[kalina87]

My husband and I adopted from Russia this year. We were concerned with the idea that if you adopted locally, the mother can come back like 5 years later and take back their child. I honestly, don't even know if that is true. Is it???

If it isn't. We will gladly adopt locally next time around!!!

Can someone fill me in on this one.

[icunurse]

In Illinois, a birthmother can sign papers to terminate her parental rights 72 hours after birth (can't happen sooner, but a birthmom can take as long as necessary to make the decision to sign or not). A birthfather may sign the papers to terminate his rights prior to the birth, but it doesn't "kick in" until 72 hours after the birth. If the birthfather is unknown, rights are terminated using a state paternal registry, which gives a man 30 days to claim to be the father of a child. After the 30 days, all rights are terminated. Once papers are signed/rights terminated, a birthparent is unable to change his/her mind or "reclaim" unless it is proven that the papers were signed under deception or coercion. Use of a good lawyer/agency prevents that.

[Linny]

Just as a side note.......

In regards to the 'unknown fathers'. The putative father registry is available for the 30 day period....but a good attorney will also publish for the unknown father as well.
And...even if a man comes forward through the publishment or registry (during the 30 day time)....he must pay for his own attorney, pay for the DNA testing, and must prove 'why' he had not/did not support the birthmother during the course of pregnancy.
Our attorney has always done the publishing too........and our caseworker and attorney have told us that for a supposed birthfather to come forward, he must really be convinced that he's the father, and must really, really want that baby...because to prove his lack of involvement and 'why he's coming forward now' is a tough one to prove. At least, that's been their experience.
The five year thing is something I've heard before.....I think it must be some rumor started somewhere.......perhaps in an issue of 'The National Enquirer'??? LOL!

Sincerely,
Linny
(who lives in Illinois too...and has adopted seven times: Internationally, through the 'system', and through a private agency)