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of Open Adoption
The Adoption Process: A Guide for Expectant Mothers
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering adoption, you likely have many questions about how the adoption process works.
This guide will help you understand the adoption process from start to finish, so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
How to Start the Adoption Process
Starting the adoption process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Here’s how to take that first step:
- Reach Out for Information
To begin, reach out to Abiding Love Adoptions. This initial conversation is completely confidential and comes with no obligation to create an adoption plan. We will provide the basic information you need to decide if you want to proceed.
- Schedule a Free Consultation
We’ll arrange a meeting with a Birth Mother Advocate. This is your opportunity to talk about your situation, your concerns, and ask questions. We’ll listen to your story and help you explore all your options.
- Take Your Time
There’s no rush. You can take as much time as you need to think through your decision. We’re here to support you, not pressure you.
Your Next Steps
If you decide that adoption is the right option for you, here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Explore Your Options Fully
Before moving forward, we’ll ensure you’ve considered all your options, including the different types of adoption and resources available if you choose to parent. We believe in informed decision-making, and we want you to feel confident in whatever choice you make.
Step 2: Receive Free Legal Representation
You have the right to your own Adoption Attorney—at no cost to you. Your Attorney will represent only your interests throughout the adoption process, ensuring your rights are protected and that you understand every legal step.
Step 3: Choose Your Baby’s Adoptive Family
You’re in control of this important decision. We’ll provide you with profiles of pre-screened, prospective Adoptive Families. You can review these profiles and select the family that feels right for your baby—one that matches your values, beliefs, and hopes for your child’s future.
Step 4: Meet and Build a Relationship
Once you’ve chosen an Adoptive Family, you’ll have the opportunity to meet them. Whether through phone calls, video chats, or in-person meetings, you can get to know them and begin building a relationship.
Many Expectant Mothers find great comfort in knowing the people who will raise their child.
Step 5: Create Your Adoption Plan
Working with your Adoption Attorney and with support from Abiding Love Adoptions, you’ll create a personalized adoption plan that includes:
- Your hospital plan (who you want present at birth, how much time you’d like with your baby)
- Your Open Adoption agreement (the level of contact you want after placement)
- Any special wishes or requests you have
Step 6: Receive Support Throughout Your Pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy, we provide:
- Professional counseling and emotional support
- Mentorship, guidance, and support from your Birth Mother Advocate
- Assistance with pregnancy-related expenses (medical costs, living expenses, and other approved needs)
Step 7: Your Hospital Experience
When it’s time for your baby to be born, your hospital plan goes into effect. You decide:
- Who will be present at the birth
- How much time you’d like to spend with your baby after they’re born
- Whether you want to legally consent to and finalize the adoption
We’ll be there to support you and ensure your wishes are honored.
Step 8: Placement and Legal Consent
After your baby is born, you’ll have time to be certain of your decision.
When you’re ready, you’ll provide legal consent for the adoption with your Attorney. It’s important to know that you can change your mind up until this point. We’ll support whatever decision you make.
Step 9: Ongoing Connection and Support
After placement, your relationship with your child and the Adoptive Family continues according to your Open Adoption agreement. This might include:
- Photos and updates about your child’s growth
- Letters and emails
- Phone calls or video chats
- In-person visits
We also provide continued counseling and support for as long as you need it. You’re not alone in this journey.
Abiding Love Adoptions is Here to Guide You Through the Adoption Process
Our only goal is to support you and help you make the best decision.
What makes us different:
- We work exclusively with Expectant Mothers – We don’t represent Adoptive Families, which means we can focus entirely on supporting and protecting you.
- All services are completely free – You’ll never pay for counseling, legal representation, or any other service we provide.
- We specialize in Open Adoption – We believe in the power of ongoing connection and will help you create an adoption plan that honors your relationship with your child.
- No pressure, ever – Exploring adoption with us is not a commitment. We’re here to provide information and support, not to push you in any direction.
- We’re with you for the long haul – Our support doesn’t end at placement. We provide ongoing counseling and assistance for as long as you need it.
- Licensed and experienced – We’re licensed in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, with years of experience supporting Expectant Mothers through the adoption process.
Reaching out to us is not a commitment to make an adoption plan. We invite you to learn more about the adoption process to see if it’s right for you. All services are FREE and confidential!
Contact us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the adoption process take?
The timeline varies for each situation. Some Expectant Mothers contact us early in pregnancy and take several months to make their decision, while others reach out closer to their due date or once the baby has been born.
There’s no “right” timeline—we work at your pace. Once you’ve signed legal consents for the adoption, the legal process after placement typically takes several months to finalize, but you’ll maintain contact with your child and the Adoptive Family during this time.
When is the best time to start the adoption process?
There’s no wrong time to reach out. Some women contact us as soon as they learn they’re pregnant, while others wait until later in their pregnancy.
The earlier you reach out, the more time you’ll have to explore your options, get to know potential Adoptive Families, and receive support. However, we’re here to help regardless of how far along you are.
Is the adoption process confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is protected throughout the entire process. Your personal information, your decision-making, and your medical information remain confidential. You decide what information you want to share and with whom.
What if I change my mind about adoption?
You do have the right to change your mind about the adoption, but timing depends on the state you live in.
- In Florida, a Birth Mother must wait 48 hours after giving birth before she can sign consent for adoption or the day she is discharged from the hospital, whichever comes first. In Florida, there is no revocation period.
- In Georgia, Birth Mothers can revoke their consent to adoption within four days after signing the surrender documents. This must be done in writing. There is a specific way the revocation must be sent to the Agency.
- In South Carolina, Birth Mothers can consent to the adoption at any time after the birth of their children, but industry standard is for them to wait twenty-four (24) hours after birth. In South Carolina, there is no revocation period.
We’ll support whatever decision you make, without judgment or pressure. If you choose to parent your child, we’ll help connect you with resources and support.
What kind of support will I receive after placement?
We provide ongoing counseling and support groups for as long as you need it—even years after placement.
We also help facilitate contact between you and the Adoptive Family according to your Open Adoption agreement. We’re here for you long after placement.