If you are considering adoption for your unplanned pregnancy, understanding your rights as an expectant mother or birth mother is critical. The adoption agency you choose is responsible for ensuring you fully understand the process.

You can change your mind about the adoption until a certain point. It is final once you sign the papers to terminate your parental rights.

At Christian Family Services, we will address all your questions and concerns so you feel confident about your decision. Set up a no-cost appointment today.

What Does It Mean To Terminate Parental Rights?

Adoption is the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from the birth parents to the adoptive parents.

The biological parents must terminate or end their parental rights to their child voluntarily before the adoptive couple can complete the adoption. In Florida, consent to adoption may not be given until 48 hours after the child’s birth or the day the birth mother is given permission to leave the hospital, whichever comes first.

Until a birth mother signs the termination (also known as relinquishment or consent to adoption) papers, she can change her mind at any time.

Is Adoption Permanent?

Adoption is not a co-parenting arrangement. It is a permanent decision. Understanding your rights is vital to a successful adoption.

One study found that birth mothers who were most satisfied with their adoptions received accurate information and felt free from any coercion to make their decisions.

The Importance of Working With a Reputable Agency

As you can see, the adoption process involves a lot of confusing legal jargon. A reputable, licensed agency will want to make sure an expectant mother or birth mother fully understands all adoption terms before she signs anything.

A woman should never feel forced or manipulated into choosing adoption for her child. At Christian Family Services, our compassionate caseworkers make sure you understand the adoption process thoroughly. We review every step so you are not surprised by anything.

Placing a child for adoption can be emotionally challenging, requiring a great deal of counseling before, during, and after finalization. Our caseworkers will be with you throughout the entire journey, and our professional counseling never ends.

No matter what you choose, we want to help you secure a bright future as you move forward. Please contact us and ask how we can assist you. It costs you nothing to work with us. We’re here for you.

Schedule your appointment today.