birth mother whose pregnancy is covered by health insurance, your costs will be less.
• Independent adoptions are subject to state laws. It may be necessary for you to hire a competent adoption attorney to be sure you understand the particular laws of your state.
• Your chance of legal complications is greater in independent adoption than in adoption through an agency.

[Beveronius]

on 12/19/2008 My husband and I adopted independently through www.christianadoption.com. We love the coordinator and she provided much prayer and guidance. We did secure a lawyer. Do your research on lawyers - know the laws of whatever state(s) you are dealing with. Lawyers can lie too! Also, not every homestudy costs the same or gives you the best service. Get a recommendation when possible. We love our birthparents and our son! Contact me if you have questions, I am VERY passionate about adoption and could not be happier with our decision to go independently! Many agencies wanted to charge us more based on the color of skin of the child or our income...we did NOT like that!!!

[Maddy0808]

on 12/10/2008 Thank you!! My sister was recently asked to adopt her best friends little girl. Unfortunately, her best friend Anna has been fighting with cancer for awhile. She is a single mom and has been told her days are numbered. She has decided my sister is her choice to raise her 2 year old daughter as she has NO living family that she knows of. I will definitely pass that site along http://www.rapidadoption.com/free_adoption_booklet.html. The free booklet is awesome!! Thanks.

Maddy

[S56Pell]

on 11/9/2008 I think I'll check that rapidadoption out. I have been searching for a company to help me with adopting my 3 year old sister. I am 34 years old but recently found out my father has a 3 year old daughter. My father has passed away and the little girls mother is no sane. She is in a mental institute. If I don't take care of this little girl, she will be sent to the state. I can't bare to know my flesh and blood is out there and I'm not helping. She's my little sister! Thank you for the information.

Sandra

[Beveronius]

on 2/14/2008 excellent information - good resource