Putting up a baby for adoption in Pennsylvania
If you are in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, please check out
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What you Need to Know about Placing your Baby for Adoption in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania, 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 an Adoption in Pennsylvania and How Does it Work?
For a Pennsylvania adoption, consent must be given by the baby’s mother, and in some circumstances the birth father must also consent. Consent may not be given before the baby is three (3) days old. When the consent document is signed it must be witnessed by two (2) people. The attorney or licensed agency assisting with the adoption plan will arranges for the consent(s) to be filed with the court where the case is to be finalized so that order(s) terminating parental rights may be issued.
Can a Birth Parent in Pennsylvania Revoke their Consent to Adoption?
In Pennsylvania, a parent’s consent to adoption may be revoked within thirty (30) days of signing. If a birth father signs consent pre-birth, it still may be revoked within thirty (30) days of birth. The law in Pennsylvania is very specific about how and when the revocation of consent is to done in order for it to be valid.
When is Consent not Necessary for Adoption in Pennsylvania?
Consent to adoption is not necessary in Pennsylvania when a court determines that a parent has abandoned, neglected or harmed their child. Also, if a baby’s father is not identified and no man steps forward in order to establish parental rights a court may terminate parental rights so that the baby may be adopted.
What Rights do Birth Fathers in Pennsylvania have in the Adoption Process?
In Pennsylvania an identified birth father is entitled to notice of the adoption plan, and if the baby’s mother and father are married then they both must give their consent.
Will I Receive Money or Assistance to Place My Baby in Pennsylvania?
Financial struggle is just one example of a why adoption is planned for a baby, so when a woman in Pennsylvania is considering adoption it makes sense that she may need assistance with her living expenses. Unfortunately Pennsylvania law does not permit for birth mothers to receive financial assistance when their baby’s adoption is finalized in the state, so it is only possible under very specific circumstances.