BIRTH MOTHERS AND PREGNANT TEENS CONSIDERING ADOPTION
Placing a child for adoption is a wrenching decision, even knowing your baby will be going to a loving home. Beyond the mixed emotions, there are legal considerations.
Mary L. Greenwood has counseled birth mothers in adoption proceedings for over 30 years. Our compassionate adoption team will make sure that you understand your rights and the process, and we will advise and support you every step of the way.
We offer experienced legal representation for birth mothers (including teenage mothers) in the Tampa area and surrounding counties of Florida.
ADOPTION ISSUES AND DECISIONS FOR BIRTH MOTHERS
We help expectant mothers with all the decisions, details and potential complications involved in making their adoption plan, including:
- Managing the extensive paperwork
- Obtaining the father’s consent (if required)
- Open vs. closed adoption
- Finding and choosing an adoptive family
- Meeting with the adoptive parents (if desired)
- Making a future contact plan
- Coverage for prenatal care and expenses
- Final consent and transition
Nearly all of our cases are semi-open adoptions. We will facilitate a continuing relationship with your child and the adopting parents, if that is part of your plan. Although a pregnant teen does not need parental consent to give up her baby, we often counsel young women along with their families in these important decisions.
Can A Birth Mom Change Her Mind About Adoption?
Under Florida law, a new mom cannot formally give consent to adoption until 48 hours after the child is born, even if she has made arrangements with an adoptive couple or agency. However, once a birth mother signs the consent form, it is legally binding unless she can later convince a judge that her consent was coerced or based on fraud.
Founding attorney Mary Greenwood spend a lot of time with clients to discuss everything. For the sake of everybody involved, we want you to be fully informed — and as sure as anyone can be — about going through adoption.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP AND SUPPORT
As your adoption professionals, we have no agenda other than protecting your interests. We won’t judge you, and we won’t patronize you by telling you what “a wonderful thing” you are doing. What you can expect is our honest advice and compassionate support through a complex and intensely personal process.
To arrange a consultation with attorney Mary Greenwood, call Brandon Family Law Center at 813-653-1744 , or contact us online.
