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Daytona Beach Adoption Lawyer

Adoption can be a complicated and challenging process for the parties involved, including adoptive parents and birth parents. Experienced legal representation can make the process go smoother for all concerned. Our Daytona Beach family law attorneys are well-versed in adoption law. We can help adoptive parents secure their parental rights, and help birth parents find safe, stable, loving homes for their children.

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Child?

Waiting periods for adoption can vary widely, depending on a number of factors. Generally, on average, periods of waiting to be matched with a birth mother can range from six to 18 months. Depending on specific circumstances, however, waiting periods may be significantly shorter or longer.

How Much Does Adoption Cost?

Costs of adoption are wide-ranging and will depend on the type of adoption, the birth mother’s living and medical expenses, and other factors. Under state law, adoptive parents may pay a birth mother’s reasonable living expenses during pregnancy and up to a maximum of six weeks after delivery, if the birth mother is unemployed, underemployed, or has a medically diagnosed disability. Our attorneys can work to make adopting a child fit within your budget. Grants and other funding sources may also be available.

What Information About Birth Parents Is Available to Adoptive Parents?

We can obtain a comprehensive medical, social, and family history of the birth mother for adoptive parents. In some cases, we can obtain the same information for the birth father. It may be possible to get OB/GYN and hospital medical records. We can also obtain criminal records and other documents if requested.

Is Health Screening Done on the Birth Mother and Child?

We can request health screening on the birth mother and child. Amniocentesis is only done when there is a medical reason. Tests run on the mother may include:

  • HIV screening
  • Drug screening
  • Hepatitis screening
  • OB/GYN testing
  • Sonograms

Testing on the baby may also be requested, if indicated. It may include:

  • HIV screening
  • Drug screening
  • Hepatitis screening
  • Thyroid testing
  • Other requested testing

Do Adoptive Parents Have Contact with Birth Parents?

Contact between birth parents and adoptive parents is determined by mutual agreement between the parties. It is not unusual for birth parents to want to speak with adoptive parents on the phone, exchange written communications, or meet in person. In most cases, contact is limited to the period of before the birth and when the birth mother and baby are in the hospital. In some cases, a birth mother may request a one-time meeting with the adoptive parents shortly after the child is born.

Can Birth Parents Change Their Minds After Consenting to Adoption?

Under Florida law, birth parents sign a consent for adoption no sooner than 48 hours after birth of the child, unless the mother is being discharged from the hospital earlier. There is no grace period in which the mother can change her mind for a child who is six months old or younger. A signed consent for adoption is irrevocable and permanent.

If a child older than six months is being placed by a birth mother, she can revoke her consent within three business days for any reason. Once that grace period has passed and the child has been placed with adoptive parents, consent for adoption can only be overturned on the basis of fraud or duress.

If you are considering adopting a child or placing a child with adoptive parents, contact Politis & Matovina at (386) 333-6613. Our team of dedicated attorneys has been serving people in Daytona Beach since 1993. We are a trusted law firm with a proven track record and experience that counts.

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