[Baby4Me2009]

We have possibly chosen to adopt an unborn baby. The birth mother is in Washington, DC and we are in Illinois. The adoption will not be thru an agency but strictly private between the birth mother, myself and my husband. I have heard that we could do the adoption paperwork and the present it to the courts ourselves. Does anyone know anything about this?

[eagleswings216]

There are some agencies who will help you negotiate all the legalities if you have already matched yourselves. Or, you can simply call an adoption attorney in your area and let them help you. I don't think you can do it totally yourselves - at the minimum, I think you need an adoption attorney, at least in my state (Virginia). Your state may be different.

[kmiller01]

Originally Posted by Baby4Me2009

We have possibly chosen to adopt an unborn baby. The birth mother is in Washington, DC and we are in Illinois. The adoption will not be thru an agency but strictly private between the birth mother, myself and my husband. I have heard that we could do the adoption paperwork and the present it to the courts ourselves. Does anyone know anything about this?

I live in Pa. I am adopting a baby. The total fee is 1500. going thru an attorney. 1000 attorney, 320 is home study and 175 is filing fee. Go talk to several attorneys get there fees and then decide.

[christy22]

I think you need an attorney. I would also recommend getting an attorney that specializes in adoption. Those cases that you hear about something going bad is almost always a legal issue that didn't get done right. The 2 main issues I've heard of are 1. birthfather notification and relinquishment of rights and 2.covering birthmother expenses. The second item is tricky since you don't want the courts to think that you covering expenses could be translated into bribery or "buying" the baby. The piece of mind knowing that you will be able to keep your child forever is worth every penny of an attorney's fees. Good luck!

Christy
Daughter - open adoption born 2/2004
Son - open adoption born 12/2005
Baby #3 - Waiting for a match

[christy22]

You're so lucky with low fees! We're adopting our third baby and our fees are $8500 for the facilitator, $4000 home study, and $5000 attorney and filing fees. I didn't shop around a whole lot though. We adopted our other 2 kids this same way and start to finish it only took 9 months, and 5 months. So, I trust the process but... I don't have to like the fees!