What is Adoption?
I am thinking about placing my child for adoption. What should I do?
I am having difficulty supporting myself, what can I do?
What if the birth father doesn't agree to adoption?
What do I need to do for the adoption?
What is open adoption?
What is Adoption?
An adoption is a legal process that terminates the parental rights of birth parents and substitutes new (adoptive) parents as the permanent, legal parents for a child. In most adoptions, the state issues a new birth certificate naming the adoptive parents as parents. Often the state requires that the original birth certificate be "sealed" so that no one can get a copy of it.
I am thinking about placing my child for adoption. What should I do?
This is probably the most difficult decision you will make in your life. When you are considering
placing your child for adoption, you should contact an adoption attorney or adoption agency to talk about this. They will want to make sure that you understand what adoption is and that you are doing it voluntarily. You will want to make sure that the adoption is done properly. Adoption attorneys or agencies may suggest counseling; they can provide you with choices for a family for your child. They can talk to you about your choices for placing the child for adoption or raising the child.
I am having difficulty supporting myself, what can I do?
In New Hampshire, the adoptive parents may be able to help you out financially during your pregnancy if the pregnancy has caused you to lose your job or increased your expenses. You should discuss this with your attorney. The adoptive parents
may pay your attorney's fees.
What if the birth father doesn't agree to adoption?
In New Hampshire, the birth father has the right to be notified about the adoption and might have the right to interfere with the adoption.
However, in some counties and in some circumstances, you might not be required to identify the birth father or notify him about the adoption.
Each situation is different and you should talk about this with your attorney.
What do I need to do for the adoption?
To consent to the adoption of your child, you will need to go to Court and sign a document before a judge agreeing to the adoption. You cannot do this until the child is at least 72 hours old. You must be offered counseling with an adoption agency.
What is open adoption?
Open adoption is when the adoptive parents maintain some communication or contact with the birth parents. Often, this means that the adoptive parents send a picture of the child and letter to the birth parents once a year. Some adoptive parents and birth parents develop a closer relationship and visit; some birth parents don't have any contact with the adoptive parents or child after the adoption.
In New Hampshire, there are some parents that have an open adoption arrangement. However, there is nothing in the adoption laws about open adoption, so any agreement about staying in contact with the child probably cannot be enforced in Court.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only, not for specific legal advice. This information pertains only to New Hampshire and there is no warranty that the information is accurate or up-to-date. Each
situation is unique and we urge you to contact an attorney to discuss or receive advice about a specific circumstance.
Back to top
