Advertisements
Advertisements
Originally Posted By Kimberlee
I was wondering if someone could give me some advice for an open adoption in Iowa. Here is the situation: I am 27 years old and unable to have children of my own, did not find out until I miscarried a baby 5 years ago. And my mothering instances are going crazy I have thought about looking into foster care but I don't think my heart could take the pain of the children leaving to go back home or to have the moved some place else. I have thought about adoption but I really would like to have an open adoption because I want the information to give to the child when it comes time for them to know. I don't have a lot of money, I don't have a big nice house or drive a fancy car or anything, but I have what's most important UN CONDITIONAL LOVE. And lots of it. now heres the thing a girl that went to middle school with came to my house yesterday, I have not really talked to much these past 9 years but she knew about the miscarriage and the longing I have for a child. She is 5 months along and she said she would like for my boyfriend and I to take here baby when it is born. This is her 5th child and she does not have any of her kids because the state has taken all of them from her and they will not allow her to keep this one and she would rather have a BI racial couple raise her BI racial baby and know that the baby is going to a good home. I want to take her up on this but am unsure where to start with this. How would I get this process started? If all the papers are signed that need to be signed before the birth of the baby will the state be able to step in and take the baby? someone with any information please let me know.
Originally Posted By to Kimberlee
My advice is to contact an attorney right away and don't do anything without his/her advice! Every state is a bit different, but I'm pretty sure that relinquishment must be signed AFTER the birth...at least that's they way it was in Idaho where we adopted. But, most important, don't do anything without a lawyer! You want to be absolutely sure that everything is done legally and above-board. Good luck in becoming a mommy!
Advertisements
Originally Posted By Emma
Kimberlee,
Congrats on choosing OPEN adoption. Your child will value having a lot of information about his or her birthfamily.
Hire an attorney who specializes in adoption right away. Check your local phone book or contact your state's bar association for a recommendation. Birthmothers cannot permanently sign away their rights prior to the child's birth. Birthfathers, on the other hand, can do so in most states. Be sure to get the father's consent to prevent legal complications down the road.
Your attorney will be able to provide some good advice on how to proceed. My guess is that if the birthmother has a family chosen and an adoption plan for the baby, the state will not object to you adopting the child, unless you have some sort of criminal background. Do you have a completed homestudy? Check with an attorney to see if one is required in your state. Since your friend is only five months along, you may be able to complete one before the birth.
Good luck,
Emma