Can My Relative Adopt My Baby? [The 5 Steps of a Relative Adoption]

While placing your child for adoption with a family member can seem ideal because your relatives are generally people you love and trust, make sure you have explored all your unplanned pregnancy options. 

If you feel adoption is the best option, make sure your decision is based on the best interest of you and your child. 

Are you making this decision because it’s convenient and you trust your relative? Are you being pressured? You are the only person who should be making decisions for your adoption. Only you know what’s best for you and your baby. So if you’re wondering, “Can my mom adopt my baby?” or “Can my dad adopt my child?” make sure that it’s because this is what you really want. 

Once you’ve determined you want to place your baby for adoption with a family member, you’re ready to contact an adoption professional. Many national adoption agencies can offer you helpful services to make sure your adoption process is as smooth as possible. These services include: 

• Unplanned pregnancy counseling 
• Financial assistance 
• Hospital planning 
• Legal representation 
• And more 

You never have to go through this process alone. Your adoption professional will always be available to answer questions and help you get started with your relative adoption. 

As the expectant mother, you will always be in the driver’s seat when it comes to your adoption plan. You call all the shots, and your adoption professional will ensure all of your wishes are put into action.

Your adoption plan includes who you want to raise your child, your hospital plan, post-placement contact arrangements, and more.

All of the details leading up to and after you have delivered your baby will be determined prior to your hospital stay.

Depending on your state's adoption laws, you will wait an allotted amount of time before you can sign the documents consenting to the adoption and terminating your parental rights. Once this is done, your chosen relative will be considered the legal parent of your child. 

Once placement has occurred, your adoption professional will help you and your relative establish post-placement arrangements to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible.  Post-placement counseling services, support groups, blogs, and more may all be helpful as you navigate your relative adoption relationship.