Home » test »

⚠️ URGENT LEGAL UPDATE

Protect Your Adoption Journey

New federal laws could invalidate 70% of current adoption advertising—here’s how to stay protected

What Every Adoption Family Needs to Know

The adoption landscape is changing rapidly due to new federal laws.

This guide explains what’s happening now, what’s coming next, and how to protect your family’s journey.

The Legal Changes Happening Right Now

Mike and Jennifer spent $18,000 advertising independently online. They connected with three potential birth mothers over 14 months. Then they got a call from a state attorney general’s office.

“We were told our advertising violated state law. All our connections were invalidated, and we had to start over.”
— Mike & Jennifer, Adoptive Parents
33
States where independent advertising is already illegal
70%
Of current adoption advertising could become illegal
$25K
Average cost when adoptions are invalidated

Currently Illegal in 33 States:

  • Google ads or Facebook advertising by individuals
  • Personal websites seeking birth mothers
  • Posting in forums or Facebook groups
  • Using unlicensed profile services

The penalty isn’t just a fine—it can invalidate your entire adoption.

🔍 Why This Matters for Your Family:

Many families unknowingly choose professionals who are operating illegally or will be forced to shut down. Understanding these changes now can save you from losing months of progress and thousands of dollars.

Your Trusted Guide Through These Changes

American Adoptions is here to guide your family safely through this changing legal landscape.

🛡️ Ethical Excellence

30+ years of ethical adoption practices, with zero legal violations and a commitment to doing what’s right for all parties involved.

⚖️ Legal Expertise

Deep knowledge of adoption law across 15+ states, ensuring your placement is legally sound and protected from future challenges.

🎯 Proven Process

A time-tested approach that safely guides families to successful placements while protecting everyone’s interests throughout the journey.

While the adoption landscape becomes increasingly complex and risky, American Adoptions provides the stability, expertise, and ethical foundation your family needs.

We don’t just help you navigate the changes – we ensure your adoption is completed safely, legally, and with the highest ethical standards.

What’s Coming: The Federal Law That Changes Everything

A new federal law called The ADOPT Act (Adoption Deserves Oversight, Protection, and Transparency Act) will make it a federal crime to provide unlicensed adoption services or advertising.

⏰ Timeline Alert:

This law could pass as early as 2025 – which means changes are coming fast. Families need to choose the right professional now, before their options disappear.

2024

Bill Introduced

The ADOPT Act was introduced in Congress with bipartisan support

2025

Expected Passage

Could pass as early as 2025, fundamentally changing adoption advertising

Future

New Requirements

Online advertising will require licensing in every target state

Here’s What This Means in Simple Terms:

  • Unlicensed “facilitators” and intermediaries will face federal criminal charges
  • Unlicensed adoption advertising becomes a federal crime
  • Only licensed agencies and attorneys can legally provide adoption services
  • Payments over $500 to birth mothers must go through licensed professionals

⚖️ Federal Criminal Penalties Include:

For unlicensed intermediaries: Federal criminal charges for providing adoption services without proper licensing

For illegal advertising: Federal penalties for advertising adoption services without authorization

For improper payments: Criminal charges for payments over $500 to birth mothers outside licensed channels

💡 The Bottom Line:

The ADOPT Act specifically targets “unlicensed adoption intermediaries” to prevent exploitation. Only properly licensed agencies and attorneys will be able to continue operating legally. Everyone else faces federal criminal charges.

Who Will Survive These Changes (And Who Won’t)

Understanding Your Options

Every family works with one of these types of adoption professionals. Here’s how the new laws will impact each one:

Type of Professional What Happens Can Still Operate? Risk to Your Family
DIY/Advertising Yourself Federal Criminal Charges NO – Becomes federal crime Criminal liability, must stop immediately
Unlicensed “Facilitators” Federal Criminal Charges NO – Federal crime to operate Total loss, criminal prosecution possible
Attorneys Can Continue YES – Specifically exempted Legal services only, no advertising/outreach
Licensed Agencies Can Continue YES – Specifically protected Business as usual, competitive advantage

⚠️ The Reality Check:

70% of adoption professionals will be severely impacted or forced to shut down

Only extensively licensed agencies will be able to operate normally

The question is: Which type is helping your family?

How Each Type of Professional Will Be Impacted

Here’s exactly what will happen to each type of adoption professional when the ADOPT Act becomes law:

🚨 DIY/Advertising Yourself

Current Legal Risk:

  • Already illegal in 33 states to advertise independently
  • State attorneys general issuing cease and desist orders
  • Recent cases: families forced to invalidate connections

What the ADOPT Act Changes:

  • Federal criminal charges for advertising adoption services
  • Criminal liability for payments over $500 to birth mothers
  • Interstate commerce violations – federal jurisdiction

Impact on Your Family:

Success Rate: Less than 15% ever complete adoption

Timeline: 2-4 years, often never complete

Financial Risk: $8,000-$25,000 lost + legal defense costs

Legal Risk: Federal criminal charges possible

Outcome: Must stop immediately or switch to licensed professional

🚨 Unlicensed “Facilitators” and Services

Current Legal Jeopardy:

  • FTC issuing warning letters for deceptive practices
  • Operating illegally in states requiring licenses
  • Several under active investigation for fraud

What the ADOPT Act Changes:

  • Complete business model becomes federally illegal
  • Immediate shutdown required – no transition period
  • Federal criminal prosecution for continuing operations

Impact on Your Family:

Current Success Rate: 20-35%

Future Success Rate: 0% – services must shut down

Service Risk: Immediate termination without notice

Financial Loss: $5,000-$40,000 with no recourse

Outcome: Total loss of investment, forced to start over

⚠️ Law Firms (Without Agency Licenses)

Current Limitations:

  • Can only advertise in states where attorney is licensed
  • Most lack adoption agency licenses for birth mother services
  • Limited to legal document preparation

What the ADOPT Act Changes:

  • Protected from criminal charges (attorneys specifically exempted)
  • Cannot provide intermediary services without agency license
  • Must partner with licensed agencies for full service

Impact on Your Family:

Success Rate: 25-40% (depends on location)

Timeline: 18-36 months, highly variable

Service Gap: Must find birth mothers yourself first

Cost Structure: Dual fees (legal + agency partnership)

Outcome: Legal services only, limited adoption support

⚠️ Small Local Agencies (1-3 States)

Current Challenges:

  • Limited geographic reach restricts birth mother pool
  • High per-state licensing costs make expansion difficult
  • 1,200-3,000 monthly website visitors vs. 50,000+ for national

What the ADOPT Act Changes:

  • Can continue operating legally in licensed states
  • Cannot expand advertising beyond licensed territory
  • Competitive disadvantage grows vs. multi-state agencies

Impact on Your Family:

Current Success Rate: 60-75%

Future Success Rate: 30-45% (due to limited reach)

Timeline: 18-36 months, extends to 36+ months

Connection Reduction: 70-80% fewer potential matches

Closure Risk: Some agencies may close due to economics

✅ Licensed Multi-State Agencies (American Adoptions)

Current Market Position:

  • Licensed in 15+ states – more than any other agency
  • 80%+ of adoptions completed within licensed states
  • Legal operations in highest birth-rate markets

What the ADOPT Act Changes:

  • Minimal impact – already compliant with proposed requirements
  • Competitive advantage grows as other options disappear
  • Market consolidation benefits – less competition

Impact on Your Family:

Success Rate: 75-85% (highest in industry)

Timeline: 12-18 months average

Investment Protection: Timeline and costs remain stable

Service Continuity: No disruption to operations

Competitive Advantage: Shorter waits as competition decreases

💡 The Clear Choice

When you see the specific impacts laid out, the choice becomes obvious.

Only extensively licensed agencies like American Adoptions can provide uninterrupted, compliant service that protects your family’s investment and timeline.

How American Adoptions Protects Your Journey

✅ Your Safe Path Forward

While other agencies face shutdowns and major disruptions, American Adoptions is uniquely positioned to protect your family’s adoption journey.

15+
States Where We’re Licensed
(More than any other agency)
80%+
Of Our Adoptions in Licensed States
(Fully compliant operations)
30+
Years With Zero Legal Violations
(Perfect compliance record)

What This Means for Your Family:

🛡️ Protected Investment

Your timeline and financial investment are secure, regardless of what happens with new federal laws.

🚀 Better Opportunities

As other agencies shut down, we’ll have less competition and shorter wait times for our families.

📈 Proven Results

75-85% success rate with 12-18 month average timelines – the best in the industry.

“The difference was night and day. Our previous agency had us waiting with no communication. American Adoptions had us matched in 4 months.”
— David & Lisa, Adoptive Parents

Warning Signs: Is Your Current Professional at Risk?

🚩 Warning Signs – Immediate Risk

🚩
“We advertise nationwide but are only licensed in a few states”
This is currently illegal and will get worse
🚩
“Birth mothers contact you directly”
No professional screening or support
🚩
“Don’t worry about licensing”
Legal compliance should be priority #1

✅ Questions to Ask Right Now

✅
“Are you licensed in every state where you advertise?”
They should answer “yes” immediately
✅
“Can you show me your licensing documentation?”
Legitimate agencies provide this readily
✅
“What happens to my case if new federal laws pass?”
Look for confidence, not uncertainty

⚠️ If You’re Getting Unclear Answers:

Your current professional may not be prepared for the legal changes coming. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your adoption journey.

What Could Go Wrong: The Real Costs of Choosing Poorly

If Your Professional Gets Shut Down or Can’t Continue:

$5K-$25K
Money Already Invested
Potentially lost forever
6-18 Months
Time Already Spent
Starting over from zero
$15K-$40K
Cost to Restart
With a compliant professional
Federal Crime
Criminal Charges Possible
Under the ADOPT Act

⚖️ What the ADOPT Act Makes Illegal:

  • Unlicensed intermediary services: Federal crime to provide adoption services without license
  • Unlicensed advertising: Federal crime to advertise adoption services without authorization
  • Improper payments: Federal crime to pay birth mothers over $500 outside licensed channels

💡 The Smart Choice:

Choosing the right professional from the start protects you from all of these risks. Your time, money, and emotional investment stay secure.

Protect Your Family’s Adoption Journey

The legal landscape is changing fast. Families who choose the right professional now will avoid the disruptions and costs coming to everyone else.

Take These Steps Today:

1. Get Expert Guidance

Schedule a free consultation to understand how these changes affect your specific situation

2. Evaluate Your Current Professional

Download our checklist to see if your current path is protected

3. Make the Switch If Needed

Don’t wait until it’s too late – protect your investment and timeline now

Get Your Free Consultation Download Protection Checklist

Your family deserves a secure, protected path to parenthood.

test