Arizona has a number of laws in place to help and protect all parties in an adoption. Additionally, the State seeks to protect your child throughout the adoption process. Knowing your rights as a Birthmother under Arizona adoption law is key to protecting yourself and your baby during this difficult time.

Rights of the Birthmother and Child

As the Birthmother, it is your right to decide on the level of involvement you wish to have with your baby and your baby’s adoptive parents. If you wish, you may remain anonymous. It is, however, adoption policy for non-identifying information that may be needed for the safety of the child, such as health records, to be disclosed to either the adoptive parents or the child should the need arise.

Conversely, you also have the right to keep in contact with your child. While you are making the brave decision to turn the responsibility of caring for your baby over to two loving adoptive parents, you do not need to say goodbye forever. You may work with an adoption agency, adoption attorneys, and/or counselors to decide what is best for you and your child.

Additionally, you and your child have the right to a healthy pregnancy and healthy start in the world. If you are in need, Arizona adoption laws let adoptive parents give reasonable support to the Birthmother during the pregnancy. This may include food, medical expenses, rent and basic necessities.

Qualifications of the New Adoptive Parents

Placing your child up for adoption can be a frightening notion. How do you know that your baby will go to a good and loving family? Arizona adoption laws are stringent about the screening process for prospective adoptive parents. You can rest assured that every potential family is a financially stable, caring, and loving one.

Furthermore, we will work with you to decide which family you feel the most comfortable with. You may even choose to speak with them on the phone before the adoption or meet with them after the baby is born. It’s of the utmost importance that you know your baby is going to a loving, caring family of your choice.

Consent to the Adoption Process

Nothing will happen without your consent. As the Birthmother your child is yours; it is up to you to decide what is best for him or her. No decisions will be finalized until three days after your child is born. At that time, you will make the final decision. Once the papers are signed, your child is legally under the custody and responsibility of his or her new family. You can relax knowing that you have the time to make a decision that is right for you and your baby.

The Father’s Rights

The father of your child has rights too. If he chooses to claim paternity, his consent is needed to put your child up for adoption. If there are any disputes or misunderstandings between your child’s father and you, counseling is a good option. If the father of your child can not be contacted, or denies paternity, his consent is not required for adoption; though he will be contacted about the adoption process should his whereabouts be known.

Infant Safe Haven Laws

Arizona adoption law supports safe haven, a law which allows the mother of a newborn child to leave her infant with a designated safe haven provider. Going through the legal adoption process, speaking with counselors and experts, helping to decide on the family your baby goes to and how involved you will be are all rights that you have to make this process easier for you. Don’t be afraid to talk to an adoption attorney about your decision. No one will think poorly of you.

Providing your child the best possible start in life through adoption is a brave and selfless act that takes courage and the understanding that your child will benefit immensely from your decision. You may not be able to bring your child up, but your child will be grateful and thankful to you for giving them the best possible life they can have. If you need help interpreting Arizona adoption law or the Arizona adoption process, please contact us! We are here to help!