A private adoption is an adoption that does not include a government or child placing agency and allows the birth mother to select an adopting family with the assistance of any attorney. Florida law has very specific adoption rules and regulations in regards to adoption that must be followed to have a legal adoption.

When deciding whether a private adoption is appropriate for your family, it is important to consider the following:

• Whether contact or communication will be considered (open adoption)
• What costs, if any, will be paid to the biological mother for care, expenses, etc.
• Whether race, age, sex or any other factors are important for your family
• Whether a child with medical or special needs will be considered for adoption

These factors are just the start of many questions and concerns, you may have. Finding the perfect child for your family will take time and patience. The attorneys at Thurman Law Firm have experienced social workers to assist with counseling for the birth mother as well as aiding the adopting family with preparation of a home study and post placement reports.

Fees for adoption vary depending on the needs of the biological mother and the adoption process (interstate adoptions are more costly due to the I.C.P.C. requirements). Additionally, the costs of home study preparation and post placement reports must be paid to the individual social worker and should also be included as additional costs.