Home » Pregnant? » Who Can Help with Adoption » Do I Need an Adoption Attorney? Do I Need an Adoption Attorney? All adoptions require an adoption lawyer to complete the legal services. When you work with an adoption agency, they can provide free legal services with an attorney. This guide will break down the importance of adoption attorneys, how agencies can coordinate free legal services, and the limitations of using only an attorney to complete an adoption. Contact us online today to learn more about the legal process and how the right adoption agency provides free legal services. Learn more about adoption attorneys today. Contact Us Why Work with an Adoption Attorney? There are several reasons to consider working with an adoption attorney throughout the adoption process, as well as some disadvantages to take into account. If you choose an adoption attorney as your primary adoption professional, this is considered an independent adoption. In many independent adoptions, the birth parents and adoptive family find each other independently of an adoption professional’s screening and matching services. In some states, adoption lawyers are not legally allowed to perform these screening and matching services. Here are some of the top pros and cons to consider before choosing to pursue an independent adoption with an adoption attorney: Pros of Having an Adoption Attorney Complete Your Adoption Adoption attorneys can provide the necessary legal work to safely and legally terminate your and the birth father’s parental rights. Your adoption attorney should have considerable experience with adoption law, and you can be assured that your legal rights and interests are being represented throughout the adoption process. You may be able to meet the adoption attorney in person to decide if he or she is best for your adoption plan. Because you will likely choose to work with an adoption attorney from a local law firm, you will be able to meet your attorney face-to-face throughout the adoption process. Usually, an adoption attorney is all you need for an independent adoption. If you do need additional support or resources, your attorney should be able to partner with an adoption agency or other adoption professionals to provide these services. Attorneys are reviewed by the state every year, ensuring they comply with their state’s adoption laws. In addition, your adoption attorney may be a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, ensuring he or she is up-to-date on the latest adoption laws. Cons of Having an Adoption Attorney Complete Your Adoption They may not provide matching services. You may need to work with another adoption professional, such as an adoption agency, to be matched with a waiting adoptive family. Alternatively, you may need to independently identify an adoptive family that you would like to pursue an adoption plan. This can potentially limit the number of families you have to choose from. In addition, there are other services your attorney may not be able to provide throughout the adoption process, such as counseling, support and post-placement agreements. They may not be available when you need them most, as attorneys are typically busy with other cases. Many large adoption agencies provide 24/7 counseling and support and have large staff available to work closely with expectant mothers throughout the adoption process. You may not receive these services if you choose to work with a local attorney to pursue an independent adoption. Choosing an Adoption Lawyer If you have decided that working with an adoption attorney or law firm is the best choice for you and your baby, there are several questions you may want to ask the law firms you are considering before making your final decision: Can you explain the adoption legal process? Are you a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys? Do you have a list of waiting families? If you don’t have waiting families, how do you help birth mothers match with adoptive families? When will you be available in person or by phone? Who will provide adoption counseling, and how much experience does he or she have? How do you facilitate living expenses? How much control do I have over the adoption? What is your stance on open adoption? How do you facilitate post-placement contact, like pictures and letters, from the adoptive family? Our Opinion Adoption attorneys or adoption law firms are best for prospective birth mothers who have already identified an adoptive family and who feel they don’t need much adoption counseling and support. It is important to carefully consider the resources and services you’d like to have available before choosing an adoption attorney as your adoption professional. Find an Adoption Attorney: Michael Belfonte Mary and Joanna Beck Bryan McLachlan James Fletcher Thompson Find a reputable adoption attorney in your state by searching the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA) directory. Every AAAA member is an expert in the complexities of adoption law and has acted as counsel in at least 50 adoption proceedings, including 10 interstate placements. Who Can Help with Adoption Why Choose a National Adoption AgencyNational adoption agencies are licensed to work with pregnant mothers and adoptive families across all 50 states. They have the expertise, resources and staff to complete adoptions from start to finish.Learn More Why Work with a Local Adoption Agency?Local or regional adoption agencies are smaller than national adoption agencies and usually offer adoption services to pregnant mothers in a specific state or...Learn MoreWhat is an Adoption Facilitator?Adoption law centers and adoption facilitators are unlicensed and unregulated adoption professionals that usually only provide matching services. Working with them has both advantages...Learn MoreWhat You Need to Know About Adoption Counseling [4 FAQs]Are you confused about how adoption counseling works? We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on 4 FAQs [and answers] about it.Learn MoreHow Giving Up a Child to the State Works [4 FAQs]Are you wondering how giving up a child to the state works? You’ve come to the right place. Here are 4 FAQs [and answers].Learn More24-Hour Adoption HotlinesHere is a helpful list of various 24-hour adoption services and hotlines for whenever you may need them.Learn MoreWhat You Should Know About Pregnant Adoption Agencies [2025]Choosing one of the many available pregnant adoption agencies is one of the biggest decisions that you’ll make. But how do you know which...Learn MoreAre there Adoption Agencies that Pay You for Your Baby?When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s normal to wonder if there are adoption agencies that pay you. But the truth is more surprising than...Learn More Get Free Info
