Private Adoption

What is a private adoption?
In a private adoption (also known as an independent adoption), prospective adoptive couples are matched with a birth mother. The adoptive couple either learns of a birth mother and then retains an attorney or the couple requests that the attorney present them to a birth mother for a possible match. The birth mother may meet with the adoptive couple and discuss the role the adoptive couple will play during the birth mother’s pregnancy as well as possible contact between the birth mother and child once the adoption is finalized.
 

How are parental rights terminated in Washington?

Birth mother:
In Washington, the attorney prepares a consent for the birth mother prior to the child’s birth. At least forty-eight (48) hours after the child’s birth, the birth mother's consent is accepted by the court and her rights are terminated. In some counties it is necessary for the birth mother to appear at a court hearing to confirm her consent. The child is then placed in the temporary care of the prospective adoptive parents pending a final adoption hearing.

Birth father:

• Consent:
  The birth father may also sign a consent prior to the child's birth and rights are terminated at least forty-eight (48) hours after the child's birth.
• When birth father refuses to sign consent:
  If the birth father refuses to consent to the adoption, it is still possible to terminate the birth father’s rights. The birth father is served with a petition to terminate his parental rights. If he fails to respond within a certain number of days, a default is taken and his rights are terminated.
• When birth father is unknown:
  If the birth father's location or identity is unknown, notice may be given by publication and rights are terminated if the birth father fails to respond.

How are parental rights terminated in Idaho?

Birth mother:
The birth mother signs a consent to adoption in the presence of a judicial officer after the child is born.  The adopting couple is granted guardianship of the child until a final adoption hearing.

Birth father:

• Consent:
  The birth father may also sign a consent in the presence of a judicial officer.
• When consent is not necessary:
  Idaho is a "registry state" meaning that no consent is necessary if the birth father resides in Idaho and fails to register with the Idaho putative registry. A certificate showing that the birth father failed to register is presented to the court after the child is born and rights are terminated.  If the birth father has registered it is necessary to serve the birth father with a petition to terminate rights.
• When personal service is necessary:
  If the birth father does not reside in the state and refuses to sign a consent before a judicial officer in that state, it may be necessary to personally serve the birth father with a petition to terminate parental rights.  If he fails to respond his rights are terminated.
• When birth father is unknown:
  If the birth father resides outside the state of Idaho and his identity or location is unknown, it may be necessary to give the birth father notice by publication.

Home study:
The adoptive couple must obtain a home study, also referred to as a pre-placement report, prior to having a child placed in their care. The couple provides biographical, financial, and medical information. A caseworker, authorized by the court, then prepares a report which is filed with the court. After the child is placed in the home, the caseworker again meets with the adoptive couple and child. A post-placement report is then filed at the time the adoption is finalized.

Legal fees:
The legal fees for a private adoption vary.  Fixed fee and hourly rates are available. Attorney fees to facilitate a private adoption are significantly lower than an agency fee.

Costs:
The approximate costs for a private adoption include:

Medical Expenses:
In most cases, the birth mother’s medical expenses related to the pregnancy are covered. If the birth mother does not qualify for state assistance and has no private insurance, the adoptive parents may assume responsibility for the medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth.

Free consultation:
If you are interested in beginning the process of building your family through adoption, please contact us at 509-462-3678 or 800-338-8273 or via email at mark@adoptionlegalservices.org.

 

Testimonial:

Mark Iverson and staff are very efficient, empathetic, positive, and available for representation.  Timeliness is a priority and asset with this law firm.  Their knowledge of the State and the laws are outstanding. 
 

We privately adopted two children we were blessed with from infancy.  This law firm welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like family, they put us at ease about any fears of adoption we could of had.  One, a son, was exceptionally medically fragile, we loved this child as if he were perfect and Mark comforted us as we grieved after his death, just like a brother would.  We have now adopted a third child.  Again, Mark was full of smiles and best wishes. 
 

The Iverson Law Firm is very family oriented.  They encourage and admire we people reaching out to love and bring these children in as our own.  Mark sincerely cares about the future of the child(ren) he represents and the families providing for them.  You can expect only the best, so put your trust and faith in this "A" team, you will not be dissatisfied. 

             
                               With great thanks,
                                                 THE GIBSON'S