Apr 30, 2026
Making an adoption plan is a brave and courageous decision. If you are exploring adoption as an option or have made a decision to place your child for adoption, you should make sure to become informed about your rights. An adoption attorney can provide you not only with an overview of your options but can also explain your legal rights. You can reach out to an adoption attorney by going to www.adoptionattorneys.org and clicking on “find an attorney.” Our firm would be glad to receive your call or text
A birth parent also has the right to counseling with a licensed social worker in their own community to learn about options and alternatives to adoption before moving forward with any adoption plan. An adoption attorney, such as Jeanne T. Tate, P.A, can meet with a birth parent to discuss the options and supportive resources at no cost. Jeanne and her colleagues, Danelle Barksdale, Robert L. Webster, Erica Healey, and Barbara Ginn, can advise a birth parent on the laws governing adoption and advocate for the birth parent's rights and needs throughout the adoption process.
Once a birth parent has decided adoption is the right choice, a birth parent has the right to living and medical expenses, ongoing counseling, an attorney, and help to select the family best suited to meet their child’s needs. Birth parents have the right to meet potential families before making a final decision to give up their child for adoption, and also have the right to plan the type of future relationship they believe is best, documented through a written contract.
The most important part of this process is working with a competent and ethical adoption professional. Questions should be asked about the attorney's or agency's professional qualifications, experience with adoption planning, educational background, licensing, and references. The laws of every State differ, and having an attorney advocate for the birth parent from the start will ensure the adoption plan they choose proceeds and the process is as smooth and legal as possible.
If you are pregnant and thinking about adoption, please contact our attorneys to discuss your options at [email protected] or 800-874-4916.
