Direct Placement Adoption

I have a direct placement adoption. I live in a state where I have to have a homestudy and go through an agency in order to adopt in this type of situation. We found an agency that specialized in independent adoptions. They completed our homestudy for us, provided counseling for our bmom and handeled everything for her. We had to also get a lawyer for us (which was linked to our agency) and a lawyer for bmom. We did not pay any bmom expenses. I bought her maternity clothes because I wanted too, and we also paid one term on her car insurance because I wanted to make sure she had the means to get to all her prenatal appts. K was born December of 2009 and she came home from the hospital with us. Bmom signed like 3 weeks after K was born, bdad signed like a month later or something. The agency took care of all the hospital stuf too. IDK how it works in your state, but even though we knew our bmom and she requested that we adopt her baby, we needed to make sure we did everything by the book. Im so glad we didnt cut any corners and she received counselling before and after K's birth, all the paper work was correct and finalization was a breeze. If you have any other q's I'd love to answer them if I can. I think that the state where I live is one of like 5 or 6 that it is illegal to just got through lawyers and adopt w/out a homestudy. I was annoyed with it at first, but Im really happy with everything about our adoption.

Hey thanks for that. We also have to have the home study which is fine. There is no agency in my situation. Just us, the lawyer (our lawyer which we hired) and Social Services. We are doing everything that social services and the law mandates for the bmom. She is not wanting expenses so I try to do other things for her like you did though it has to be done through our lawyer to protect all involved. I am really glad to hear that things went so well. It is good to hear a story that turns out. We also want to make sure to do everything correct and legal. I never realized until being in this situation how much is involved in the adoption process. It is a eye opener for sure. Thanks again...

There is a ton involved isnt there. I thought we'd go to the lawyer office, sign here sign here, and be done. The care insurance we paid to our lawyer, who cut a check to her lawyer, who gave it to her. I was always very careful about not giving her anything w/out going through the lawyer. I did not want anything illegal on my conscience. We are very lucky, this process was so smooth from start to finish. I wish you the best of luck!!

I had a direct placement. Our adoption opportunity found us, we did not go looking for it. After the "match" we had to do everything legally required. It worked out great. Our son was able to come directly into our care from the hospital and we cared for him before his discharge. All the best to you.

Hi, I'm new to this so any information would be helpful. My husband and I have been given the opportunity to have a direct adoption with someone that we know. We are curious about the process. We live in Florida and the friend lives in California. What are the basic fees/costs? How would the adoption be done since we live in different states?

Kasie - Can I ask what state you live in? We're in MA, and have a similar situation. We have been approached by a birth mom for a possible direct placement adoption. In MA, we have to go through an agency as well as a get a lawyer, and a homestudy. I'm worried about costs. We've start fundraising, but I'm concerned that we won't be able to raise enough money before our bmom is due in November.