Legal aspects of adoption

The adoption process is governed by state law. In most states, the birth mother may be entitled to receive living expenses, medical care, and to choose and meet the adoptive parents. The birth parents may also be required to be interviewed by a licensed social worker to ensure that they are aware of other options available to them and to be certain that the birth parents are making the decision of adoption on their own. After the birth of the child, the birth parents may be asked to sign a consent form to allow the adoption. When they sign this consent, all parental rights and responsibilities of the birth parents may be ended. The child will then be placed in the home of the adopting family that has been approved by the court. Adoption laws and regulations vary from one state to another. To protect and determine your rights regarding adoption under the laws of your state, contact an adoption agency, or an adoption attorney.