Expectant moms considering adoption often wonder how the process works. Will she have to go to court? Will she need to take her baby home from the hospital and then find a loving family? Does she have to argue for her decision? These kinds of questions can create stress — and it’s unnecessary stress. The adoption process in Arkansas is designed to be empowering for birth moms, and Heimer Law is always supportive of these brave and selfless women. One of the big milestones in your adoption journey is signing adoption consent forms. Read on for the information you need for this event.
Making a plan
If you decide to find a loving adoptive home for your baby, you will make an adoption plan and a birth plan. You will choose an adoptive family. You will have support at every step along the way.
Once the baby is born, it’s time to sign adoption consent forms. This takes place after the baby’s birth. You can decide when you want to sign your consent, where, and who you want to have with you. You should have an interpreter if English is not your native language. You might choose to have the adoptive parents with you, or family members of your own. This is up to you.
It’s essential that you have an official authorized person with you to make sure the consent forms are completed correctly. This may include a notary to witness your signature, an adoption lawyer, or a representative of an adoption agency.
You should have legal representation during this process to make sure that everything is done correctly under the law. Your lawyer will make sure that your rights and your best interests are prioritized.
You don’t have to go to court
Birth moms are not required to go to court to give consent to the adoption, and you don’t have to defend your decision.
You have ten days after signing the consent forms to change your mind. If you decide you want to parent the child yourself, either before or within ten days after signing the consent forms, you can do that. After the waiting period, you no longer have parental rights and you cannot change your mind.
This is a big and important decision. You will have plenty of time to think about your decision before the baby is born, and most birth moms are confident of their decision by the time the baby is born. However, giving birth is a challenging and highly emotional experience. It is normal to have strong feelings during this process.
Adoption consent
Consent to the adoption must be given in writing. This consent is a legal document, so it must be drawn up correctly and signed by the birth mother and anyone else required to give consent.
You should always have an adoption lawyer to make sure that this legal document is completed correctly. If you have any questions about the process, call Heimer Law at (479) 225-9725 or use our simple inquiry form.
Inquiry Form