In a private adoption (also known as an independent adoption), prospective adoptive couples
are matched with a birthmother. The adoptive couple either learns of a birthmother and then retains an attorney or the couple
requests that the attorney present them to a birthmother for a possible match. The birthmother may meet with the adoptive
couple and discuss the role the adoptive couple will play during the birthmother’s pregnancy, as well as possible contact
between the birthmother and child once the adoption is finalized.
In Washington, the attorney prepares consents for the birthparent(s) prior to the child’s
birth. At least forty-eight (48) hours after the child’s birth, the birthmother attends a court hearing with the attorney
and voluntarily relinquishes her parental rights. The child is then placed in the temporary care of the prospective adoptive
parents pending a final adoption hearing. In Idaho, the birthparents must sign a consent in the presence of a judicial office.
The birthfather must also consent to the adoption or have his rights involuntarily terminated.
If the birthfather refuses to consent to the adoption, it is still possible to terminate the birthfather’s rights. The
birthfather is served with a petition to terminate his parental rights. If he fails to respond within a certain number of
days, a default is taken and his rights are terminated.
In Idaho, if a birthfather fails to register with the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and
Health Statistics, his rights may be forfeited and a consent is not necessary.
If the whereabouts of the birthfather are unknown, a notice can be published in a newspaper
with general circulation in the area of the birthfather’s last known address. This gives the birthfather notice of the
proceedings and, if the birthfather fails to respond, his rights are terminated by the court.
The adoptive couple must obtain a pre-placement report prior to having a child placed
in their care. The couple provides biographical, financial, and medical information. A caseworker, authorized by the court,
then prepares a report which is filed with the court. After the child is placed in the home, the caseworker again meets with
adoptive couple and child. A post-placement report is then filed at the time the adoption is finalized.
The legal fees for a private adoption vary but are usually significantly lower than an
agency fee. The approximate costs for a private adoption include:
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Pre- and Post-Placement Reports: |
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$220.00 (WA) / $65.00(ID) |
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$ 32.00 (WA) / $26.00 (ID) |
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Regular and Certified Copies: |
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Publication Costs (if necessary): |
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In most cases, the birthmother’s medical expenses related to the pregnancy are covered.
If the birthmother does not qualify for state assistance and has no private insurance, the adoptive parents may assume responsibility
for the medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth.
If you are interested in pursuing a private adoption, please contact Mark R. Iverson
for a free one half-hour consultation at the following address:
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Mark R. Iverson, P.S.
900 N. Maple Street
Suite 201
Spokane, Washington 99201
(509) 462-3678
Toll Free:
1-800-338-8273
E-mail Address: adoptionlegalservices.org
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