Adoption attorneys can advise not just prospective adoptive parents, but also the birth parents. It is important that each set of parents has separate and independent counsel, however, to avoid the possibility of a conflict of interest. Birth parents have important rights and legitimate concerns, and an experienced adoption attorney can help ensure that those rights are protected, that all questions are answered, and that the birth parents make an informed decision about the placement of their child. The following questions can help birth parents start thinking about some of the important issues. Reviewing the answers with an attorney is an important next step in the process of making an adoption plan for the child.

Why do I want to place this child for adoption?

Is this my own, free-will decision or is someone else (like my parent or significant other) influencing me or forcing me to make this choice?

Does the other parent agree with the decision to place this child for adoption?

Do I want to choose the parent(s) for my child? _______________________________________

What kind of parents would I like for my child?

Race/ethnicity ___________________________________________________________

Religion ________________________________________________________________

Age ___________________________________________________________________

Married or single _________________________________________________________

Gay or straight ___________________________________________________________

Number of other children in the family _______________________________________

Education ______________________________________________________________

Dual-career or one parent at home ___________________________________________

Other characteristics

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Their reasons for wanting to adopt

Do I want a relationship with the adoptive parents during the pregnancy?

Do I want the adoptive parents to be in the delivery room? ______________________________

Do I want a relationship with my child after the adoption? ______________________________

How often do I want to make contact? ________________________________________

Phone __________________________________________________________________

Mail or e-mail ___________________________________________________________

In person _______________________________________________________________

Do I want the adoptive parents to keep me informed, without my initiating any involvement?

Other questions to ask prospective adoptive parents:

Questions to ask my attorney: