You deserve to be treated with respect and compassion! Robin admires your strength and courage in seeking an adoption plan for your child. Since 1986, Robin has had the privilege of getting to know many wonderful birth parents nationwide who have made a loving adoption decision for their child. She can help make the adoption a positive and safe experience for you. Questions frequently asked by Bir
th Parents:
Can I choose the adoptive family for my baby? You have the right to choose the adoptive family for your child. Robin can help you decide on the factors that are important to you. Many adoptive parents create websites to provide you with helpful information about their lives and their dreams for your child. See adoptive parents’ websites. Can I interview and meet the adoptive family? Robin can help you interview and meet the adoptive family. You can speak with the adoptive parents by phone, text, or email. How can I make sure that the adoptive family is qualified? Robin will make sure that the adoptive parents are qualified under the laws of their state. She will obtain a copy of their preadoptive homestudy by a licensed agency or social worker, including criminal and child abuse clearances. How can I obtain medical care? Robin will help you to find prenatal medical care at no cost to you. If you have medical insurance or qualify for Medicaid, your medical care will be covered that way. If you do not have insurance or Medicaid, the adoptive family can pay for your medical expenses. Can I obtain assistance with my expenses? Robin can help you obtain assistance with your expenses during your pregnancy and recovery. The adoptive parents can pay for your medical, counseling, and legal expenses. Most state laws permit the adoptive parents to pay for your reasonable living expenses during the pregnancy and recovery. Can I obtain counseling? You have the right to counseling about your adoption decision with a licensed social worker, agency, or therapist. Robin can help you obtain counseling with a caring professional who can address your emotional concerns. How can I make sure that the adoption is safe and legal? You and the adoptive parents are entitled to be represented by your own attorney. Robin will make sure that the adoptive parents are legally qualified to adopt your baby and that your rights are protected. All legal documents will be reviewed with you before your baby is born and you will be informed about the legal process. You can feel confident that the adoption will be legally finalized in court after the baby is born. How can I make a plan for a closed, semi-open or open adoption? I have adoptions in my practice which range from extremely open to closed, but most are what I characterize as semi-open. In the totally open adoptions, the birth parents and adoptive parents exchange identifying information and meet in person, not only before the adoption, but over the years. In the semi-open adoptions, most birth parents want to meet the adoptive parents on a first name basis before placing the child for adoption and wish to have letter updates and photos of the child at a set time each year, typically on birthdays. Most courts will not enforce an agreement to maintain contact after the placement, but adoptive parents and birth parents expect each other to comply with an agreement in good faith. As the years progress, the child's best interest is the test for continuing contact. Attorney Advertising
