QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED
CAN I PICK THE FAMILY?
Yes. Lauren Feingold, Esquire represents many adoptive families that want to create or expand their families through the miracle of adoption. Our lawyers take as much time as necessary to show a birth mother the profiles of each of our families. These profiles include a dear birth mother letter from the adoptive family, as well as pictures of them, their home and their lives. Lauren Feingold, Esquire will review these profiles with the birth mother and help guide her through the process of selecting an adoptive family, with whom she feels comfortable.
CAN I GET ASSISTANCE WITH LIVING EXPENSES?
Yes. Florida law permits a birth mother to receive money
from the adoptive family for the payment of reasonable
and actual living expenses. Such expenses include
rent, transportation, telephone and food. These expenses
are permitted throughout the pregnancy and for up to six
weeks after the birth of the baby. These expenses must be
Court approved.
AM I ENTITLED TO MY OWN ADVOCATE DURING THE PROCESS?
Yes. Florida Law expressly provides that a birth mother should receive counseling and social work during the adoption process. Frequently, the social worker serves as the birth mothers' advocate. Birth mothers are also entitled to have their own independent legal counsel at any time during the process, if they so choose. Birth parent legal representation is paid for by the adoptive family.
WHAT IF I HAVE NOT MADE A FINAL AND DEFINITE DECISION TO PLACE MY BABY FOR ADOPTION?
Lauren Feingold, Esquire believes very strongly that a birth mother should be extensively educated about the entire adoption process, as well as, all of her other options before she makes a decision. Lauren Feingold, Esquire, in concert with social workers that specialize in adoption, provide this extensive education to the birth mother. A birth mother must feel completely comfortable with her placement decision. If after the education and counseling process a birth mother still does not feel comfortable, Lauren Feingold, Esquire, works with the birth mother to explore other options, including parenting with the help of community resources.
WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND DURING THE PROCESS?
Many birth mothers decide to parent and that is a personal
choice. Lauren Feingold, Esquire will help a birth mother in
this situation explore other options.
WHEN DOES MY DECISION TO PLACE BECOME PERMANENT?
Florida law states that a birth mother may consent to
place her baby for adoption 48 hours after giving
birth to the baby or upon her medical discharge.
Once a consent is signed, it is legal and binding
unless fraud or duress is proven.
WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE CONTACT AND GET INFORMATION ABOUT MY CHILD AFTER PLACEMENT?
Yes. That is your choice. You can choose to have an open,
semi-open or closed adoption. Our attorneys will explain
these options to you throughout the process. We will
only match you with a family whose preferences match
your own. For example, if the birth mother desires an
open adoption, Lauren Feingold, Esquire will only present the
profiles of adoptive families that are willing to exchange
pictures and letters and/or have visits after the birth of
the child.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY FIRST PHONE CALL?
Lauren will contact you within 24 hours of your first call.
You will be asked some general questions and we will
make an appointment to meet with you at a mutually
acceptable place and time. The purpose of this
meeting is to assess your needs and to tell you more
about our program. We will also help to arrange
prenatal care for you.
CALL 1-866-633-0397 TO SPEAK WITH LAUREN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS.
