An unplanned pregnancy can be a shock. It can bring up lots of feelings and be overwhelming. You may not feel ready to parent; it may be the wrong time for you or that may not be your plan for your life. Bringing up the child is not your only option. You also have the choice of sharing his precious gift with a family looking for a child to grow their family through adoption.
First, please know that Heimer Law specializes in adoption. We will be happy to explain your options and answer your questions at no cost to you. Talking with us does not commit you to anything. Call us at (479) 225.9725 or click below and fill out the form, and we’ll call you.
Inquiry FormOne of the things you should certainly know is your rights in adoption.
Your right to privacy
You may already know that a birth mom can turn a baby in at a hospital or law enforcement office without leaving a name or an explanation. This is one way to remain anonymous, but it is not the best thing for you or your baby. If you make an adoption plan with an adoption professional, you will have access to better care during your pregnancy and have more control over the outcome for your baby.
Working with an adoption professional does not mean that you have to share your life story or even your name with an adoptive family. A closed adoption lets you place your child in a family of your choice without sharing any identifying information with that family. Arkansas adoption records are sealed. An adoptee, or their spouse or children if they are deceased, may request the file, but you can ask that your name be redacted from the file even if they request it.
Your medical records are also private, and you can ask the hospital not to share your information, including not giving your room number or name to callers. HIPAA laws protect your medical privacy.
Conversations with your lawyer or counselor will also be confidential.
You choose the level of contact
In either a closed or an open adoption, you can choose the level of contact you want. In a closed adoption, you can specify whether the adoptee, if he or she requests the file, should receive contact information for you or not. You can leave your preferences on contact, including whether or how you are willing to be reached, in the adoption file.
In an open adoption, you can specify the type of contact you are willing to accept. For example, you might ask the adoptive family to send you an annual update or photo, or to send such an update to your adoption professional to pass along to you. You might also share information with them but choose not to have contact.
You might want to get to know the family but not to have contact with the child. You can welcome the new adoptive parents into the birthing room and celebrate holidays with them…or choose not to meet with them.
You choose the family
Your adoption professional will inform you about would-be adoptive parents who are delighted to adopt your child. You can see their portfolios, meet with them if you like, and get to know them. You can request a family with similar religious traditions to your own. Sometimes es your preferences may not be able to be met, but your adoption professionals will do their best to help you find a family you feel comfortable placing your child with.
You can be sure that any parent cleared to adopt has gone through a Home Study and background checks, so you can feel confident about your choice.
You decide whether to give your consent
No child can be adopted without the consent of the birth mother. You will have 10 days after the baby’s birth to change your mind, even if you sign consent forms in the hospital. You can also change your mind during the pregnancy. No one may pressure you as you make your decision.
Legal requirements
There are some legal requirements.
If you know the identity of the father of the baby, you are legally required to have the court notify him that you are placing the child with an adoptive family. You do not have to share your contact information or to communicate with him.
Medical professionals are legally required to share some kinds of medical information. For example, if your child is born addicted to a drug, that information will have to be disclosed.
A birth mother in Arkansas will have her own lawyer to protect her rights. Contact Heimer Law to learn more.
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