If you're wondering whether you can still change your mind about adoption in Virginia, the answer is yes, but only within a specific timeframe. In Virginia, birth parents have 7 days after signing consent to revoke it for any reason.

After those 7 days pass, your consent becomes final and legally binding, and the adoption cannot be undone except in cases of fraud or duress.

Right now, if you're experiencing doubt or second thoughts, you're not alone. These feelings are normal, and there's support available to help you work through them.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist about your circumstances, or fill out our free online contact form.

Adoption Consent in Virginia: What Every Birth Parent Needs to Know

Consent to adoption is the legal document you sign that officially transfers your parental rights to the adoptive family. In Virginia, you can sign this document once your baby is at least 3 days old, and the signing must take place in the presence of a court.

This waiting period exists to give you time to recover from childbirth, bond with your baby, and make sure adoption is truly the right choice for you.

When you sign this document, you're making a deeply personal decision about your child's future. That's why Virginia law protects your ability to change your mind during a specific window of time.

Can You Revoke Consent After Signing?

Yes, but only within 7 days of signing your consent. During this 7-day period, you have the legal right to revoke your consent for any reason. You don't need to explain yourself or prove anything in court.

If you change your mind within this window, your baby will be returned to you, and the adoption process will stop.

After the 7-day revocation period ends, your consent becomes final. At that point, the adoption cannot be reversed unless you can prove fraud or duress. The adoptive parents gain full legal custody, and your parental rights are permanently transferred.

This permanency protects your child's stability and allows the adoptive family to move forward with confidence.

It's normal to have questions about what a revocation of adoption consent looks like. If you decide to revoke, you'll need to notify the adoption agency or attorney in writing.

American Adoptions will guide you through the process if you need to take this step. We're here to support you no matter what.

Why Hormonal Shifts After Birth May Trigger Second Thoughts

Right after giving birth, your body goes through massive hormonal changes. Your oxytocin levels spike, creating powerful bonding feelings between you and your baby.

Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, also surges, reinforcing maternal instinct.

If you're feeling overwhelmed with love for your baby or experiencing an intense pull to keep them, know that these feelings are real and they're also influenced by your biology. The hormonal changes happening in your body right now are powerful, and they're designed to create strong bonds between mothers and babies.

Give yourself grace during this time. These feelings don't make you weak or uncommitted—they make you human.

Doubt Happens—Remember Why You Chose Adoption

If you're struggling with doubt, that's completely normal. Second-guessing such a major decision doesn't mean you're making the wrong choice. It means you're taking this seriously and thinking deeply about what's best for your baby.

Take a moment to remember why you chose adoption in the first place. What hopes did you have for your baby's future? What goals did you have for yourself? What circumstances made you believe adoption was the most loving choice you could make?

Those reasons haven't changed, even if your emotions feel different right now. The love you have for your child is what led you to consider adoption. That same love is what's making this feel so difficult.

Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones that require the most courage. Choosing adoption doesn't mean you love your baby any less. It means you love them enough to want them to have opportunities, stability, and a life you believe will be best for them.

Hear from Birth Mothers Who Have Been In Your Shoes

After the Revocation Period: What Happens Next in Adoption?

Once the 7-day revocation period ends, your consent becomes final. Your parental rights are permanently transferred to the adoptive parents, and the adoption moves toward finalization within a few months.

After this period, consent can only be revoked if you can prove fraud or duress.

If you have questions about finalization, reach out to an adoption specialist who can walk you through the process.

Why Adoption Decisions Are Supported with Counseling

At American Adoptions, we never want you to feel rushed or pressured into a decision. That's why we provide free, confidential counseling throughout your pregnancy and after placement.

Our goal is to help you make the choice that's truly right for you, not the choice that's easiest for anyone else.

Before you sign your consent, you'll have access to a counselor who can help you:

• Process your emotions and work through doubts
• Explore your reasons for choosing adoption
• Prepare mentally and emotionally for placement
• Understand what life after adoption might look like

This counseling serves as a safeguard, not just for you, but for your baby and the adoptive family too.

When you move forward with adoption, we want you to feel confident and supported every step of the way.

If you placed your baby and are now struggling with emotions of adoption or wondering "will I regret giving my baby up for adoption," counseling can help you navigate those feelings too.

Healing after placement is possible, and you don't have to do it alone.

What If I'm Still Unsure About Adoption?

If you're reading this and you're not sure adoption is the right choice, that's okay. Uncertainty doesn't mean you're making the wrong decision.

It means you're taking this seriously, which is exactly what your baby deserves.

Here are a few things to consider:

• You don't have to sign consent until you're ready. In Virginia, you can't sign until 3 days after birth, but you can also wait longer if you need more time.
• You have options for support. Whether you choose adoption or parenting, resources are available to help you navigate the next steps.
• Talking to someone who understands can help. Our adoption specialists have supported countless women through this decision. Call 1-800-ADOPTION to talk through your feelings with someone who won't judge you.

If you're feeling unsure about putting your baby up for adoption after you take them home, know that this is a common experience. It’s common for birth mothers to go home with their babies before finalizing their adoption plan, and that's okay.

How American Adoptions Supports Birth Mothers in Virginia

You don't have to go through this alone. American Adoptions has worked with birth mothers across Virginia, providing support that includes:

• Personal care from a dedicated adoption specialist who will guide you through every step
• Financial assistance for pregnancy-related expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and medical costs
• Access to free counseling before, during, and after placement
• The ability to choose the perfect family from hundreds of pre-screened, loving families
• Flexible contact options through open adoption in Virginia

You have control over every aspect of the adoption process, from choosing the perfect family for your child to deciding what kind of relationship you want to have after placement.

Fill out our contact form today to get the support you deserve from an adoption specialist.

You Can Choose a Brighter Future for Your Child

Whether you're still considering adoption, in the middle of the process, or navigating life after placement, know this: You have the strength to make the right choice for you and your baby.

Call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out our free online contact form to speak with an adoption specialist who can answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you find clarity.

You've got this—and we've got you.

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