If you have made the momentous decision to adopt, you want an experienced lawyer to protect your interests, one who has successfully helped many others experience the joy of bringing children into their homes. I will provide thorough and compassionate counsel as you move through the process.
In Minnesota, as is the case across the United States, the majority of adoptions that do not involve foster care placements are direct placements, also known as an open adoptions or independent adoptions. In this type of adoption, the birth mother chooses a family to adopt a child before the child is born.
From my law office in Golden Valley, I have many years of experience handling a wide range of issues related to direct placement or independent adoption. Contact me to set up a free initial consultation.
To complete a direct placement adoption you must have a home study completed by a licensed adoption agency. This is true even if you have connected with a birth mother without the assistance of an agency. The birth mother will need separate legal representation. If the birth mother will be giving birth in another state, you will also need to comply with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). If the child is an Indian child, the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Minnesota Indian Preservation Act must also be met.
The law in Minnesota requires that the birth mother (and birth father, if present) have separate counsel from the adoptive parents. The birth mother (and father, if involved) must sign a Consent to Adoption form in the presence of two witnesses, generally a social worker and staff at the adoption agency.
If you seek to adopt a child through an open adoption, I will work closely with you to make certain that all legal requirements are met and that all issues are carefully considered and addressed. I will serve as your liaison with the adoption agency. I will work with you to obtain a court order authorizing the hospital to discharge the baby directly to you. I will also act as your advocate if there are issues that arise during the consent period after the child is born.
For experienced representation in matters related to direct placement adoptions in Minnesota, contact my office or call me at 763-231-9600 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we will work to protect your interests in this dynamic time for your family.
Suzanne Born
Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Law
2440 Brookridge Avenue
Golden Valley, MN 55422
Telephone: 763-231-9600
Fax: 763-546-1270
E-mail
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
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