QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED
CAN I PICK THE FAMILY?
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.
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 necessary 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?
workers to ensure that the birth mothers' needs are being
met. Our social workers specialize in adoptions and work
closely with the birth mothers to help them through all
emotional stages of the process. Our social workers make
themselves available to a birth mother for 24 hour telephone
believe that counseling is an integral part of the process.
In addition, if a birth mother wishes to retain her own
attorney to represent her interests.
WHAT IF I HAVE NOT MADE A FINAL AND DEFINITE DECISION TO PLACE MY BABY FOR ADOPTION?
should be extensively educated about the entire adoption
process, as well as, all of her other options before she
makes a decision. Feingold & Kam, 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, Feingold
& Kam 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
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
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?
Either Lauren or Elizabeth 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 ONE OF OUR ATTORNEYS ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS.
