Post-Placement: What Happens During Adoption Finalization

It can take a lot to make the decision to place your baby for adoption in Missouri. You may be wondering what finalization looks like in the adoption process and if there is room to change your mind after the adoption has been finalized. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we are here to answer all your questions.

Before Adoption Finalization 

When working with one of our local adoption agencies in Missouri near you, reaching the birth plan and finalization process means you have already chosen an adoptive family for your baby. You choose an adoptive family by searching through the possible family options and matching with one based on your guidelines. 

These guidelines can include the members of the family, their morals, the faith of the family, etc. For example, if you are Christian and would like your baby to be placed in a family that is also Christian, this is a guideline you would look for. Adoption Choices of Missouri is not affiliated with any specifically Christian adoption agencies, as we serve all types of people and do not discriminate. However, we can make sure your baby is placed in a family with specific beliefs if that is what you desire. 

These are some examples of a few guidelines, but there are many other guidelines that you could possibly want the adoptive family to fulfill; this is not a limited list. Once you choose a family to match with, you move on to the last steps of the process. 

Creating the Birth Plan

If you previously had an appointment with one of our adoption specialists who helped you form an adoption plan, they will help you create a birth plan as well! A birth plan is similar to an adoption plan, as it requires answering certain questions ahead of time. This ensures that you are prepared for the process and don’t have to make any decisions last minute when you are under pressure. 

First, you will be able to plan who will be present at the birth and who will contribute to naming the baby in any way. The type of adoption you have chosen will also determine how involved the adoptive family will be with your birth and how much contact you will have with the baby post-birth. For example, if you would like to hold the baby first after giving birth or visit the baby before you leave the hospital. Finally, if you would like any mementos or would like to capture any pictures of the birth, you can decide beforehand as well.

There are other guidelines that you may want to outline for your birth – these are just a few important examples. 

Finalization Process

Finalizing the adoption is the last step of the adoption process. It occurs after you create both the adoption and birth plans and choose an adoptive family. The process of officially finalizing the adoption requires legally transferring custody of the baby to the adoptive family in court. Every adoption is protected by certain laws to make sure it is fair and safe. This is the last step in the process, where you give your final consent, and it is legally binding, meaning it cannot be reversed. 

Can I Change My Mind After Finalizing the Adoption?

After the family is matched with you and the adoption is finalized, you cannot take your baby back. The reason why we meet with you, share all the details of the process, and create plans is so you understand what you are committing to. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we want you to have all your questions answered so you have a full understanding when deciding to finalize the adoption.

Remember – placing a baby for adoption is NOT giving up a child for adoption. You are placing them in a home with caring parents who have been waiting to welcome a child into their family. It is a thoughtful, selfless decision. Working with Adoption Choices of Missouri to undergo a private adoption in Missouri allows you to choose the right family to love your baby and raise it as their own.

If you are in the process of adoption and are searching for what it means to finalize the adoption, you can receive the answers to all your questions from us at Adoption Choices of Missouri. Thank you for trusting us and working with us to find the perfect home for your baby!

Adoption Choices of Missouri serves birth parents statewide and beyond. Please call us or text us to learn more! Call us toll-free at 877-903-4488 or, in Missouri, call or text us at 316-391-4904.