What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Adoptions?

 Posted on August 27, 2021 in Divorce

One of the most selfless acts a person can undertake is to love and nurture another’s child as one’s own using the process of adoption. There are several types of adoptions in Illinois, including international, relative, and foster adoptions, but this article focuses on one type in particular: Private adoption. 

Private adoption is when an adoptive family works directly with the birth mother or parents of a child. Private adoption has many advantages, but private adoption also has some drawbacks. In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of private adoption. Keep in mind that, regardless of the type of adoption, having a practiced attorney is a crucial part of ensuring that a successful adoption takes place.

What are the Advantages of Private Adoption? 

• Many prospective parents would prefer to raise a child from infancy, and private adoptions allow parents to do this. Most older children are adopted through a state agency and may already be living in foster care.

• Compared to working with an adoption agency, private adoption can be much faster. International adoptions take a particularly long time, as issues in both the United States and in the child’s country of origin can complicate the process. Private adoptions are often completed in less than a year.

• Adoptive parents are often able to have personal contact with a baby’s birth mother and may even support her throughout her pregnancy. This allows the adoptive parents to have more information about the baby, and offers the chance - if all parties are interested - for the birth mother to have a role in the baby’s life. 

What are the Disadvantages of Private Adoption? 

• Finding a birth mother who is willing to place her child for adoption can be very difficult. Even though the private adoption process itself is faster, many couples wait years to find a birth mother. Some couples advertise on social media and in newspapers, letting people know that they are hoping to adopt and are dedicated to becoming wonderful parents. 

• Parents hoping to privately adopt a baby face some uncertainty. Birth mothers involved in private adoption sometimes change their minds. Birth mothers may also have challenges that can affect the health of the baby, such as substance abuse or addiction. 

• Although working with an attorney during a private adoption can be less costly than working through an adoption agency, parents adopting privately may pay most or all of the healthcare costs of a birth mother. Other necessary expenses, such as counselors, mediators, or substance abuse experts, may be entirely shouldered by the adoptive parents. 

Work With a Wheaton, IL Adoption Attorney

The adoption process in Illinois can be complex and full of emotional highs and lows. If you are considering adoption, consult with an experienced DuPage County adoption attorney at The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C.. Our compassionate, skilled legal team has helped facilitate many successful adoptions and can work with you to develop an adoption plan for you and your family. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation at 630-462-9500. 

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2098&ChapterID=59