An unplanned pregnancy can be a very difficult and life-changing process, it might not be the right time for you to care for a child. Luckily, giving your baby up for adoption at birth is a straight forward process and there are many different loving families that are waiting to adopt and provide a home for a child. If you have an unplanned pregnancy and are unsure of what to do with the unborn child, it's important to know that as a birth mother, you have options available to you. If as a birth parent you are not sure if you are ready to take care of the child, there are three options which include:

  • Taking on the role of parent
  • Abortion
  • Adoption

Placing your baby up for adoption can be a great option that can connect the child with an eagerly waiting and fit parent or parents which can be a wonderfully fulfilling process that birth mothers have full control over, including choosing the adoptive family.

At Florida Adoption Lawyers, we have guided many birth parents and adoptive families through the adoption process over the years. 

Our managing partner Juliana Gaita Esq. is a proud adoptive mother of three children together with her husband and is passionate about helping the birth parent have a positive process when they give their children up for adoption.

 

Important Things To Know About Giving Your Baby Up For Adoption

We understand that choosing to put your child up for adoption is a big decision and one that you are making to give your child the best possible life and circumstances in which they can thrive. 

The adoption process is beautiful, rewarding, and at times, challenging, and we are here to help you navigate through it all. It is important that you understand your rights as a birth mother and that you are aware of the assistance that is available to you according to Florida state law.

Birth mothers can receive financial assistance to help with the birth process to gain access to medical care so that you and your baby are taken care of. Counseling and other services are also an option for you. If you are considering giving your baby up for adoption, here are the steps in the process:

How To Put Your Baby Up For Adoption In Florida (7 Steps)

There are 7 Main Steps To Put Your Baby Up For Adoption.

If you live in Florida and are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you might be feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. If you are considering placing your child up for adoption, we can provide you with assistance, support, and information about what steps to take next in the adoption process. As the birth mother, you are entitled to safe housing, assistance with medical expenses, counseling, and more.

  • The Decision Is Yours and Only Yours.1: Making The Decision To Put Your Baby Up For Adoption

    The decision to give your baby up for adoption is yours and yours alone. The first step is to make an adoption plan and see how that feels for you.

    No one can make the decision other than you. If you do choose to give your child a life with another family, it can be a very positive and gratifying experience.

    Your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your child are both equally important. If you make the decision to go through the adoption process, the following steps will pertain to you as you begin making an adoption plan.

  • Attorneys and Agencies Specialize In Working With Birth Mothers.2: Finding An Adoption Lawyer That Can Help

    There are ways to tell if you are working with the right adoption attorney. The first part is making sure that you are comfortable and that the adoption specialist is reliable. Florida Adoption Attorneys Lawyer Juliana Gaita Esq. has adopted children herself and has a board certification in adoption which not many other attorneys have.

    Being able to speak openly and honestly about your options so that you can be well-informed about your decision-making is key. Some other important aspects to think about include: 

    • 100% confidential process.
    • Waiting families that you can select who is ready to adopt your baby into a loving home. 
    • Counseling services and financial support is provided throughout the process.
    • Assistance with obtaining insurance to cover your pregnancy-related medical needs and you have the right to choose your doctor and the hospital where you will deliver.
    • Transportation assistance related to your pregnancy.
    • Secure housing throughout the birth process.

    These are just a few things that a good adoption attorney or agency can provide to birth mothers.

    Being able to speak openly and honestly about your options so that you can be well-informed about your decision-making is key. Some other important aspects to think about include:  100% confidential process. Waiting families that you can select who is ready to adopt your baby into a loving home.  Counseling services and financial support is provided throughout the process. Assistance with obtaining insurance to cover your pregnancy-related medical needs and you have the right to choose your doctor and the hospital where you will deliver. Transportation assistance related to your pregnancy. Secure housing throughout the birth process. These are just a few things that a good adoption attorney or agency can provide to birth mothers.
  • There is Help Available For You.3: Receive Assistance For The Birth process

    Once you decide on the adoption specialist that will be helping you through the adoption process as a birth mother, it's time to make sure that you are safe and the baby is safe. You can receive help with the following aspects of your life:

    • Housing
    • Transportation for medical visits
    • Selection of the adoptive parents
    • Insurance assistance
    • Financial services

    Just to name a few.

  • Birth Mothers Have The Right To Choose The Adopting Family.4: Choosing An Adoptive Family

    Adoption has changed for the better over the years, and birth mothers are now included in every aspect of the adoption process including choosing a family for your baby. As the birth mother, you are in charge of the plan for your baby, and we are here to offer you support and guidance. 

    If you are giving your baby up for adoption, you will be able to choose the adoptive family you feel is best for your baby, or if you wish, we can choose a loving adoptive family on your behalf. If you would like to choose the adoptive family yourself, we will give you a list of families waiting to adopt, and you will be able to speak with them and meet with them in person if you desire.

     All prospective adoptive families must go through a rigorous approval process before they are presented to you as an option. This includes a home study process, background checks,  financial checks, counseling, references, and more. There are certain financial as well as physical and emotional health requirements that an adoptive family must meet to ensure that they will be able to provide a safe, loving, and stable home for their child. 

    If you would like to learn more about the adoption process, we are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. We are here to support you and make your experience with the adoption process as positive, dignified, and empowering as possible.

  • Birth Mothers Have The Right To Choose The Adopting Family.5: Choosing An Adoption Plan

    Adoption plans have changed for the better over the years, and birth mothers are now included in every aspect of the adoption process and are provided with counseling every step of the way. As the pregnant birth mother, you are in charge of the process, and we are here to offer you support and guidance. 

    If you are giving your child up for adoption, you will be able to choose the adoptive family you feel is best for your baby, or if you wish, we can choose a loving adoptive family on your behalf. If you would like to choose the adoptive family yourself, we will give you a list of families waiting to adopt, and you will be able to speak with them and meet with them in person if you desire.

     All prospective adoptive families must go through a rigorous approval process before they are presented to you as an option. This includes a home study process, background checks,  financial checks, counseling, references, and more. There are certain financial as well as physical and emotional health requirements that an adoptive family must meet to ensure that they will be able to provide a safe, loving, and stable home for your child. 

  • Medical Planning For The Birth.6: Develop a Birth Plan

    We can help you create a birth plan that suits your needs, as there are many important factors to consider in addition to the payment of medical expenses throughout the pregnancy and for the birth of your baby. There are a few sensitive details that you will want to consider and plan for ahead of time, such as where you will deliver, who you would like to be present when you give birth, and when. 

    You may wish to explore different options available to you, including a hospital birth, at-home birth, or birth at a birth center to determine which one meets your specific needs. It is worthwhile to ask if the hospitals or birth centers you are considering are adoption-sensitive with nurses or social workers that are trained to deal with adoption. Having a birth coach or doula present at the birth for emotional support is another important aspect of a birth plan that you will want to consider. 

    You will need to contact your adoption lawyer (or adoption specialist, adoption agency) when you go into labor before your baby is born, knowing that you can change your adoption plan. You can also change your mind about who you want to be present when you give birth at any time. You have up to 48 hours after giving birth to change your mind about the adoption plan. Some birth mothers choose to be with their babies during that time, while others do not want to. You will be supported in your decision no matter what you choose. 

  • Legal Consent Paperwork For Adoption Must be handled by a licensed Attorney.7: Sign Legal Consent for Adoption

    In Florida, you can sign consent for adoption papers to givie your baby up for adoption 48 hours after giving birth. You can sign them earlier if the doctor has put a written discharge order in your hospital chart. You have the right to a witness that you choose when you sign the papers. Your counselor will be there with you, as well as an attorney and sometimes a court reporter. Once you sign the papers, giving up your baby for adoption, it's important to know that you are not able to change your mind.cannot change your mind. You can change your mind at any time before you sign the consent paperwork but not after. When you sign the adoption papers and issue your consent, you’re agreeing to terminate your legal parental rights so that your child’s parents can assume those rights.

    As a licensed Florida Bar Attorney, we can handle this entire part of the adoption process and we make sure that you understand exactly what you are agreeing to. It's paramount that an attorney handles the legal paperwork when you are consenting to the adoption. Not all adoption attorneys or other types of professionals will provide this level of protection for you.

How Do You Select The Right Adoption Plan As A Birth Mother?

Adoption could be the best decision you ever make because it can be so beneficial for you and your baby. You can gain confidence and peace of mind, and your baby can gain a loving family and better access to opportunities.

No matter what factors a birth mother finds important in an adoptive family, or how she finds that family, it's important to take some time and become educated on the process. For a birth mother, the decision of choosing an adoptive family is incredibly important. It's essential to rely on intuition and instinct when making this long-term commitment for their child.

Placing your baby up for adoption takes a lot of strength and courage which is why it's helpful to have an adoption agency or lawyer that is very familiar with the process. You are welcome to Contact us today to ask questions and learn more about adoption. You are not alone in making this decision about your pregnancy.

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Frequently Asked Questions When Giving Your Baby Up For Adoption

1Are Their Different Types Of Adoption Plans?
Yes, there are different types of adoptions options for birth mothers and even family members. If you are giving your baby up for adoption and do not want to have contact with the child, that is fine. It's also fine to want to have some contact or be in the child's life regularly. Each adoption plan is different. Here are the main 3 adoption plans that birth mothers can choose in the state of Florida: Open Adoption: Open adoption means that the birth mother and sometimes the birth father choose to have an ongoing relationship with the adoptive family. The amount of contact in an open adoption is different on a case-by-case basis but can include visits, phone calls, pictures and more. This is agreed upon ahead of signing the adoptive consent paperwork and is something that can be defined by the birth mother and adoptive parents. Semi-open Adoption: In a semi-open adoption, the adoptive parents will send you pictures, letters, and emails. They may talk to you on the phone. Semi-open adoption usually doe snot include visits with the child and the adoptive family. Closed Adoption: A closed adoption means that there will be no contact after giving the baby up for adoption. A closed adoption is different from an open adoption and is legally defined ahead of time. Some women prefer to move on with their lives and not have contact with the baby, which is fine. Whatever adoption experience works for you, Florida Adoption Lawyers will support you in your decision. We will also provide you with information about the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry, in case you want to contact your child after he or she turns 18.
2Do I Have to Pay Anything To Give My Baby Up For Adoption?
No, quite the oposite. If you are considering weather you should place your baby up for adoption, our adoption specialists can help you recieve money for prenatale care, safe living expences, hospital expesnse and anything else that falls under guidelines. Adoptive parents want you to be comfortable as you go through your pregnancy. Most of your expenses pertaining to pregnancy and living expenses can be taken care of for you to ensure that you and your baby are safe. Considering adoption can be scary, but financial insecurity isn't something that you should worry about. As a birth parent, our adoption specilists will guide you through the process step by step.

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