Guidelines for Choosing an Adoption
Agency or Attorney

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Ask how long the attorney or agency has been doing this line of work.

There may be several options available to those choosing an adoption agency. Below is a list of suggestions of some ideas for both birthmothers and adoptive parents in making your decision.

Suggestions:

  • Get referrals from friends or others that have adopted or have placed their child for adoption, or ask the an agency for a list of referrals.
  • Ask how long the attorney has been doing this line of work.
  • Find out if the attorney/agency has ever had any disrupted adoptions, and why.
  • Seek out and develop a list of the attorneys that meet your basic needs.
  • Find out what services they provide before and after the adoption.
  • Find out the costs of the adoption and what must be covered by the birth family or the adoptive family.
  • Ask if the agency places minority or biracial children.
  • Find information on open verses closed adoption and the attorney’s views and experience with both types.
  • Ask about the contract.
  • Ask about Adoption Plans and Decrees.
  • Inquire about the availability and credibility of counseling.
  • Adoptive Parents:
    • Ask how long the average wait is for a couple in your situation.
    • See what the procedures are on finding out the health of the child.
    • Get an idea of how involved the birthparents’ parents are with the attorney, and find out how the attorney deals with birthfathers.
  • Birthparents:
    • See what procedures are on finding out the health of the adoptive parents.
Last Updated: 06/2007