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ADOPTION & ART ATTORNEYS IN MARYLAND, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA & VIRGINIA

ADOPTION & ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (ART) ATTORNEYS

    • ADOPTIVE FAMILY SERVICES

      Last-Minute Adoption

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    Sometimes, a woman will give birth and then realize she’s unable to provide the kind of life she wants for her child. Perhaps you’ve already brought your baby home and you’ve been struggling to be a parent and juggle your other responsibilities. Maybe you’re in the hospital and you’ve decided you’re not ready to raise this child.

    Last-Minute Adoption Services in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.

    There are many reasons people ask, “Is it too late to give my baby up for adoption?” Whatever the reason you’re considering a late adoption for your child, we’re here to help.


    Contact us online to learn how to choose a last-minute adoption for your child.


    The following are some of the most frequently asked questions from women
    who are considering a late adoption for their child:

    • “Can I give my baby up for adoption at the hospital in DC/MD/VA?”

      Yes. However, you may need to wait a minimum amount of time, depending on state adoption consent laws.  It’s important that you have some time for the many physical and emotional responses to birth to subside before you fully commit to an adoption decision. We want you to be very sure about your choice and not pressured by the stress of being in the hospital.



      You can choose an adoptive family who is ready to adopt your baby while you’re in the hospital, and we will meet with you to ensure that you fully understand the legal adoption process before you sign any consent forms.

    • “Can you give your baby up for adoption after birth in Virginia/Maryland/Washington, D.C.?”

      Yes. You can choose to place your baby for adoption at any point after he or she has been born as long as you’ve waited the minimum amount of time required before signing your consent to an adoption.

    • “Is it too late to give my baby for adoption?”

      It’s never too late to choose adoption for your child if you feel that’s what’s best. No one will think any less of you if you decide on a last-minute adoption for your baby. We can help you find the adoptive parents you feel are right, decide if you want to have an open adoption relationship after the adoption and more. Reach out to us online.

    • “When can you give a child up for adoption in VA/DC/MD?”

      You can choose to create an adoption plan at any point in your pregnancy, at the hospital, or even after you’ve taken your child home and begun parenting him or her.


      The process can vary based on when you decide to place your child for adoption.   Contact us to learn the next step if you feel adoption is the best decision for you and your child.


    • “What’s the maximum age for adoption in MD/VA/DC?”

      It’s never too late to choose adoption for your child if you feel it's best for her or him. No one will think any less of you if you decide on a last-minute adoption for your baby. We can help you find the right adoptive parents, decide if you want to have an open adoption relationship and more. There is no age limit for placing a child for adoption. However, some adoption professionals may not accept children past a certain age if they don’t have experience with children of that age. We can refer you to the right adoption professional for your situation, if needed. The legal process of placing an older child for adoption will also differ from creating an adoption plan for an unborn child.



      These processes will vary based on the state that you reside in, the age of your child and more. Please  contact us now to discuss your individual situation. We’ll explain which options are legally available to you based on your circumstances.


    • Comparing a Last-Minute Adoption with Planning for an Adoption Earlier in Your Pregnancy

      You may have wondered, “Can you give your child up for adoption at any age?” Yes. You don’t have to make an adoption plan for your child before they’re born. However, you should first be aware of the biggest differences and similarities between deciding to place a child for adoption before they’re born and choosing adoption after pregnancy.

    THE DIFFERENCES

    While the process of putting a baby up for adoption after birth is very similar to creating an adoption plan for your baby before he or she is born, there are a few key differences, such as:


    • You’ll likely be more emotionally bonded with your child now that you’ve spent time with him/her so your adoption decision may be more difficult.
    • The adoption process will be largely the same but sped up.
    • You may not have  as much time to get to know the adoptive family you choose, although you can get to know them after the adoption if you choose to have an open adoption.
    • There will be less time for you to receive counseling, even though you’re dealing with an incredibly emotional decision.


    THE SIMILARITIES

    When giving a baby up for adoption after birth in DC, Maryland or Virginia, the adoption process will be very similar to what you would experience if you had decided to place your child for adoption early in your pregnancy. If you contact us asking how to give baby up for adoption in hospital or after you’ve given birth and taken your baby home, you’ll still be able to:



    • Choose an adoptive family for your child.
    • Decide how much contact you want to have with your child and their adoptive family after the adoption.
    • And more.


    Putting your baby up for adoption after birth is difficult, but we'll support you
    through the process if you decide it's right for you and your child.

    Even if you decide to place your baby for adoption in the hospital, you’ll have at least two meetings with us. You’ll never sign anything committing you to the adoption during your first meeting; that way, you don’t feel rushed into your decision. During your first meeting, we will review the adoption process with you, explain your rights and guide you on ways to find an adoptive family.  We can even review profiles with you so you can find the right family for your child.  During your second meeting, you can sign your adoption consent if you decide you’re ready to proceed with your decision to give your baby up for adoption at the hospital.



    To learn more about the process of adoption late in pregnancy or an after-delivery adoption,  contact us online now. 

    Tell us about your circumstances, and we’ll talk about what’s legally available in your situation.


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