Private Adoption Attorney in Illinois: Legal Guidance for Families Building Through Independent Adoption

What Is a Private Adoption in Illinois?

A private adoption is one where your family connects directly with a birth mother—rather than through an agency-led matching process—and works with an attorney to complete the legal steps. The “private” part doesn’t mean secretive; it means independent. You might find a birth mother through a facilitator, an adoption profile website, a Facebook group, a licensed agency, or personal networking. What makes it private is that the pathway to connection happens outside the traditional agency-placement model.

Illinois law treats private adoptions seriously. The state permits them, but with strict guardrails: payments to birth parents are capped, advertising rules are enforced, and every intermediary (whether facilitator, agency, or facilitator-as-contractor) must stay within statutory bounds. The advantage is flexibility and often lower agency fees. The risk is complexity: if you’re navigating intermediaries, you need to know who is licensed and who is not.

In practical terms, a private adoption in Illinois moves through these phases:

• Connection: You meet a birth mother (through whatever pathway) and agree to proceed.
• Approval and Planning: An attorney confirms legal eligibility, coordinates any agency involvement, and documents agreed expenses.
• Birth and Relinquishment: After birth, the birth mother signs consent documents, often with a waiting period.
• Petition and Court Process: Your attorney files an adoption petition, the court investigates fitness and best interest, and a judge enters a judgment of adoption.

The legal foundation is Illinois Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50), which sets timelines, consent rules, and investigation requirements—the same rules that govern all Illinois adoptions, whether private or agency-led.

How Families Find Birth Parents Today

Ten years ago, most adoptions began with an agency. Today, the Internet has decentralized the entire process. Birth mothers—and adoptive families—are finding each other online, and traditional agencies have lost their monopoly on matching.

Here’s how families typically begin the connection phase:

Adoption Profile Websites

Your family builds a profile (photos, story, contact info) on a dedicated site—some free, some paid—where birth mothers can view profiles of waiting families. You control the narrative and the pace of outreach. Cost is minimal ($0–$500/year for most platforms).

Facebook Groups and Social Media

Adoption Facebook groups connect waiting families with birth mothers and facilitators. Birth mothers post about their adoption plans; families respond and connect privately. You can manage your own adoption page, post frequently, and interact in real time. No middleman, but no vetting either.

Google Ads and Digital Marketing

Some families (and facilitators) run paid Google Ads or Facebook ads targeting women facing unplanned pregnancies. This is legal for adoptive parents and birth parents on their own behalf—but only if you’re not charging for “adoption services.” A lawyer can help you understand the line.

Licensed Adoption Agencies

You can still work with a traditional agency, but the agency’s role has evolved. Rather than matching, many agencies now provide post-placement support, home studies, and reports of investigation for families already matched privately.

Adoption Consultants and Facilitators

Some companies (“facilitators,” “consultants,” “matching services”) help families and birth mothers connect, often for a fee. Illinois law carefully regulates what these intermediaries can charge and what services they can provide. More on that below.

Personal Networks

Friends, family, church, doctors, and social circles are still a source of introductions. A birth mother confides in someone who knows your family, and a connection is made. No platform, no fee, just trust.

The shift to Internet-driven pathways has given families more agency (pun intended). It’s also created new risks: scams, unlicensed facilitators, murky expense structures, and the sheer volume of information to sort through. This is where a lawyer becomes indispensable—to confirm legal legitimacy and protect your family.

The Legal Line: Matching, Facilitators, and Illinois Law

Here’s a critical distinction in Illinois adoption law: only licensed adoption agencies can charge for matching.

Under 225 ILCS 10/2.24, “adoption services” include screening adoptive applicants, recruiting birth mothers, and matching families with children. Only agencies licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation can charge fees for these services. An attorney can assist with adoption matters—including helping families and birth mothers connect—but cannot charge a fee specifically for the matchmaking itself. You pay for legal work (drafting agreements, representing you in court, reviewing consent forms), not for introducing you to a birth mother.

This rule has created a gray zone: facilitators operate in that zone. Some are licensed as agencies (and can charge for matching). Others operate as “networking services” or “consultants,” offering to help families and birth mothers find each other for a flat fee—sometimes $5,000–$15,000 or more. The question of whether a facilitator is technically providing “adoption services” (and thus violating 225 ILCS 10) is one your attorney must evaluate.

Bottom line: Before you hand over money to any middleman, ask: Are they licensed by DCFS? If yes, they can legally charge for matching. If no, what exactly are they charging for? Is it legitimate under Illinois law? A lawyer can answer those questions before you commit.

What Qualifies as “Adoption Services” Under Illinois Law

Illinois defines “adoption services” narrowly in the licensing statute (225 ILCS 10/2.24). Services include:

• Screening and approving adoptive applicants (home studies, background checks, assessments).
• Recruiting and counseling birth mothers and prospective parents.
• Matching families with children.
• Providing adoptive services including counseling, medical referrals, and post-placement support.

If an entity is charging fees for any of these services, it must be a licensed agency. If it’s doing some of these things but claiming not to charge for adoption services—instead charging for something else, like “consulting” or “profile hosting” or “website management”—the line becomes blurry. Some facilitators argue they’re not providing adoption services, just information. A court might disagree.

An attorney can review any facilitator agreement and tell you whether it crosses the line. You don’t want to discover three months into a relationship that a facilitator violated the statute and put your adoption at legal risk.

Adoption Advertising: What’s Legal and What’s Not

This is where Illinois gets strict. If you’re an adoptive family or a birth parent, you can advertise your own situation on your own behalf. An attorney advertising legal services can mention adoption. But only licensed 501(c)(3) adoption agencies can advertise adoption services.

The statute (225 ILCS 10/2.24) carries teeth: violating the advertising restrictions is a Class A misdemeanor, subject to up to 9 months in jail and a $10,000 fine per advertisement. In 2013, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan brought enforcement action against a California-based agency that violated these rules.

Why? The statute aims to prevent unlicensed entities from marketing adoption matching as a service. If you see a non-licensed organization running Google Ads or social media campaigns for “adoption services,” that’s a red flag. If you’re working with a facilitator, confirm they’re either licensed (and can legally advertise) or operating within legal bounds (and not advertising services they’re not licensed to provide).

For your own family adoption profile or ads: you’re fine. A family photo and a statement like “We’re hoping to adopt; if you’re considering adoption, we’d love to talk” is legal. You’re advertising on your own behalf, not providing adoption services.

Working With an Agency in a Private Adoption

Many private adoptions involve a licensed agency in some role. The agency might:

• Provide matching services: You work with the agency from the start to find a birth mother.
• Conduct a home study: The agency evaluates your home, family readiness, and references—a statutory requirement for all adoptions in Illinois.
• Offer post-placement support: The agency coordinates visits between birth family and adoptive family, handles medical coordination, and provides counseling.
• File a Report of Investigation: The agency investigates the birth mother’s background and the circumstances of relinquishment, which the court requires before finalizing the adoption.

Even in a private adoption where you’ve already found a birth mother independently, you’ll likely use an agency (or a court-appointed investigator) for the home study and report. Agencies are essential to the legal process, even if they’re not the source of your match.

Cost varies. A home study might be $500–$1,500. A report of investigation might be $1,500–$3,000. Full-service agencies (matching + home study + post-placement + investigation) charge $4,000–$8,000 or more. Private adoptions often cost less overall because you’ve bypassed the agency’s matching process.

Vetting an Adoption Agency: The Tools You Have

If you’re working with any agency—whether for matching, home study, or post-placement—you have statutory tools to vet them. Don’t skip this step.

Check the License

Every adoption agency in Illinois must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You can search the license database online at lex.idfpr.illinois.gov. Confirm the agency’s license is active, not expired or revoked. Write down the license number.

Review the Annual Report

Licensed agencies must file an annual report (Form CFS-596-Q) with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This report shows the number of adoptions placed, fees charged, complaints received, and other metrics. You can request this report and review it. A healthy agency will make it readily available.

Check the Complaint Registry

DCFS maintains a searchable online registry of complaints against licensed agencies. Search by agency name at www2.illinois.gov/dcfs. You’ll see substantiated complaints, licensing actions, and enforcement history. Some complaints are minor; patterns of complaints are serious.

Ask About Fee Transparency

Illinois law requires agencies to disclose fees in writing before you sign an agreement. All fees must be itemized: matching, home study, counseling, investigation, etc. If an agency won’t itemize or is vague about costs, that’s a warning sign.

Confirm Liability Waiver Prohibition

Illinois law prohibits agencies from requiring families to sign waivers releasing the agency from liability for negligence or misconduct. If an agency tries to include such language, it’s unenforceable and a sign of poor practice. Don’t sign.

Interview Multiple Agencies

Don’t pick the first agency that answers the phone. Call at least three. Ask about their home study process, typical timeline, references from prior families, and how they handle complications. Talk to families who’ve worked with them. An agency that resists questions or makes you feel pressured is likely not your partner.

Out-of-State Agencies and Interstate Requirements

If you’re working with an agency licensed in another state—or considering a private adoption across state lines—the rules tighten. Every out-of-state agency providing services in Illinois must register with DCFS. If it doesn’t, it’s operating illegally in Illinois.

Additionally, Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) rules apply. ICPC is a uniform law that governs when a child can be moved between states, requires consent from both states’ central authorities, and ensures the receiving state (where you live) investigates the placement before finalizing the adoption. ICPC adds 2–4 weeks to the process but protects everyone’s rights.

If you’re adopting a child born in another state, your attorney must file ICPC paperwork with Illinois and the child’s birth state. This isn’t optional—the adoption won’t finalize without it. Many families underestimate the complexity and cost of interstate adoption. A lawyer with interstate experience is crucial.

Payments to Birth Parents: The Rules That Matter

This is the rule that surprises most families: you cannot pay a birth mother to relinquish her child. Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/12C-70), the Adoption Compensation Prohibition Act, makes it a Class 4 felony to offer, promise, or pay anything of value to a birth parent to consent to adoption, except for reasonable living expenses and other narrowly defined categories.

The cap is $1,000 without a court order. If you want to pay more (e.g., for extended counseling, education, or other support), you must petition the court for approval before making the payment. Violations are serious: Class 4 felony means prison time and a criminal record.

The rationale is sound: adoption law forbids buying babies. The statute protects birth mothers from coercion and protects children from being treated as commodities. It also protects adoptive families from overpaying and later facing fraud claims or custody challenges.

What You Can and Cannot Pay—And When Courts Get Involved

Here’s what the law allows you to pay (or pay for) for a birth mother, without court approval, up to $1,000 total:

Living Expenses

Rent, utilities, food, and basic living costs for the birth mother. But only from 120 days before birth through 60 days after birth. Outside that window, payments are presumed to be compensation for consent (illegal). You document what you paid, to whom, and when.

Medical Expenses

Prenatal care, delivery, hospital, and postnatal medical care. The birth mother’s insurance may cover much of this; you cover the gap (copays, deductibles, uninsured services). Medical expenses don’t have the 120/60-day window; they’re tied to pregnancy and delivery.

Travel and Transportation

Reasonable travel costs to and from medical appointments, counseling, court hearings, or meetings related to the adoption.

Counseling

Mental health counseling related to adoption planning and relinquishment. Birth mothers benefit from neutral counseling during this process.

Legal Representation

You can pay for the birth mother’s own independent attorney to review consent documents and protect her rights. This is actually advisable—it protects the birth mother and protects you from later claims that she didn’t understand what she was signing.

The $200 Gift Rule

You can give the birth mother a personal gift of up to $200 without court approval. A gift is distinct from expense reimbursement—it doesn’t have to be tied to a receipt or documented cost.

What You Cannot Pay (Without Court Approval)

• Lump-sum payments to the birth mother beyond the $1,000 cap.
• Education or job training (unless through an agency or nonprofit, and even then, court approval is safest).
• Childcare for other children (beyond basic living expenses).
• Loans or credit to the birth mother (these are treated as compensation).
• Payment if the birth mother changes her mind: Under Illinois law, if a birth mother withdraws consent (within statutory windows), you’re not entitled to reimbursement of her living expenses. You absorb the cost.

Finding a Birth Parent on Your Own: Social Media, Profiles, and Google Ads

You and your spouse can legally seek a birth mother or birth parent using:

• Your own adoption profile website or Facebook page.
• Google Ads or Facebook Ads targeting women facing unplanned pregnancy.
• Social media groups, Instagram hashtags, or other platforms.
• Personal networking (word of mouth, referrals from friends, church, community).

You’re legally advertising on your own behalf as prospective adopters. You’re not providing adoption services; you’re seeking to adopt.

Building an Adoption Profile

An effective adoption profile includes:

• Family photos: Professional or candid shots showing warmth and authenticity.
• Your story: Why you want to adopt, your values, your lifestyle, what kind of relationship you’d hope to have with the birth family.
• About you: Your careers, education, community involvement, hobbies, spiritual beliefs (if relevant).
• About your home: Location, safety, schools, extended family involvement.
• Contact information: Phone number, email, or a form to request more information.

Keep the tone warm and honest. Avoid clichés like “We’ll give her every advantage” or “She’ll be so loved.” Birth mothers have heard those lines. Instead, show who you are through specifics: “We live three blocks from Detweiller Park, where we hike most weekends” or “My dad was a carpenter, and I’ve inherited that love of building things with my kids.”

Running Paid Ads

You can run Google Ads or Facebook Ads targeting women who may be considering adoption. The key is targeting: target keywords like “adoption option,” “unplanned pregnancy help,” “adoption planning,” etc. Don’t misrepresent yourself (e.g., posing as a nonprofit to get better ad rates). Be clear you’re prospective adoptive parents.

Budget $500–$3,000/month for initial visibility. Monitor responses carefully. Expect curiosity, scammers, and genuine interest all mixed together.

Managing Outreach

Once you’re visible online, birth mothers and facilitators will contact you. Establish ground rules:

• Never agree to pay anyone upfront for connecting you with a birth mother.
• Vet anyone who claims to have a birth mother connection. Ask questions: Where did you meet her? How did you get her number? Does she know you’re putting her in touch with me?
• Talk directly with the prospective birth mother when possible. Intermediaries can add cost and liability.
• Involve your attorney early in any potential match. Let your lawyer review any agreements or facilitator involvement before you commit funds.

Scams, Red Flags, and Protecting Your Family

Private adoption openness and decentralization create opportunities for scammers. Families have lost thousands of dollars to fraudsters posing as birth mothers, facilitators, or agencies. Here are the red flags:

Immediate Requests for Money

A legitimate birth mother or facilitator will discuss your situation, answer your questions, and build some rapport before talking money. If someone claims to have “the perfect match” for you and immediately asks for a deposit or fee—before you’ve even had a real conversation—stop. That’s a classic scam.

Unwillingness to Meet or Talk by Phone

A legitimate facilitator or birth mother will be willing to talk by phone, video call, or in person. Someone who only communicates by email or text, or who claims they “can’t” talk to you directly because of privacy concerns, is likely not real.

Vague or Inconsistent Stories

Ask a potential birth mother or facilitator specific questions: What’s your due date? How far along are you? Have you had an ultrasound? When is your next appointment? Ask the same questions a week later. If the answers change or don’t hold up, you’re dealing with a scammer.

Requests to Wire Money or Use Gift Cards

If anyone asks you to wire funds, use Western Union, or buy iTunes cards or Google Play cards, stop immediately. These are untraceable payment methods used by scammers. Legitimate adoption expenses are paid by check, credit card, or bank transfer—ideally to a licensed agency with a paper trail.

Claims of Legal Complications

A scammer might say, “The birth mother’s immigration lawyer says we need $5,000 to expedite the paperwork” or “There’s a judge’s order we need to satisfy.” These are invented to create urgency and pressure. A real legal complication goes through your attorney, not through the scammer.

Pressuring You to Move Fast

Legitimate adoption planning takes time. A real birth mother will have questions, will consider her options, might choose to parent or make an adoption plan with someone else. If someone is pressuring you to commit money or sign an agreement immediately, and there’s not a genuine emergency, walk away.

Unlicensed Entities Advertising Services

As noted earlier, only licensed agencies can advertise “adoption services.” If you find a non-licensed agency, facilitator, or consultant marketing matching, matching services, or adoption placement—that’s illegal. Report it to DCFS. Don’t work with them.

Protecting Yourself

• Never pay money before consulting with an adoption attorney.
• Never give sensitive information (social security number, bank details) until you’ve thoroughly vetted the person/entity.
• Assume any unsolicited contact (email, text, phone) from someone claiming to have a birth mother match is suspect until proven otherwise.
• Use reverse phone lookup (WhitePages, TrueCaller) to confirm phone numbers belong to real people/businesses.
• Ask for references from prior families and actually call them.
• If something feels off, it probably is. Stop, consult your attorney, and reassess.

The Legal Process: From Match to Finalization

Once you’ve matched with a birth mother and she’s agreed to adoption, the legal process begins. Here’s the pathway:

Pre-Birth Preparation

Your attorney prepares documents, coordinates with any agency, ensures the birth mother understands her rights, and reviews the statutory requirements for valid consent. You complete your home study, background checks, and financial disclosure. The court requires all of this before granting a judgment of adoption.

Birth and Consent

After the baby is born, the birth mother signs consent to adoption. Illinois law requires a waiting period: generally, the birth mother cannot consent until 72 hours after birth (longer in some circumstances). The consent must be witnessed and notarized. Once signed, the birth mother has 30 days to withdraw consent without cause. After 30 days, she can only withdraw on grounds of duress or fraud.

Your attorney ensures the birth mother understands that consent is permanent (after 30 days) and that she has the right to an independent attorney. Many adoptive families pay for the birth mother’s own counsel to review the consent form—this is wise and actually protects the adoptive parents, too.

Petition for Adoption

Your attorney files a Petition for Adoption with the circuit court (in the county where the child was born or where you live). The petition includes the child’s identifying information, the birth parents’ information, the agreed-upon adoption arrangements, and a request for the court to appoint an investigator.

Investigation and Report

The court appoints an agency or court investigator to interview you, the birth family, and any relevant parties; review the child’s medical history; verify the legal requirements (valid consent, no competing claims, etc.); and file a Report of Investigation. This report is crucial: it tells the court whether the adoption should be granted. The investigation typically takes 4–8 weeks.

Fitness and Best Interest Hearings

Illinois law requires two separate determinations: (1) that you are “fit” to be a parent (criminal record check, home study, financial stability, mental health, etc.), and (2) that adoption is in the “best interest” of the child (considering the relationship, stability, the birth family’s wishes, etc.). These may be heard together or separately. Your attorney represents you; the birth mother may be present or waive appearance; the child has a lawyer (Guardian ad Litem) appointed to protect their interests.

Judgment of Adoption

If the court is satisfied that you’re fit and adoption is in the child’s best interest, it enters a Judgment of Adoption. This is the final order. The child’s original birth certificate is sealed, and a new birth certificate is issued with your names as parents. The adoption is complete and irrevocable (except in extraordinary circumstances like fraud).

Timeline

From birth to finalization typically takes 4–6 months in straightforward cases. Complex cases (interstate, multiple birth parents, complicated circumstances) can take 6–12 months or longer. Delays often happen during the investigation phase if the investigator uncovers questions or needs clarification.

Costs and Financial Planning for Private Adoption

Private adoption costs vary widely depending on the level of agency involvement, facilitator fees, travel, and unexpected expenses. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Attorney’s Fees

An adoption attorney in Illinois typically charges $2,500–$5,000 in attorney fees for a straightforward private adoption. More complex cases (interstate, contested, multiple birth parents) can run $6,000–$10,000 or higher. Many attorneys charge an upfront flat fee; others bill hourly. Discuss structure and scope at the start.

Agency/Home Study

Home study: $500–$1,500. Report of Investigation: $1,500–$3,000. Full-service agency involvement: $4,000–$8,000. If you’re using a licensed agency for any services, get a fee schedule in writing.

Birth Mother Expenses

Living expenses (120 days pre-birth through 60 days post-birth): $0–$5,000 depending on how much you cover. Medical expenses: $0–$3,000 (may be largely covered by insurance). You should budget $1,000–$3,000 for the $1,000 statutory allowance plus gifts and miscellaneous.

Court Costs

Filing fees, service of process, transcript costs: $300–$800. These vary by county.

Facilitator Fees (if used)

If you work with a licensed agency for matching and ongoing support, matching fees may be $1,500–$4,000. Non-licensed facilitators charge $5,000–$15,000 or more (use caution and legal review before paying). Matchmaking consultants or profile management services: $500–$2,000.

Travel and Miscellaneous

Flights, hotels, meals if the birth mother is out of state, counseling, document copies: $500–$2,000.

Total Estimate

A straightforward private adoption in Illinois, with modest birth mother expense support and a licensed agency for home study and investigation: $8,000–$16,000. Full-service agency involvement: $15,000–$25,000. Federal Adoption Tax Credit (up to $17,670 in 2026) can offset much of this cost.

Financial Planning Tips

• Get fee estimates and agreements in writing from your attorney and any agency before committing.
• Understand what’s included in each fee. Don’t assume.
• Ask whether the attorney will accept a payment plan (many do).
• Set a separate fund for birth mother expenses and manage it conservatively to avoid surprises.
• Research the federal adoption tax credit and other state/federal benefits you may qualify for.
• Have a backup budget in case complications arise (extended investigation, travel, additional legal work).

Private Adoption FAQ

Can we adopt without a home study in Illinois?

No. A home study is required for every adoption in Illinois, whether agency or private. The court will not finalize an adoption without it. Some families do a “private” or “portable” home study with an independent provider, rather than through an agency. Either way, it’s mandatory.

How long after birth can the birth mother sign consent?

The birth mother cannot sign valid consent until at least 72 hours after birth (more in some circumstances). Even then, she has 30 days to withdraw consent without stating a reason. After 30 days, she can only withdraw on grounds of duress or fraud.

What if the birth mother changes her mind after signing consent?

If she withdraws within the 30-day window, the consent is void and the adoption cannot proceed. You lose the opportunity to adopt, and you are not entitled to reimbursement of her living expenses. This is the birth mother’s protected right under Illinois law. Many families build a relationship with the birth mother during and after pregnancy, which can strengthen everyone’s confidence in the plan, but there is no guarantee.

Can we adopt a baby in another state?

Yes, but Interstate Compact (ICPC) rules apply, which add complexity and timeline. The child cannot leave the birth state until the receiving state (Illinois) approves the placement. Your attorney must file ICPC paperwork in both states. Timeline: 4–8 weeks for ICPC approval alone, plus 4–6 months for the full adoption process.

Can we pay for the birth mother’s expenses even if she changes her mind?

Illinois law says no—not for the period after birth. If a birth mother changes her mind post-birth, living expenses incurred after birth are not recoverable. This is a risk adoptive families take. Some families limit their expense commitment to the pre-birth period to manage this risk. Discuss it with your attorney.

Is it legal to advertise on social media for a birth mother?

Yes. As prospective adopters, you can run your own Facebook page, post adoption profiles, and even run paid ads. You’re not providing adoption services; you’re seeking to adopt on your own behalf. Keep ads truthful and non-deceptive, and don’t misrepresent yourself.

Can we hire a facilitator to find a birth mother for us?

Only licensed adoption agencies can legally charge fees for matching. If you hire a facilitator to match you with a birth mother, confirm they are licensed by DCFS to provide adoption services. If they’re not licensed but claim to offer matching, the arrangement may violate Illinois law. Consult your attorney before paying.

What happens if the birth father doesn’t consent?

If the biological father’s identity and location are unknown, the court can proceed with adoption by serving notice on an unknown father. If the father’s identity is known but his location is unknown, your attorney must make diligent efforts to locate him and serve him. If he’s located and objects, the court will hold a hearing to determine if his objection is valid (i.e., he has a genetic connection and has taken steps to support the child or seek custody). If his objection is invalid, the adoption can proceed.

How much can we gift the birth mother?

Up to $200 without court approval. Gifts are distinct from expense reimbursement. A gift doesn’t require documentation of cost; it’s something of value you give to the birth mother personally.

Can the birth mother have a relationship with the child after adoption?

Yes. Open adoption—where the birth mother and adoptive family maintain contact—is increasingly common in Illinois. The agreement terms are up to you and the birth mother. Some adoptions include regular visits; others are contact through a neutral party or occasional updates. The statute allows this, and courts support it when both parties agree.

How do we handle medical expenses if the birth mother doesn’t have insurance?

You can pay for medical expenses directly (hospital, doctor bills) or reimburse the birth mother for out-of-pocket costs. Medical expenses are allowed throughout pregnancy and birth, not limited to the 120-day window for living expenses. Get itemized bills and documentation.

What if the baby has special needs or medical complications?

You should request the full medical history, genetic information, and any prenatal test results. Your attorney will review these with you. You have the right to withdraw from the adoption plan if you learn of health issues that materially change your ability or willingness to parent (though this must happen before you formally petition the court). Once you sign the adoption petition, you’re committed. Discuss all medical information with a pediatrician before you finalize.

Why Parker & Parker for Your Private Adoption

Ready to talk about private adoption? We offer a free initial consultation. No pressure. We’ll answer your questions, outline the process for your situation, and help you understand your next steps. If you work with us, great. If you decide another path is right for your family, we’re glad we could help clarify the legal landscape.

Featured Guides: Adoption Planning & Next Steps

Other adoption practice areas: Agency Adoption | Interstate Adoption | Foster Parent Adoption | Private Adoption | Adoption Home

Parker & Parker Attorneys at Law | 300 NE Perry Ave., Peoria, IL 61603 | (309) 673-6437 | parkerandparkerattorneys.com