[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#79bedb” transparent_background=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Birth Parent FAQs” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font_size=”48px” background_color=”rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)” max_width_tablet=”50px” animation_style=”slide” title_font_size_tablet=”” title_font_size_phone=”30px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”FAQ Section” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”2 Column Photo-Text Intro Row” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AdoptionRights-16.jpg” title_text=”AdoptionRights-16″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_3_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_toggle title=”Can I choose the parents for my baby?” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”Can I choose the parents for my baby?” module_id=”BMfaq1″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Yes, you choose the adoptive family for your baby. Our office will work with you to help you choose the best family to raise your child.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How much can I find out about the adoptive parents? ” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”How much can I find out about the adoptive parents? ” module_id=”BMfaq2″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Prospective adoptive parents usually share a \u201cprofile\u201d about themselves. The profile tells the story of their lives with words and photographs. The profile shares personal information about them including their extended family and friends, other children (if any), parenting philosophy and their hopes and dreams for a family. You can also connect with the prospective adoptive parents over the phone, ZOOM, email or text, as often as you wish, and can even arrange to meet in person. As a birth parent, we will ask you to provide background information about yourself to share with your chosen adoptive family. The information includes your family history, children, birth father information (if available), and your medical history. The information you provide has lifelong benefits for your child.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”In addition to my personal feelings about whether a particular family is the right one to adopt my child, what other assurances do I have that the prospective adoptive parents are suitable parents?” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”do I have that the prospective adoptive parents are suitable parents?” module_id=”BMfaq3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]All prospective adoptive parents must undergo an investigation by either a licensed social worker or licensed adoption agency prior to adopting a child. Prospective adoptive parents must provide the agency or social worker with their detailed financial, social, and employment histories, copies of tax returns, reports of medical examinations, and letters of reference. The agency or social worker must also visit the prospective adoptive parents in their home to make sure that their home is suitable and safe for a child. The agency or social worker also checks the prospective adoptive parents\u2019 backgrounds to determine if they have any criminal records or history of child abuse before they recommend them as adoptive parents. As your attorney, I will ensure that the agency or social worker has approved your prospective adoptive parents for adoption before you move forward with an adoption plan for your child.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I have living expenses and medical bills. Who will help me with my bills? ” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”Who will help me with my bills? ” module_id=”BMfaq4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]All states have specific laws in connection with adoption regulating the payment of a birth mother\u2019s living expenses and medical bills. In many states, laws allow prospective adoptive parents to provide you with reasonable financial assistance that is directly related to your pregnancy and delivery of your child. We can provide you with more specific information about the financial assistance you may receive when we know what states are involved in the adoption and those states\u2019 laws regarding payment of your expenses.
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Does the birth father have rights? What if I don\u2019t know where he is or who he is? ” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”Does the birth father have rights? ” module_id=”BMfaq5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Your child\u2019s birth father may have legal rights. The state laws where the adoption proceeding occurs determine how we must address the legal rights of the birth father. If you know who the birth father is, we may need to try to contact him and inform him of your adoption plan. It may be best for your child if the birth father is able and willing to participate in the adoption process in a constructive manner. If we are able to reach him, we may ask him to provide as much background information about himself as possible, including his medical history, which is a great benefit to your child.<\/p>\n
Each and every adoption situation is different, and we will help you find the most appropriate way to handle your situation with the birth father of your child so that you are protected and all laws are upheld.<\/em><\/strong>[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How much contact will I have with the adoptive parents and my child after I place my child for adoption? ” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”How much contact will I have with the adoptive parents?” module_id=”BMfaq6″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]You, together with the adoptive parents of your child, will decide how much contact you will have with one another and the child after you place your child for adoption. We will encourage you to decide what degree of contact you want and the frequency of that contact before you select an adoptive family. Some birth parents decide that they do not want to have any contact after the adoptive parents take custody of the child. Other birth parents would like periodic pictures and updates about the child\u2019s development and progress. Some birth parents and adoptive parents maintain contact for years. We will help you select adoptive parents who are willing to provide the level of contact you want. It\u2019s sometimes a matter of compromise as to what degree of contact is acceptable to all the parties so that everyone is comfortable with the openness of the adoption.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Can I receive counseling regarding my decision to place my child for adoption? ” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”Can I receive counseling regarding my decision to place my child for adoption? ” module_id=”BMfaq7″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]We always encourage birth parents to receive options counseling surrounding their adoption plan. Some states, in fact, require you to participate in counseling. We believe that counseling enables you to work through the emotions involved with placing your child for adoption and helps better ensure a positive adoption experience. The cost of adoption counseling, if not covered by your insurance, may be paid for by the adoptive parents.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Can I place my child with a family that lives in another state? ” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”Can I place my child with a family that lives in another state? ” module_id=”BMfaq8″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Yes, the adoptive parents you choose can live anywhere within the United States. The prospective adoptive parents will come to your state to meet you (if you want to meet them) and to take custody of the baby. If you wish, they can even try to be present for the delivery. There are certain laws with which we must comply in order for a baby to leave the state of birth and enter into another state. We will make sure that the adoptive parents adhere to the laws of all the states involved in the adoption.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”I do not have money to pay for an attorney. Can I still retain you to represent me in the adoption? ” closed_toggle_background_color=”#79bedb” icon_color=”#593e1a” open_icon_color=”#593e1a” admin_label=”I do not have money to pay for an attorney.” module_id=”BMfaq9″ _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font_size=”22″ title_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]You do not have to pay my legal fee for me to represent you. The adoptive family who will adopt your child is responsible for the payment of my legal fees in connection with your adoption plan. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”15px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As adoption and reproductive law attorneys, The Law Offices of Laurie B. Goldheim serve as a primary resource, counsel and partner to clients who seek to grow their families by contemporary means and methods, as recognized by the courts of New York and New Jersey.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/contact-us\/” button_text=”Contact Us!” button_alignment=”center” button_alignment_tablet=”” button_alignment_phone=”left” button_alignment_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_border_width=”2px” button_border_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_radius=”50px” button_font=”|700||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” custom_padding=”15px|25px|15px|25px|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#593E1A” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_border_color__hover=”#593E1A” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_letter_spacing__hover=”3px”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I\u2019ve been privileged during my years of practice as an adoption attorney to represent hundreds of birth parents who have placed their children for adoption with loving adoptive families. I have the utmost admiration and respect for birth parents who make the incredibly selfless and courageous decision to place their child for adoption.Yes, you choose […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Laurie Goldheim has had the privilege and honor during her years of practice as an adoption attorney of helping hundreds of birth parents place their children for adoption with loving adoptive families. Laurie has the utmost admiration and respect for birth parents who make the incredibly selfless and courageous decision to place a child for adoption. Frequently Asked Questions by Birth Parents<\/p> 1. May I choose the parents for my baby? \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”CTA Section” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#79BEDB” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||70px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1370px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin:auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Headline Text” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”35px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWe\u2019re here for you. Please reach out.<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
If you are a prospective birth parent seeking a loving home for your child, the three most important qualities you need in your adoption attorney are experience, compassion, and trust.
Laurie is dedicated to the highest standard of practice in the field of adoption law. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in adoption matters. Laurie understands, however, that birth parents require and deserve more than just a knowledgeable and experienced adoption attorney. She provides not only legal but also emotional support and guidance to all of her clients to help them through the adoption process. She is available to her clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Laurie cannot say that the adoption process is always easy - it can be complicated and emotional. Laurie will guide you through every step of the adoption process and help you in every way possible.<\/p>
2. How much can I find out about the adoptive parents?
3. In addition to my personal opinion about whether a particular family is the right one to adopt my child, what other assurances do I have that the prospective adoptive parents are suitable parents?
4. I have living expenses and medical bills. Who will help me with my bills?
5. Does the birth father have rights? What if I don't know where he is or who he is?
6. How much contact will I have with the adoptive parents and my child after I place my child for adoption?
7. Can I receive counseling regarding my decision to place my child for adoption?
8. Can I place my child with a family that lives in another state?
9. I do not have money to pay for an attorney? Can I still retain you to represent me in the adoption?
\u00a0
May I choose the parents for my baby?
\u00a0
Yes, the birth mother chooses the adoptive family for her baby. Our office will work with you to help you choose the best family for your child and answer any questions you may have about the family.<\/p>
How much can I find out about the adoptive parents?
\u00a0
Prospective adoptive parents usually prepare a \"profile\" which consists of an autobiography and photographs of themselves and their families. The profile enables you to learn personal information about the prospective adoptive parents including information about their families and friends, their other children, their relationship, their hopes and dreams for a family and much more. You can also speak with the prospective adoptive parents over the telephone as often as you wish and can even arrange to meet in person.
As a birth parent, you are also asked to provide background information about yourself to the adoptive family that you select. You complete paperwork that will provide the prospective adoptive parents with information regarding your family and health history. This directly benefits your child that you place for adoption. The information that you provide has lifelong benefits for your child.<\/p>
In addition to my personal opinion about whether a particular family is the right one to adopt my child, what other assurances do I have that the prospective adoptive parents are suitable parents?
\u00a0
All prospective adoptive parents must undergo an investigation by either a licensed social worker or licensed adoption agency prior to adopting a child. Prospective adoptive parents must provide the investigating agency or social worker with their fingerprints, detailed financial, social, and employment histories, copies of tax returns, reports of medical examinations, and letters of reference. The investigating entity must also visit the prospective adoptive parents in their home to make sure that the home is suitable for a child. The investigating entity also checks the prospective adoptive parents' backgrounds to determine if they have any criminal records or history of child abuse before they recommend them as adoptive parents. As your attorney, I will ensure that the investigating entity has approved the prospective adoptive parents for adoption of a child before you proceed with an adoption plan for your child.<\/p>
I have living expenses and medical bills. Who will help me with my bills?
\u00a0
All states have specific laws regulating the payment of a birth mother's expenses and medical bills in connection with an adoption. In some states, the laws allow prospective adoptive parents to provide the birth mother with reasonable financial assistance that is directly related to her pregnancy and delivery of the child. We can provide you with more information about the financial assistance you may receive when we know what states are involved in the adoption and the laws of those states regarding the payment of your expenses.<\/p>
Does the birth father have rights? What if I don't know where he is or who he is?
\u00a0
Yes, the birth father has rights. Each state has its own laws regarding the legal rights of the birth father. If you know who the birth father is, we may need to try to contact him and inform him of your adoption plan. It is best for the child if the birth father participates in the adoption process in a constructive manner and provides as much background information about himself including his medical history. Each and every adoption situation is different and we will help you find the most appropriate way to handle your situation with the birth father of your child so that you are protected and all laws are upheld.<\/p>
How much contact will I have with the adoptive parents and my child after I place my child for adoption?
\u00a0
You, together with the adoptive parents of your child, will decide how much contact you will have with them and the child after your adoption placement. Some birth parents decide that they do not want to have any contact after the adoptive parents take custody of the child. Other birth parents would like periodic pictures and perhaps a letter or two each year about the child's progress. Some birth parents and adoptive parents maintain contact for years.
We will help you select adoptive parents who are willing to provide the contact you desire. It is sometimes a matter of compromise as to what degree is acceptable to all the parties so that everyone is comfortable with the openness of the adoption. We will encourage you to decide what degree of contact you want and the frequency of that contact before you select an adoptive family.<\/p>
Can I receive counseling regarding my decision to place my child for adoption?
\u00a0
We always encourage birth mothers to receive counseling about the decision to place a child for adoption. Some states require counseling for the birth mother. We believe that counseling enables a birth mother to work through the emotions involved with placing her child for adoption and helps better ensure a positive adoption experience. The cost of adoption counseling, if not covered by your insurance or Medicaid (if you have either), may be paid for by the adoptive parents.<\/p>
Can I place my child with a family that lives in another state?
\u00a0
Yes, you can. The adoptive parents you choose can live anywhere within the United States (and even in another country). The prospective adoptive parents will come to your state to meet you and to take custody of the baby you will place for adoption. If you wish, they can even try to be there for the delivery. There are certain laws with which we must comply in order for a baby to leave the state of birth and enter into another state. We will make sure that the adoptive parents adhere to the laws of all the states involved in the adoption.<\/p>
I do not have money to pay for an attorney? Can I still retain you to represent me in the adoption?
\u00a0
You do not have to pay my fee for representing you. The adoptive family who will adopt your child is responsible for the payment of my fees. All services I provide to birth parents are at no charge to the birth parents. You will not be asked to pay me for my time or effort on your behalf.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"dipi_cpt_category":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/52\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"dipi_cpt_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adoptionrights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dipi_cpt_category?post=52"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}