Private Adoption:

1. How do we go about finding a birth mother?
It is necessary to have an approved home study before you publish your wish to adopt a child.  It is important to tell everyone you know that you have decided to build a family through adoption.  A friend of a friend will often know of a birth mother that would like to place a baby.  Our office is available to assist with a birth mother search. If you do hear of a birth mother give us a call. We can assist you in how to approach the birth mother.

2.  What is the difference between an open adoption and a closed adoption?
Most adoptions are open, which simply means that the birth parents and adoptive parents have met or know one another.  In Washington the birth parents and adoptive parents enter an open adoption agreement that outlines contact between the adoptive parents and birth parents.  Most agreements allow two visits a year and provides that the adoptive parents will send a letter and information to the birth parents a couple times a year.  The terms of the agreement are worked out between the birth parents and adoptive parents.

3.   How long does it take to adopt?
Each adoption is unique.  The adoptive parents must first qualify as prospective adoptive parents and be recommended by a professional through a background investigation that results in an approved home study. Most adoptions are completed within one year. 

4.  Who pays for attorney fees and expenses?
The adoptive parents pay all attorney fees and costs.  The birth mother is usually covered by Medicaid and there is no additional fee for medical expenses related to the birth. If the birth mother does not qualify for Medicaid, the adoptive parents would pay any out of pocket medical expenses.  At times the birth mother requires financial assistance for expenses related to her pregnancy.  Those would also be paid by the prospective adoptive parents.

5.  Up to what point may a birth mother change her mind about placing a baby for adoption?
In Washington the birth mother signs a consent prior to the birth of a child.  That consent is presented to the Court at least 48 hours after birth and an order accepting the birth mother's relinquishment (termination of rights) is entered with the Court.  The birth mother may revoke her consent up to the time the order terminating parental rights is presented and entered.

In Idaho the birth mother signs a consent after birth in the presence of a judicial officer and rights are terminated at that hearing.

International Adoption:

1. What is the benefit to re-adopting a child?
A re-adoption is necessary to obtain a US birth certificate.

2.  What is the legal process to re-adopt a child?
The Court in Washington and Idaho recognizes the foreign country's legal process.  A copy of the adoption or guardianship documents from the foreign country is filed and adoption paperwork is prepared and presented at a Court hearing.  If the foreign country grants the adopting family guardianship rather than adoption, it will be necessary to adopt the child rather than re-adopt.

3.  Can we change the child's name at the time of the re-adoption?
Yes.  A new birth certificate is issued reflecting the child's new name.

Adult Adoption:

1.  Do I need to give notice to my birth parents that I am being adopted?
No.  It is not necessary to give notice to birth parents when you are being adopted as an adult.  The birth parents rights are not terminated.  You become the child of the adoptive parent(s) and remain the child of your birth parents.

2. Can I change my name?
Yes.  A  new birth certificate is issued reflecting your new name.  A name change is not required though.

3.  What is the legal process?
Adoption paperwork is prepared and an adoption hearing takes place at the Courthouse before a judge.  You can participate in the adoption by phone if it would be an inconvenience to attend the hearing.

Free Consultation
For a free consultation to answer any questions you may have in regard to an adoption contact us  at 509-462-3678 or 800-338-8273 or via email at mark@adoptionlegalservices.org