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Can I Give up My Parental Rights?

How Birth Parent Rights Work in Adoption

The thought of terminating your parental rights might seem scary at first. But, it’s a common part of the adoption process, and it’s something all birth parents go through.

Choosing adoption is a brave, selfless decision that puts your child first, and we’ll be there to guide you through each step of your adoption journey. That includes terminating your birth parent rights.

Whenever you’re ready to start the adoption process, contact us online to get more free information now. We’d love nothing more than to help you create the future you have always imagined for yourself and your baby.

Can I Give Up My Parental Rights?

Yes, you can give up parental rights when you choose adoption. This is known as a voluntary termination, in which the decision is completely up to you. Your adoption professional will explain how it works for you, as the laws depend on what state you live in.

Here at American Adoptions, we’ll help you make an adoption plan and coordinate your financial assistance. We will be there for you every step of the way to answer all your questions about terminating parental rights.

How Can I Give Up My Parental Rights?

Terminating parental rights in adoption occurs after your child has been placed with the family you have chosen for them.  In other words, this step takes place toward the end of your adoption journey. Here is what giving up your rights as a parent looks like:

  • Step 1: Get in touch with us to connect with a birth parent specialist.
  • Step 2: Create your adoption plan with our help.
  • Step 3: Choose the right family for your baby and the type of adoption relationship you’d like to have.
  • Step 4: Work with your adoption attorney to understand the process of terminating your parental rights.
  • Step 5: Complete the adoption placement and terminate your parental rights.

We’ll coordinate legal services for you, and the attorney we provide will explain the process of terminating your parental rights before you sign your consent. Once you understand what it means to give up parental rights, they’ll walk you through the process of giving your legal consent for adoption. Make sure you fully think this through, as it is a permanent decision.

Does the Father of My Unborn Baby Have Any Rights?

For the most part, the baby’s father will have limited rights and must establish paternity through the Department of Child Support Services. Each state has different laws, and your adoption professional will help you understand how these laws apply to your particular circumstances.

Can I Give up Parental Rights before the Baby Is Born?

Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii and Colorado are the only states where you can give up parental rights before giving birth. But, you must reaffirm your consent once the baby is born. We will help you understand what that process involves.

Keep in mind that your parental rights are never terminated without your consent. Adoption is a massive decision, so you should take all the time you need to make sure this is the best choice for yourself and your baby.

By working with our agency, the resources and support that we’ll provide will empower you to make the right decision for your needs and situation.

Birth mother Julia knew that adoption with our agency was the best decision not only for herself but also for her child.

“Honestly, just sit down and think about the best interest of your child,” she said. “You’re going to contemplate the decision a hundred times but, at the end of the day, you’re going to know what’s right for you and what’s right for your child. Don’t think that your life is over; you have a little bump in the road, but that’s not going to stop you.”

Start the Adoption Process Today

If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey, then reach out to us today. From there, you’ll be connected with a trustworthy birth parent specialist. They’ll walk you through the ins and outs of the process. They’ll also help you make an adoption plan that suits all your preferences.

We will be there for you every step of the way, ensuring that you understand everything that goes into giving up your rights as a parent.

Adoption isn’t easy. But, the best things in life never are.

It’s not too late to choose adoption for your baby. To get started on this beautiful journey today, contact us online to get more adoption information now. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon!

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Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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