The phone rings frequently, and is a pregnant woman, and the first question we hear is, “Where do I start?”
Access to adoption information about “giving up” a baby through private adoption is increasing daily. Yet, there seem to be more questions than ever before. It takes work to wade through the million puzzle pieces of what a successful adoption story can be. Much of the information may not be accurate or incomplete, and everyone has an opinion.
At Tammi Driver Law, we can help you determine what kind of adoption you wish to pursue. With our many years of adoption experience, you can begin to narrow down your choices. You can also start narrowing down the information and resources that apply to your desires while filtering out what is unnecessary. Unnecessary information can often make people looking to place a baby feel lost and voiceless.
Within a short period, our team often takes a pregnant woman from the anxiety of not knowing where to begin to make choices around openness level, birth plans, adoptive family preferences, and more. We usually hear or see the light go on when the pregnant woman suddenly realizes she is no longer alone and has an advocate to counsel her through the adoption journey.
Our laws in Florida provide certain rights and afford a pregnant woman financial support from the adoptive family during the pregnancy and for six weeks after giving birth. A pregnant woman may receive assistance with rent, utilities, food, health care, and other pregnancy-related expenses during this time.
Birth parents should also be aware of and decide the level of support they need during the pregnancy and at birth. After the birth, adoption-related counseling, regular Zoom, and in-person support groups, and making sure the type of adoption you chose will be honored by adoptive parents so that birth parents have access to the information about their child’s well-being. We will do everything we can to help birth mothers feel more supported and connected during what can be a difficult and emotional time. We can provide all available options and do our best to ensure your chosen adoption plan is what you experience.
Our law office specializes in private adoptions and helps pregnant women match with the right family and determine where to begin and what information they need to make the best decisions possible. Adoption can feel like a chaotic jungle of facts, emotions, opinions, laws, and promises. Still, the Law Office of Tammi J. Driver team can help you weed through the confusion to simplify the decision and journey as much as possible.
If you are pregnant and considering adoption, you may feel scared and confused. My staff and I can help you understand the adoption process and your options. We work with pregnant women who are already matched with adoptive parents, those who want to be matched with adoptive parents, and those who are already working with an attorney or agency but would like their own legal representation.
Please call 727-800-6681 if you need assistance with adoption.
As adoption professionals, we do not use the terms “give baby up” or “put baby up” for adoption. We believe they do not correctly represent the courage and love of a birth mother. However, because these are commonly used terms when researching adoption, we use them to make it easier for people to find the information they seek.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unexpected Pregnancy and Adoption in Florida
I am pregnant unexpectedly in Florida. What should I do first?
You do not have to make an immediate decision. You can begin by learning about your options and considering what is best for you and your baby. If you are considering adoption, speaking with a Florida adoption professional or adoption attorney can help you understand the process, your rights, and the choices available to you.
How do I start the adoption process while pregnant in Florida?
You can start by contacting an adoption attorney or adoption professional to discuss your situation and the type of adoption you may want. You can ask questions, discuss your preferences, learn about prospective adoptive families, and begin creating an adoption plan. Starting the process does not mean that you have legally consented to an adoption.
Do I have to decide on adoption right away?
No. Considering adoption or beginning an adoption plan does not mean you have to make an immediate final decision. You can gather information, ask questions, consider your options, and determine what feels right for your circumstances.
Can I choose the family that adopts my baby?
Yes. In a private adoption, a pregnant woman can generally participate in choosing the prospective adoptive family. You can consider characteristics that are important to you, such as family structure, lifestyle, location, values, other children in the family, and willingness to maintain contact after the adoption.
Can I have contact with my child after adoption?
Yes, an adoption plan can include preferences for contact after placement. Depending on what you and the adoptive family agree upon, contact might include photos, updates, phone or video calls, social media communication, or in-person visits.
Can I create a birth and hospital plan if I choose adoption?
Yes. You can make decisions about your labor, delivery, and hospital experience. Your adoption plan can include preferences about who you want with you during labor, whether you want the adoptive parents at the hospital, how much time you would like to spend with your baby, and other aspects of your hospital stay.
Can I receive financial assistance while pregnant and considering adoption in Florida?
Florida law allows certain reasonable pregnancy-related living expenses to be provided in connection with an adoption. Depending on your circumstances, assistance may be available for expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, and medical needs. An adoption attorney can explain what assistance may be legally available in your situation.
Do I have to pay an adoption attorney if I am pregnant and considering adoption?
A pregnant woman considering adoption generally should not assume that she will have to personally pay the legal expenses associated with making an adoption plan. The way adoption-related legal expenses are handled can depend on the circumstances of the adoption. An adoption attorney can explain what costs may be covered and whether independent legal representation is available to you.
What if I am already matched with adoptive parents?
You can still speak with a Florida adoption attorney about your rights and the legal process. An attorney can help you understand the necessary legal steps, adoption documents, consent requirements, birth father issues, and other matters involved in completing a private adoption.
What if I am already working with an adoption agency but want my own attorney?
You can ask about obtaining independent legal representation. Having your own attorney can give you an opportunity to ask questions specifically about your rights and interests rather than relying solely on information from other parties involved in the adoption.
What if the baby’s father is not involved or does not agree with adoption?
An absent or disagreeing biological father does not necessarily prevent an adoption, but Florida law has specific requirements concerning biological fathers and parental rights. Tell your adoption attorney everything you know about the biological father so the appropriate legal steps can be taken.
Is talking to an adoption attorney the same as agreeing to adoption?
No. Asking questions, speaking with an adoption attorney, reviewing prospective adoptive families, or creating an adoption plan does not by itself constitute legal consent to an adoption. You can seek information about adoption before making a final legal decision.