Jun 11, 2026
The number one fear I hear from expectant mothers considering adoption is the fear of never seeing their child again. It is real, it is valid, and it deserves an honest answer. The honest answer is this: open adoption means you do not have to say goodbye forever. And in Florida, open adoption is not just a possibility. It is one of the most common paths expectant mothers choose, and it looks different for every family.
What Open Adoption Actually Looks Like
Open adoption is not one fixed arrangement. It is a spectrum, and you get to decide where on that spectrum your plan falls. Some birth mothers choose an arrangement that includes regular photo and letter updates as the child grows. Others want phone or video calls on a schedule that works for everyone. Some build a plan that includes in-person visits, holiday cards, and a genuine ongoing relationship with the adoptive family. And some choose a more limited level of contact that gives them peace of mind without ongoing communication. There is no right or wrong answer. The plan is built around what feels right for you and what you believe will be best for your child.
What Happens If Circumstances Change?
This is a question I get often, and it is a good one. Openness agreements in Florida are taken seriously and are built with care. When you work with an experienced adoption law firm to establish your plan, the terms are clearly written and agreed upon by all parties before placement. That clarity protects everyone involved, including you.
How Do You Choose the Right Adoptive Family?
In Florida, you choose. That is not a small thing. You are not assigned a family, and no one makes that decision for you. You review profiles of pre-screened, thoroughly vetted adoptive families, and you select the people who feel right. You can request to meet them before placement if that is something you want. You can ask questions. You can take your time. Many of the birth mothers I have worked with across Florida have told me that choosing the family was one of the most meaningful parts of the process. Knowing exactly who your child is going home to, and why you chose them, is something that stays with you.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
I have helped birth mothers across all of Florida from our offices in Tampa, Orlando, Naples, Merritt Island, Jacksonville, and Boca Raton, and I can tell you that every single one of them had fears before they called. Most of them told me afterward that the call was easier than they expected. If you are pregnant and wondering whether open adoption might be the right path for you, call or text me directly. I will answer your questions honestly and without any pressure. Everything you share with me is completely confidential. 813-258-3359 — Call or Text Erica Anytime
floridaadoptionattorney.com/birth-parents/selecting-adoptive-parents
Erica T. Healey Board-Certified Adoption Attorney Tate Healey Webster, Adoption and Surrogacy Attorneys
