Putting up a baby for adoption in North Carolina

If you are in North Carolina and considering adoption for your baby you may have questions. You also might be unsure of where to begin or who to talk with, or how to get help. We’ve got you covered. Below are FAQs about North Carolina adoptive placement, parental rights and the type of financial assistance that may be allowed. If you would like more in-depth information about resources in your region of North Carolina, please check out

Charlotte   Durham   Greensboro    Winston-Salem

What you Need to Know about Placing your Baby for Adoption in North Carolina

Making the decision to place your child for adoption can be one of the toughest, but most selfless choices you will ever make, and being well-informed about the process can help ease some of the stress. Each state has its own laws and way of doing things, and this information is gathered to provide a general overview of what happens when a baby is placed for adoption in North Carolina, and is not intended to replace local representation or be legal advice. If you do decide to explore making an adoption plan for your baby part of the process usually includes you having a meeting with either an attorney or a social worker so that they may go over things with you in much more detail or answer specific questions you may have:

Who must Consent to a State Adoption and How Does it Work?

For a North Carolina adoption, consent must be given by the baby’s biological mother. The consent of the baby’s biological father is required in some, but not all, circumstances. If the baby’s mother and father are married, the consent of both is necessary. Any man whose consent is required may sign at any time, including prior to birth. The consent of the mother may be given at any time once the baby is born.

Can a Birth Parent in North Carolina Revoke their Consent to Adoption?

In North Carolina, consent to adoption may be revoked within seven (7) days following the day that the consent is signed. It is very important that you discuss your questions about revocation of consent when meeting with the social worker who advises you about the process or when speaking with the attorney who is handling the adoption. By the time that you give your consent you should have a solid understanding of what is involved.

When is Consent not Necessary for Adoption in North Carolina?

Consent to adoption in North Carolina is not necessary when the court issues an order that terminates parental rights, which is done in cases of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Parental rights of a named putative father may be terminated through court action for failure take action to establish paternity or for failure to respond to legal notification of the proposed adoption within the required time frame. Parental rights of an individual not married to a child’s mother may be terminated if he provides a notarized statement denying paternity.

What Rights do Birth Fathers in North Carolina have in the Adoption Process?

In North Carolina a man married to a woman is presumed to be the father of children born to her during the marriage. For a man not married to his child’s mother, parental rights need to be established through court action. Although North Carolina does not have a Putative Father Registry, an Affidavit of Parentage may be completed and filed with the court.

Will I Receive Money or Assistance to Place My Baby in North Carolina?

Financial struggle is just one example of a why adoption is planned for a baby, so when a woman in North Carolina is considering adoption it makes sense that she may need assistance with her living expenses. Hopeful adoptive parents understand that they are able to provide financial assistance as long as it done in compliance with North Carolina laws.  North Carolina allows for financial assistance for up to six (6) weeks after the baby’s birth.

These are only a few of the questions our Adoption Specialists are asked by women in North Carolina who are thinking about adoption for their baby. We understand that everyone’s circumstances can be different so please contact us so that we may assist you with your specific adoption needs.