When birth parents hear about terminating parental rights, it can seem scary. But, it’s common in the adoption process, and it’s often completed in the best interests of all parties involved.

Choosing adoption is one of the bravest decisions a woman can make, and your adoption agency will be there to help you understand everything you need to know about terminating your birth parent rights.

Contact an adoption agency today to get more adoption information now.

Can I Give up My Parental Rights?

Yes, you can give up parental rights when you choose adoption. This is called voluntary termination, where the decision is entirely up to you. Your adoption professional will explain what it means, as there are strict laws on when and how you can consent to adoption.

They’ll help you create an adoption plan for your child, and they’ll also help you receive adoption financial assistance. Your adoption professional will be there for you to answer any questions you have about terminating your parental rights.

How Can I Give up My Parental Rights?

Terminating parental rights in adoption occurs after you’ve contacted an adoption agency and gone through the adoption process. A birth mother cannot terminate parental rights upon first contacting an adoption agency. The process for giving up your rights as a parent is as follows:

• Step 1: Contact an adoption agency and connect with a birth parent specialist.
• Step 2: Create your adoption plan.
• Step 3: Choose the perfect family for your baby and the type of adoption relationship you want.
• Step 4: Work with your adoption attorney to understand the process of terminating your parental rights.
• Step 5: Complete the adoption placement.

Your adoption attorney will explain the process of terminating your parental rights before you sign your consent. Once you understand what it means to give up parental rights, they’ll walk you through the process of giving your legal consent for adoption.

Does the Father of My Unborn Baby Have Any Rights?

Typically, birth fathers will have limited rights and must establish paternity through the Department of Child Support Services. Each state has different laws and your adoption professional will help you understand how these laws apply to your situation.

Can I Give up Parental Rights before the Baby Is Born?

Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii and Colorado are the only states that allow you to give up parental rights before your baby is born. But, you must reaffirm your consent after the baby is born. Your adoption professional will help you understand the process of relinquishing your consent.

When you place your child for adoption, the termination of parental rights is never done without your consent. Adoption is a big decision. You deserve all the time you need to make the best choice for yourself and your baby.

According to American Adoptions, a licensed national adoption agency, the resources and support from your agency can help you feel empowered with your decision while opening up a brighter future for your child.

Birth mother Julia knew that adoption was the best decision not only for herself, but also for her child.

“Honestly, just sit down and think about the best interest of your child,” she said. “You’re going to contemplate the decision a hundred times but, at the end of the day, you’re going to know what’s right for you and what’s right for your child. Don’t think that your life is over; you have a little bump in the road, but that’s not going to stop you.”

How Can I Begin the Adoption Process?

One of the first steps in the adoption process is contacting an adoption agency. From there, you’ll be connected with a trustworthy birth parent specialist who will walk you through the ins and outs of the process. They’ll help you create an adoption plan based on all your needs.

This is where you’ll decide which type of family you want for your child and the type of adoption relationship you wish to have after placement. Your birth parent specialist will be there for you every step of the way, making sure you understand what it means when you’re giving up your rights as a parent.

Adoption isn’t an easy choice to make. But it can provide your child with a safe environment and two loving parents.