11 Questions to Ask About Giving a Baby Up for Adoption in PA
If you’re considering adoption for your baby, you are probably in a very difficult position. You know that you cannot give your child the life you want him or her to have, and adoption may seem to be the right choice for you. But, if you are like many prospective birth parents, you likely have a lot of questions about giving a baby up for adoption in Pennsylvania.
Don’t worry — the professionals at The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly are here to help. When women like you contact our offices with questions about giving a child up for adoption, we will always take the time to explain the adoption process to you and answer all of the questions on adoption that you may have. We know adoption is a big decision to make, which is why we are dedicated to providing the support and information you need to make the best decision for you and your baby.
To talk to an adoption professional about your adoption questions, please call 814-237-7900 or contact us online.
If you don’t have an idea of which questions to ask about adoption, that’s okay. Many women wonder, “I want to give my child away for adoption; what questions should I ask?” before they start this journey. If you are doing the same, you are taking the first step to ensuring you choose the path that is right for you.
Below, find some frequently asked questions about giving up for adoption in Pennsylvania to learn more about this beautiful, life-changing process.
1. Am I a bad mother for “giving up” my baby for adoption?
While many women use the term “give up” when placing their child for adoption, making this decision is in no way “giving up on” or “giving away” your child. Instead, you are making the brave, selfless choice to give your child opportunities in life that you may not be able to provide yourself. As difficult as it may be, you recognize your shortcomings as a potential parent for your child, and you are doing the most beautiful thing in placing your child with another family.
Birth mothers place their children for adoption out of love — and you will always be respected for your decision when you work with the adoption professionals at The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly.
2. How do I give a baby up for adoption in Pennsylvania?
If you’re thinking about placing your baby for adoption in Pennsylvania, the first thing you should do is contact an adoption professional like The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly. As mentioned above, our professionals can explain every step of the adoption process and answer any questions about “giving a child up” for adoption that you may have at this time.
When you’re ready, an adoption professional will help you create an adoption plan, which will guide you through the next steps of your adoption. At the end, your legal professional at The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly will help you sign your legal adoption consent to place your child with the adoptive family of your choosing.
3. Can I get paid to place a baby for adoption in Pennsylvania?
This is one of the most common questions about “giving a baby up” for adoption in Pennsylvania. Know this: It is always illegal to “get paid” for adoption. However, your adoption professional will ensure that your adoption and medical expenses are covered during this process. Depending upon your situation, you may even be eligible to receive adoption assistance to cover certain living expenses.
If you have questions on adoption financial assistance, please contact our adoption professionals at 814-237-7900.
4. Does the birth father have to give consent for an adoption?
Another one of the most frequently asked questions about “giving up” for adoption is whether or not a baby’s birth father has to be involved. Unfortunately, there is no singular answer to this question. Birth father rights can vary greatly in an adoption depending on many circumstances, including his relationship to the expectant mother and his involvement in her life.
The best way to learn about what will be required in your situation is by contacting our legal professionals. They will discuss your personal circumstances with you to determine what the best path is moving forward.
5. How much will adoption cost me?
As mentioned above, a prospective birth mother like you will never have to pay for adoption. Your adoption costs will always be completely free, and you can even receive certain financial assistance during your adoption journey. Placing a baby for adoption can be difficult enough, emotionally; we will make sure this choice isn’t difficult for you financially, too.
6. Do I get to choose the adoptive family?
As a prospective birth mother, you always have the right to choose the family that you wish to adopt your child. When you create your adoption plan, you and your professional will create a list of characteristics for your perfect adoptive family. This will include traits like age, location, race, lifestyle, family makeup and more. Our professionals will present profiles of waiting families for you to choose from, and you will also have the chance to get to know the prospective parents before deciding they are right for you and your baby.
7. Can I see my child after I place him or her for adoption?
Yes — you will always have the right to choose an open adoption relationship with your child and his or her adoptive family after your adoption is complete. There are many different facets to an open adoption relationship; you can choose to share photos and letters, emails, texts and even in-person visits. Your contact can even be mediated by your adoption professional. Therefore, one of the questions to ask when considering adoption is what kind of relationship you are comfortable with moving forward.
8. Can I choose adoption if I have older children?
Yes! Many women who place children for adoption have older children at home. This is very common; if you are a mother already, you understand the responsibility involved in raising a child and, therefore, can better recognize when adoption can give your child the life you want him or her to have. Your adoption professional will educate you on how to talk to your children about your decision and preserve any future sibling relationships.
9. Will my child “hate me” for choosing adoption?
When you place your child for adoption with The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly, you can ensure your child grows up in a family who celebrates his or her adoption and is open about his or her adoption story. An open adoption relationship with you allows your child to ask you direct questions as they grow up and for you to establish a relationship with him or her through the years. These steps present a much more positive adoption experience for children, and your child will appreciate the difficult decision you made to give him or her the best life possible.
10. Can I change my mind and get my baby back?
When you pursue adoption, you will be in charge of your journey every step of the way. This means you will have the right to change your adoption decision up until you sign your legal adoption consent. Before you make this final decision, your adoption attorney at The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly will explain your legal rights in depth to help you make the best decision for you.
11. How do I know if adoption is right for me?
This can be one of the most difficult questions to ask about “giving a baby up” for adoption in Pennsylvania — and ultimately only one that you can answer. Educating yourself on your adoption options and what your adoption would be like with our professionals is the first step to making the best decision for you and your child. At The Law Offices of Denise M. Bierly, we will always provide the information you need to make an informed decision and help you connect with any unplanned pregnancy counseling you may need during this time. You will never be obligated to choose adoption when you contact our professionals.
For more information about placing a child for adoption in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today.