Birth mother FAQs

The reasons vary. In many instances, couples can’t have children because of medical reasons. There are also reasons such as testing and surrogacy processes that aren’t effective. And sometimes, while they physically can conceive, they choose adoption because they believe in societal good.

Nothing. All expenses are paid by the adoptive parents. Birth mother expenses may include medical care, counseling, living expenses, transportation and other things.

No. Your living expenses, transportation, counseling and medical costs are provided to you at no cost. The adoptive parents pay all fees and costs of the adoption.

Yes. While you’re pregnant, and for up to six weeks after the child is born, you get adoption support and financial assistance for actual living and medical expenses. Reasonable living expenses may include: 

• Rent
• Utilities
• Basic telephone service
• Toiletries
• Necessary clothing
• Transportation
• Insurance

You may also receive payment for other expenses if the court decides they are necessary for your (or your unborn child’s) health and wellbeing. 

Yes. If you’re over the age of 14, you have the legal right to place your child for adoption without the approval of your parents or any other family member. If you’re 14 or younger, the law requires you to get assistance and advice from a parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem (a person appointed by a court to look after your interests).

Yes. If the birth father is given proper notice of the adoption plan, and he fails to respond in a timely manner, his parental rights will be terminated by the court. There are other legal channels to terminate the birth father’s rights without his signature. Contact us for a free, complete evaluation of your situation.

In Florida, the rights of the birth father vary depending upon his legal classification: legal father or unmarried biological father. A legal father normally pertains to a situation in which the birth father is married to the birth mother. An unmarried biological father refers to the child’s birth father who is not married to the birth mother at the time of conception or on the date of the birth of the child, or is not otherwise a legal father.

The primary legal difference between the classifications is that an unmarried biological father must act immediately in order to protect his rights. There are many complex and intricate distinctions that may apply to each adoption plan. As such, each case is evaluated so that all major risk factors can be identified and disclosed to you at the earliest possible time. Contact us for a free complete evaluation of your situation.

Yes.

Yes. You may choose between one of our many open adoption, semi-open or closed adoption plans. The main difference between the plans is the extent of communication, contact and information shared by everyone.

For a fully open adoption, you may select and meet the adoptive parents and have extensive communication during the pregnancy and for years into the future. For a closed adoption, some birth mothers choose to have little or no contact, communication or information about the adoptive parents. Then, there are many versions of semi-open adoptions where the amount of contact and communication is tailored to the specific needs and desires of the birth mother and the adoptive parents.

You will be provided extensive information about several families who meet criteria that you define. You’ll be able to select from our profile books so that there’s no pressure to choose any particular family. 

A written profile describing details about their family, their hopes for the baby and resources that they’ll provide.

It varies.

Yes.

Yes. Unless you specifically request a closed adoption, you will be asked to meet the adoptive parents shortly after becoming matched. For years, other birth mothers have indicated that meeting the adoptive parents was the most significant factor in solidifying their adoption decision.

Yes. You can have as much or as little contact with the baby as you want at the hospital.

At the hospital.

Normally the day you are discharged from the hospital.

Yes. In Florida, for a child under 6 months of age, a consent for adoption is binding and irrevocable from the moment it is signed unless it can be proven in court that it was obtained by fraud or duress. After the child reaches 6 months of age, the consent for adoption is valid from the moment it is signed; however, it may be revoked up to 3 business days after it was signed.

Immediately. You can invite them into the delivery room so that they can start the bonding process at the moment of birth.

For most adoptions, regular, positive communication with the adoptive parents is one of the most important aspects for a successful open adoption plan. 

Yes. We only work with families that promise to be open, honest and fully committed to informing the child about being adopted.

Yes, if you register with the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry. We’ll provide you with the detailed information and help you register.

Yes, for at least 18 years.

Adoption law changes often, and Michael, his partner, and their staff are up to date on all legal changes––so your rights and your unborn child are protected. Working with an attorney dedicated solely to adoption law is a primary benefit for birth mothers. Michael puts the needs of the birth mother and birth parents first, and cares that all the legal aspects of the adoption are met. An adoption agency does not provide every birth mother with an attorney. 

Yes, Michael is a board certified adoption attorney. Board certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar. To be a board certified adoption attorney, along with superior professionalism and ethics in their practice, it means an attorney has demonstrated exceptional knowledge, abilities and expertise in adoption law and is licensed by The Florida Bar to practice law in the state.