Montgomery County Private Adoption Attorneys
Private adoptions involve a direct agreement between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. Often there is a go-between such as a doctor, friend or clergy member. A lawyer's help ensures you follow all the necessary legal requirements to make the child your own.
At the Law Office of Stephen Ross, our attorneys provide compassionate, personalized and experienced representation for clients seeking private adoptions and other types of adoptions in southeastern Pennsylvania. We offer flat fees so you will know your adoption costs upfront. Contact us to talk to an adoption lawyer about your case.
Guiding You Through a Private Adoption
Private adoption allows the birth parents to choose the adoptive parents before the child is placed for adoption. The biological mother also has the choice of whether she wants to see and hold her baby after the birth. Adoptions are usually closed, meaning that the biological parents give up all rights to contact the child and share information after adoption. However, private adoptions can also be open by agreement.
Our lawyers are here to guide you through the steps of adoption in Pennsylvania, including a home study when it is required. In most cases, a home study is not required for a private adoption.
Pennsylvania is very restrictive on allowable expenses. Adoptive parents may reimburse birth parents for the following items:
- Medical and hospital expenses for prenatal care
- Medical, hospital and foster care expenses for the child prior to the actual adoption decree
Adoptive parents may not pay for or reimburse birth parent expenses for counseling, attorney fees and living expenses such as rent, utilities, clothing, car expenses or food.
Our attorneys will ensure that your private adoption is handled legally and professionally. Even if you and the birth parents have a good relationship, it's important not to take shortcuts that could lead to roadblocks and delays.
Contact Our Independent Adoption Lawyers Serving Reading
Contact us to discuss your case with our Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, private adoption lawyers. When you leave our first meeting, you will have a strong understanding of how your domestic adoption will proceed and what our attorneys will do to meet your needs. We serve Pottstown, West Chester, Reading, Norristown, King of Prussia, Limerick, Lansdale, Spring City, Philadelphia and surrounding communities in Pennsylvania.