If you're thinking about adoption and live in North Carolina, you might be asking yourself, “How long after adoption can I change my mind?”

You're facing a big decision right now. Maybe you're weighing all your options, or maybe you've already connected with an adoptive family and want to understand what happens next. Either way, you deserve to know exactly what the timeline looks like.

Below, we'll explain North Carolina's adoption revocation period, cover the emotions of childbirth and share stories from birth mothers who've been where you are now. If you'd like more information about your options or just someone to talk to, fill out our form or call 1-800-ADOPTION.

Understanding North Carolina's Adoption Revocation Period: How Long Do You Have?

In North Carolina, the adoption revocation period lasts seven days from the moment you sign your consent. During those seven days, you can change your mind for any reason by providing written notice to the person or agency named in your consent documents. If you decide to revoke your consent, the adoptive parents must return your baby to you immediately.

After the seven-day window closes, your consent becomes permanent. The only ways to undo it at that point would be proving that someone lied to you or forced you into signing, which is extremely rare.

North Carolina Adoption Consent Explained: What Birth Parents Should Know

Consent is your formal, legal agreement to the adoption. It's the document that says you understand what adoption means and that you're choosing to place your baby with the adoptive family you've selected. In North Carolina, you can't sign consent until after your baby is born.

When is consent final? Your consent becomes binding seven days after you sign it. You can get your baby back after signing adoption papers in North Carolina during these seven days. But once that period passes, your parental rights are legally transferred to the adoptive family, and the adoption process continues toward finalization.

Revoking Consent: Can You Get Your Baby Back After Adoption in North Carolina?

Here’s what revocation of adoption consent looks like: You provide written notice to the person or agency specified in your consent documents, stating that you're revoking your consent. Once you've given that written notice, your baby must be returned to you.

If you're past the seven-day adoption revocation period, things become more complicated. At that point, you would need to go to court to revoke consent. The law only allows this in very limited situations, like if someone lied to you or pressured you illegally into signing.

One important thing to note: If you change your mind and revoke your consent, but then later decide you do want to move forward with adoption to the same family, you won't get another seven-day window. The law assumes that if you've reconsidered once and still chosen adoption, you're fully committed to that decision.

Having Second Thoughts After Birth Is Normal

Childbirth is one of the most intense experiences you'll ever go through — physically, emotionally and psychologically. You've just brought a new life into the world and met your baby face-to-face for the first time.

It's also true that your body is going through significant changes after birth. Hormone levels shift dramatically, which can intensify the emotions you're already feeling.

Many women wonder if they will regret giving their baby up for adoption, especially during this emotionally charged time. If you're experiencing doubts, that doesn't automatically mean adoption is wrong for you.

What Happens if You Regret Your Adoption Decision? Remember Your Reasons

Having doubts doesn't mean you're making a mistake. Almost every expectant parent who chooses adoption experiences some level of uncertainty, especially in those early days after birth.

When those doubts creep in, it can help to reflect on why you started this journey in the first place. What were the circumstances that led you to consider adoption? What hopes do you have for your baby's future? What do you want for your own life? Sometimes reconnecting with those original reasons can bring clarity during an emotionally overwhelming time.

Real Stories From Birth Mothers Who Have Been In Your Shoes

Sometimes the most helpful thing is hearing from someone who's actually lived through what you're going through now.

Julia

Julia was a college student when she became pregnant unexpectedly. She knew from the beginning that adoption was the right choice for her and her daughter, but that didn't make it easy. She faced instability — dropping out of school and moving between cities— all while staying focused on what was best for her baby.

Read more of Julia’s story.

Lindsey

As a single mother already raising a daughter with special needs, Lindsey became pregnant again and knew she couldn't provide the attention both children deserved. Placing her second daughter, Charlotte, for adoption was one of the hardest things she ever did, but she did it out of love. Through an open adoption, Lindsey stays connected with Charlotte and her adoptive family. Her story shows what life looks like on the other side of this choice.

"I see how well she's doing and how happy that family is. It just reaffirms that I made the right decision," said Lindsey.

Hear more of Lindsey’s story.

What Comes After the Adoption Revocation Period?

Once the seven-day revocation period passes, the adoption becomes permanent. Your parental rights are transferred to the adoptive family, and they become your baby's legal parents.

The next step is finalization. This is when the adoptive family goes to court, and a judge issues a final adoption decree. At this point, a new birth certificate is issued with the adoptive parents listed as the parents.

What Rights Do Birth Mothers Have After Adoption?

Once you sign your consent and the revocation period passes, your legal parental rights end. However, if you've chosen an open adoption, you can still maintain contact with your child and their adoptive family through letters, photos, phone calls or even in-person visits.

The Role of Counseling in Supporting Your Adoption Decision

American Adoptions provides free counseling throughout your entire adoption journey to help you work through fear, grief, uncertainty, hope and everything in between.

We also provide free legal representation so you fully understand North Carolina's consent laws. Your attorney will ensure you know your rights and what you're agreeing to before signing. This extra layer of protection is designed to safeguard your interests and make sure everything is done properly and ethically.

Even after you sign consent, counseling support continues for as long as you need it. Moving forward after adoption isn't always easy, and having someone to talk to who understands what you're going through can make all the difference.

Still Have Questions About Adoption? Here's What to Do

If you're feeling uncertain, that's okay. Uncertainty doesn't mean you're making a mistake — it means you're taking this decision seriously.

Here's what you can do if you're still unsure:

1. Take your time. You can’t sign consent until after your baby is born, and even then, you can wait until you feel ready.

2. Talk to someone. Call our 24/7 adoption hotline to speak with an adoption specialist who can answer your questions, address your concerns and help you think through your options.

3. Consider your options. Adoption isn't the only path forward. Take time to honestly evaluate parenting and what that would look like for you right now.

American Adoptions Provides Support Every Step of the Way

At American Adoptions, we've supported thousands of expectant parents through the emotional ups and downs of adoption. We know this is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make, and we're here to make sure you have everything you need to make the choice that's right for you.

Throughout your journey, you'll have access to:

Now you understand how long after adoption you can change your mind. If you'd like to talk through your options or learn more about the adoption process, contact us today for free information.

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