"Tell me what happens"
Q. What options are available to me?
Typically, there are two different paths that Birth Parents follow. On one, particular adoptive parents are chosen through a mutual contact or through the assistance of an attorney or agency. On the other, the Birth Parents leave the selection up to the professional handling the adoption for them and usually do not have any personal contact with adoptive parents. The nice part is that Birth Parents have a choice!Q. What happens next?
After a particular adoptive parent is chosen, and with the assistance of the attorney or agency, the parties then formulate a plan that makes each feel comfortable.
If the parties desire, further meetings can be held to discuss medical & other personal background information. A plan can include information to be given after birth such as pictures and letters or videos for a period of time. Remember this is your plan. It is up to you to discuss what you desire with the professional and the adoptive parents.
Q. Can a Birthfather participate in the process?
Birthfathers are very welcome to participate! Many times it is just the Birthmother making the plan because the Birthfather is not available or will not participate.I encourage any Birthfather to please participate
in this plan for your child.Future contact could continue by pictures and letters if you so desire. What a great gift you can give to your child by providing much-desired information about yourself and your family. Your child will be so thankful.
Q. Must the Birthmother reside in Florida?
No; the Birthmother may reside in any state. Mary Ann Scherer will coordinate the adoption with appropriate professionals in the mother's home state to provide services to her.Q. May I receive financial help during my pregnancy?
In Florida, a Birthmother may receive assistance for actual living and medical expenses during the pregnancy and up to six weeks after the pregnancy. If the Birthmother resides in another state, financial assistance will be given as permitted by the law of that state.Q. When do I sign the final adoption papers?
In Florida, consent for adoption can be signed only after the birth of the child. It must be signed knowingly, voluntarily, and unconditionally and be free from any duress or fraud. Once signed under the above conditions, consent is irrevocable and cannot be set aside.Q. Can I spend time with my child after birth?
A birth mother may spend time in the hospital in rooms, known as LDR, or “rooming in” rooms. This allows the Birthmother time to spend with the baby and gives her and the Birthfather, if he is available, the opportunity to reflect on the adoption decision that is to be made. This decision can then be arrived at in a carefully thought out manner, free from the influence of others. In speaking to birthparents years later, I've discovered that this decision to spend time with the baby is by far the most cherished.
Q. Must I appear in any court proceedings?
If the adoption will be finalized in Florida, a Birthparent generally does not need to appear in court. Procedures may vary in other states and Mary Ann Scherer will coordinate this with a knowledgeable professional in the state in which the Birthparents reside.c`Q. Who may assist a parent to adopt in Florida?
A licensed attorney or agency may assist a birthparent to place a child for adoption in the State of Florida.
