When hopeful adoptive parents and expectant moms find each other outside of an agency, it often feels like a moment meant to be. These private or “direct” matches can be incredibly personal and meaningful. But they also come with legal complexities that make early professional guidance absolutely essential. I’ve heard stories of adoptive parents finding their birth mom on Facebook, through church, through Friends and other word of mouth, through website chat boards, and through pure luck!
If you’re wondering how to adopt after connecting with a birth mom yourself, here’s what you need to know.
What is a Direct or Matched Adoption?
A direct match—also known as a private or independent match—happens when a hopeful adoptive family and an expectant parent connect on their own. This might happen through mutual friends, social media, or even chance encounters. These situations are increasingly common in Florida, but they still require the same legal structure and safeguards as agency adoptions.
Why Legal Guidance Matters Early
When a match is made privately, there isn’t an agency managing the details behind the scenes. That means it’s especially important to bring in an experienced adoption attorney early in the process.
Legal guidance helps ensure that:
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The adoption follows all Florida laws
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The expectant parent receives appropriate support
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Medical and living expenses are handled legally
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Rights and responsibilities are clearly explained to both sides
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The entire process is ethical and fully informed
Florida Law and Expenses
Recent updates to Florida law have made it more important than ever to follow proper procedures when it comes to paying or reimbursing expenses. Medical and living costs can be part of a legal adoption plan, but they must be approved and managed by an attorney or agency.
Handling this incorrectly can delay or even jeopardize the adoption. That’s why having a focused legal team is essential from the very beginning.
Protecting Everyone Involved
Expectant parents should feel supported, heard, and fully informed at every stage. Hopeful adoptive parents should have clarity and confidence in the process. Having separate, qualified legal support ensures that both sides are treated with respect and care.
At Tate Healey Webster, we make sure every detail is handled ethically, legally, and with deep compassion. Adoption is too important to risk missteps.
Florida’s Largest Adoption Law Firm
Tate Healey Webster is Florida’s largest law firm focusing solely on adoption and assisted reproductive technology. With six offices across the state and five board certified adoption attorneys on our team, we’re here to serve families wherever they are in the process.
Whether you’re in Tampa, Orlando, Naples, Jacksonville, Boca Raton, or Merritt Island, we can help you take the right next steps after a direct match.
If you’ve already matched with an expectant mom and are wondering how to proceed with adoption, contact us today. The earlier we get involved, the more we can help protect your match. Call or text us at 813-258-3355.