Heimer Law Provides Adoption Matching!
Heimer Law works with families to help find the right adoption matching opportunity to fit their needs. Our model is unique among adoption law firms in that we can provide agency level care prior to match, during the pregnancy and following finalization as well as being your legal team along the way. In our partnership, we represent hopeful adoptive parents and guide you through the process. The result is an ethical and secure adoption that meets the needs of all parties.
We work with a limited number of adopting families from all over the country and offer personalized care.
How does it work?
Fill out our inquiry form to begin the conversation. We will contact you and schedule a call.
Fee Structure
An adoption through Heimer Law can cost less than $25,000. These fees include
- Matching services
- Your legal representation
- The cost of the expectant mother’s legal representation
- The cost of her social work case management
- The adoption finalization process with both attorneys representing their clients (expectant mother and hopeful adoptive parents) at the court hearing
What resources offset the adoption costs?
The adoption tax credit is a tax benefit to qualifying families that helps offset the cost of adoption. Currently, the adoption tax credit is $14,890 per child. This means that you may be entitled to a refund of that amount for each child you adopt.
There are many grants available for hopeful adoptive parents. Heimer Law can provide you with information. We are happy to help with the application process.
What do we need to get started with an adoption?
To begin the process, schedule a meeting with our team. During your free inquiry call, you will be able to ask your questions. We carefully select our client list to best meet our birth mothers’ criteria regarding their needs. If you are offered a client spot, the intake process begins seamlessly through our team. The initial fee requirement is a total of $8,000.00 due at intake.
What’s the timeframe for adoption?
Your engagement letter with Heimer Law covers a 24 month term.
What if the birth mother changes her mind?
In Arkansas, a woman who makes an adoption plan for her baby has five or ten days after the child’s birth to decide to parent. We call this the revocation period. If she continues with her adoption plan, Heimer Law works closely with the courts to schedule the final hearing where the adoption is finalized in front of a judge. If she does decide to parent within the five- or ten-day period, the adoption is considered disrupted. Any fees you have paid that haven’t been directly tied to that match will be applied to a future match. Any fees that were utilized directly for that match will not be refunded; however, you will receive documentation to apply for a tax credit for the fees spent.
What does Open Adoption Mean?
An open adoption is one where you get to know the expectant mother and carry on a relationship after the adoption. This can be meeting occasionally and exchanging emails or texts. It could also mean becoming close to her and welcoming her into your family. We believe that open adoption is best for the child and placing parents when it can be done in a healthy way. We are happy to share incredible stories of success as we’ve seen a multitude of families grow in this way.
How do we ensure the birth parents know their rights?
Adoption is a legal process and therefore we believe it is best to have separate representation. It protects you against allegations of undue influence and protects her by making sure she is aware of her rights.
What community resources are available for expectant moms?
Northwest Arkansas has a tremendous community and resources for expectant moms. Every expectant mom in Arkansas is eligible for Arkansas Pregnancy Medicaid. We utilize local nonprofits to help find food, clothing, housing, transportation, and other necessities. It is our goal to help establish her with the care she will need long after the adoption is completed.
Will the birth mom be drug or alcohol tested?
No, unless the doctor has a specific concern, we do not ask for the expectant mother to be tested for substance abuse. During pregnancy an expectant mother has all rights to privacy, and we work to balance baby’s health while respecting that. A newborn screen is run immediately after birth.
What about medical needs?
We can help the expectant mother use her insurance or apply for Medicaid. We will also help her get the prenatal care she and the baby need.
Do expectant moms see a counselor during or after the pregnancy?
It is strongly recommended that expectant moms receive ongoing counseling throughout the process. In some cases, expectant moms are able to access counseling services for free as often as desired.