What is Private Adoption?

When I was a young girl, adoption options were limited. Generally, the birth parents had no idea where their children were placed and often, adoptees had no idea they were even adopted. Today, the adoption world is very different, taking into account what's best for everyone involved.

There are many different types of adoption these days, and you can read more about the different types on Adoption.com. One common type of adoption is private (also known as independent) adoption.

In a Private (Independent) Adoption, the adoptive parents play an active role in finding a birth mother who has chosen an adoption plan for her child. Once the adoptive parents and the birth mother, or birth parents, agree that they are a good match, both parties get a lawyer to represent them. Depending on state law, the adoptive parents may pay for their lawyer and the birth mother's lawyer. In the state of Virginia, adoptive parents are allowed to pay for the birth mother's legal representation. The birth parents and the adoptive parents will have separate lawyers that represent each of their interests.

We have decided to list with an adoption agency and pursue a private adoption. We know our special person is out there and we're just trying to open as many doors as possible so he or she can find us. If we are matched through the agency, the agency will handle all of the paperwork and legal issues. We will still have to get an attorney to finalize the adoption in court. If we are matched independently - meaning we meet a birth mother or birth parents who have chosen an adoption plan for their child - we will connect them with someone who can help them select a lawyer and guide them through the adoption process.

We are so excited to be a part of this wonderful world of adoption. I've said it many times, and I believe it ... Adoption is a powerful choice.

You may also like: Independent Adoption in Virginia