How do I go about adopting a child from a teenage mother without going through an adoption agency.?

Question

can this be done?

Answer 1

We did a private adoption without the help from an agency.  I strongly suggest an attorney who has done adoptions before, and that all of you go together.  I also told the attorney and the birth mother that if she had any questions, I was leaving the room, and would be in the waiting room when they finished.  Within seconds, my birth mother was out of the office and was satisfied with the process.  You'll still have to find someone to do a home study, which will be a licensed social worker.  Your attorney should know one, and if not, the local DHS offices should.  Before everything, do a lot of internet research on the rights of the first parents, your rights, know the time that they have to change their minds after the baby is born, find out if you can sign papers before the birth of the baby.  Some states say you can't, so visit the attorney before together, with the papers prepared, and then your attorney can bring them to the hospital to be signed so you can take the baby home.

If you find out what types of questions a home study has involved in your state, and have the answers (with the questions) all typed up and ready to go, it will save you time for your home study, and save you money.  They generally charge by the hour.

Encourage your pregnant friend to get counseling to deal with her loss, and make sure if you help her out financially, that you don't give her cash, instead, buy her prenatal vitamins, fill up her car with gas, etc.  Make sure she gets prenatal care, and encourage her to get on medicaid if she qualifies, which will help out with associated costs, and can help her get her life back on track by not having medical bills to haunt her.  Good luck!

Answer 2

We adopted twice, both through the same birth parents so we just needed an attorney the second time.  You ALWAYS have to have a homestudy in the US and you must go through an agency if you are providing any financial support.  Your best bet is to work with an attorney that is associated with an agency.  You can also contact local agencies and find out what they charge for an "identified" adoption.  It sounds like this mom is putting the needs of her child above her own - please do the same and contact a reputable agency.

Answer 3

Yes.  You just need to hire a lawyer.  They will be able to guide you through the process.  Make sure you use an adoption attorney so they know what they are doing.  I've provided a link to search by state for an adoption attorney near you.  Good luck with your adoption!

Answer 4

Go see a lawyer that specializes in adoption.

Answer 5

i'm assuming this is a teenager that has told you that she is not interested in parenting, and not some "fanthom" pregnant teen that doesn't yet exist.

seriously, i would steer clear of any adoption which doesn't involve an agency.  not only is there the chance for things to go wrong (on both sides) it's simply icky to want to circumvent the adoption agency process in hopes of getting a kid.  we are talking about human beings, not puppies.

also, i am a believer that there should be TWO attorneys involved: one for the aparents and one for the potential fparents.  the whole "shared attorney/social worker" phenomena in adoption has bias written all over it.

Answer 6

Yes.

Call the courthouse, they will point you in the right direction.

Good Luck, and be careful ;)

Answer 7

"Same difference"

PFFFTTT

Nice work trying to read someone's motives, GIA.. I'm sure that's eXACTLY what this person had in mind. PFFFTTT

(Getting tired of people here always assuming the worst about someone)

Anyway, as for your question, questioner,

There ARE many teenagers who decide to give their babies up. You may or may not "come across" one on your own..agencies can refer you to some that have contacted THEM about placing their child.. But I think legally, you still need at least a lawyer involved.. Be aware that a teenager with an unplanned pregnancy is vulnerable, pressured, in a delicate emotional state, and you don't want to be part of anything that isn't 100% ethical.. so keep that in mind..don't assume because a girl has considered adoption that it is what she REALLY wants, and avoid being part of an adoption that is "pushed" on her.. try to make sure she's 100% comfortable with that decision and has not been pressured to make it.

Answer 8

Yes, you need a lawyer.  Why do you not want to go through an agency?  Most local agencies (non profit ones) are great, they provide the birth and adoptive parents with great counseling and resources.

Answer 9

yes, U can do it 2gether @ the court house. U do not need a lawyer. find, fill out, file & pay 4 the paper work 2 go through.done deal, the birth certificate will need 2 be changed after the paperwork is signed by the judge. if U do it 2gether this will make it easier 2 share & figure out what is best. good luck.

Answer 10

see a lawyer. But really you should go through an agency as there are laws in place to protect you and the child, the last thing you want is for the poor child to be messed about and have the mother take it back!! also with adoption agencies it stops the child from being contacted unecessarily by the mother until they are 18 unless they want to be! there is a lot of red tape involved and the agencies are in place to protect the child, which is the most important thing.