What Does Adoption Finalization Mean?

April 24, 2023 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What Does Adoption Finalization Mean?

By Janae Pabon

If you’re a birth parent a few steps into the adoption process, you may be wondering what is coming next. Working with one of our adoption agencies near you to complete the adoption plan is an extremely important part of the process. However, you have one more plan to make – the birth plan! Then, the last step after you create the birth plan and select the adoptive family is the adoption finalization.

Finalization is the last step in completing an adoption, and Adoption Choices of Missouri will make sure you understand what this looks like. You are so close to placing your baby in a happy home!

What is the Birth Plan?

Adoption finalization is the last step in the adoption process, but the birth plan comes before that. You must create a birth plan so that you’re prepared and comfortable during the birth. All adoption agencies in Missouri will require some form of an adoption plan, birth plan, and finalization.

A birth plan includes a guideline that outlines your preferences for the birth. The Adoption Choices of Missouri adoption specialist that you have been working with will help you create this birth plan in a similar process to the adoption plan. They will ask you questions to make sure you outline all the aspects you may want to determine beforehand.

In the plan, you can specify who exactly you want to be present at the birth with you. These should be the people you want by your side supporting you. You can also request to have the event photographed or recorded. Determine if you would like music playing, and note however much time you would like to spend with the baby after you give birth. All this and more can be included in your personalized birth plan.

The Last Step in the Adoption Process

You may be wondering – what exactly makes the adoption “final”? Adoption finalization means that, by law, you consent to the baby being placed under the custody of the adoptive family you have chosen.

This process occurs in court in front of a judge, where the judge confirms that the adoption was carried out per the law and you legally consent to transfer custody. The adoptive family is expected to attend the hearing as well, and with their presence, the judge will be able to sign the final adoption decree. The legal aspects of the adoption are then complete.

Adoption Laws and Relinquishment Time

Within the finalization at court, a few legalities are required. There must be a termination of parental rights for both birth parents. Also, even if the child does not need to cross a state border for the adoption, the finalization needs Interstate Convention on Child Placement (ICPC) clearance.

You are allowed to change your mind throughout your pregnancy and at any point in the adoption process. However, once you officially consent, you are not allowed to revoke the adoption. As the birth mother, when you sign the consent papers, you relinquish the parental rights you have over your baby. There are very few circumstances in which an adoption can be revoked after finalization. These circumstances are limited to if the adoption was made under fraud or coercion or if the state determines that revocation is in the best interest of the child.

It is important to note that from the moment the baby is born, you, as the birth mother, have a short period of time to sign the consent papers. This is called the relinquishment time, and for a Missouri adoption, it is 48 hours. During the 48 hours, you have the right to change your mind and revoke the adoption. However, as previously stated, once you sign your consent and your rights are relinquished, the adoption is final.

What Does Adoption Finalization Mean For You?

After these legalities, and after the judge finalizes the adoption and transfers custody, the process is complete. This means you cannot change your mind; you are legally bound to the decision.

We know this can be intimidating to hear, knowing that after this step, you will not be the legal parent of your baby. This is why Adoption Choices of Missouri wants to make sure you completely understand the steps of the adoption process and that you create a detailed adoption plan that fits your desires. This way, when you approach the adoption finalization, you will be confident in your decision and excited to transfer your baby into a new, loving home.

Your Adoption is Almost Complete!

After searching for “adoption agencies near me,” connecting with us at Adoption Choices of Missouri, and completing all the steps of adoption, you are finally here! Adoption finalization is the last process in your Missouri adoption. Post-placement will look different depending on what kind of adoption you have outlined.

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

Birth Mother Blog

What Does Adoption Finalization Mean?

April 21, 2022 Adoption Choices of Missouri

What Does Adoption Finalization Mean?

By Auroura Warner

In Missouri, many adoption agencies nearby are willing to help with unplanned pregnancies. At Adoption Choices of Missouri, we will explain how the adoption process works in this article and how it is finalized.

You might have been looking up adoption and have come across adoption terminology such as adoption finalization. We can answer that for you. First, the judge will ensure that the adoption was carried out per the law. Following that, the adoption is completed. The adoptive family will next be expected to attend the finalization hearing. By being there, the judge will be able to sign the final adoption decree, which grants legal custody to the adoptive parents.

What is the adoption Process In Missouri Like?

If you decide to place your newborn for adoption, you should do it in the most comfortable manner, resulting in the best outcome for both you and your child. The adoption procedure in Missouri is simple. The first step you may need to take is to meet with one of our adoption specialists to review your choices for your unplanned pregnancy.

Even though our main objective is to place children for adoption, we also want to talk about your choices. You have three main choices from which to pick. These options include raising the child, terminating the pregnancy, or placing the child for adoption. If you decide to adopt, you will be able to make your own decisions while developing your adoption plan. This includes choosing the sort of adoption you want, the amount of help you will want during the pregnancy, and who will be the adoptive parents for your child. After deciding on the form of adoption and the adoptive family, the only thing left to do is complete the adoption.

What is Required for Adoption Finalization Within Missouri?

Adoption must be legally finalized by following all state adoption laws. In addition, each adoption must meet the following criteria at the very least.

Termination of Parental Rights

Parental rights must be legally and ethically terminated for both birth parents. Before the child can be adopted into a new family, it is a legal requirement that both birth parents give their consent to the adoption.

Interstate Convention on Child Placement (ICPC) Clearance

Whether or not the child crosses state boundaries to be adopted, ICPC regulations are validated during the finalization hearing. As a result, ICPC ensures the child is placed in a safe environment. ICPC also ensures the adoption is legal by acting as a check and balance system.

Post-placement

The state requirements for post-placement contact vary. Usually, the adoptive family is required to visit up to six times after the placement. The home study social worker will have post-placement visits for the adoptive family to continue the home study.

How Do I Contact Adoption Choices of Missouri for Adoption Finalization?

We are here to help you if you decide to adopt or have any questions. When it comes to contacting us, you have several options. First, you may phone or email us. To get in touch with us, please call or text 816-527-9800.

How Can Adoption Choices of Missouri Help Me with Adoption Finalization?

Adoption Choices of Missouri is a great place to start if you wish to consider adoption in Missouri. Even whether you have made an official decision to adopt or are still undecided, we may have our counselors and advisers be there for you in whichever way you want. We focus on meeting your circumstances regardless of the type of adoption you choose.

You are not giving up if you choose adoption. If you need unplanned pregnancy help, we serve birth parents across the state. Our services include teen pregnancy, financial assistance, and difficult situations. If you want to learn more, please call us or text us!

Our Adoption Agencies Will Help You with Your Final Decision

You might be searching for unplanned pregnancy help since you are pregnant. You realize you are not fit to raise this child but are unsure what to do. Remember, you have choices. This applies when it comes down to adoption too. We are an adoption agency that can offer you whatever help you need. We will let you know what your options are and if our agency is the best choice or not.

Why Should I Choose Adoption Choices of Missouri?

The state of Missouri licenses this adoption agency, which assists birth moms who wish to place their child for adoption. We are here to give birth mothers, and all other parties involved a one-of-a-kind adoption experience. We are also here to help you throughout your entire adoption process. Know and remember that you are not alone and that we will assist you in dealing with your unexpected pregnancy.

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 816-527-9800.