Maryland Adoption Laws and Requirements for Expectant/Birth Mothers

Expectant/birth mothers considering adoption for their baby should always be informed about their local adoption laws. Having knowledge of your state’s adoption laws will ensure you understand your rights as an expectant/birth parent, and also that you fulfill the necessary requirements throughout the adoption process. If you are living in Maryland and considering adoption, you are in the right place. Below we outline the basic Maryland adoption laws and requirements that are applicable to you.

For example, we will answer questions like:

• How long do you have to make a decision about adoption?
• Can birth mothers change their mind?
• What are the birth father’s rights in Maryland?
• What adoption support is available to expectant/birth parents?
• What are the requirements for someone to adopt your baby?

This guide will help prepare you for your adoption journey ahead. Please note, however, that this guide does not serve as legal advice. If you have questions regarding Maryland adoption laws, keep in mind that this does not take the place of an adoption attorney or a local social worker.

If you have further questions or need support, do not hesitate to contact our Maryland adoption professionals at 800-722-7731, toll-free.

What Are the Expectant/Birth Mother Rights in Maryland?

When it comes to adoption, it is important to know your rights as an expectant/birth mother. In Maryland, a birth parent cannot sign any legal adoption documents until after the baby is born. You then have 30 days after signing the consent forms to revoke your consent for any reason. Once the 30-day period has passed, revocation is not an option.

Adoptions With Love wants birth parents to take their time in making this decision so they can be confident it is the right one. We recommend birth parents take some time to rest before making a final decision regarding adoption. This is a lifelong decision; you should be sure that adoption is the best path for you and your child.

In Maryland, birth mothers who choose adoption are allowed to receive financial and medical assistance, as needed, as well as adoption counseling. If you choose to work with Adoptions With Love,  birth mother services are always free of charge. We can offer you the following supportive services:

• Financial assistance – including food bills, utilities, maternity clothes
• Housing assistance
• Legal services
• Any uninsured medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth, reimbursed once the adoption is complete
• Comprehensive counseling, before and after birth
• Help designing your adoption plan

We understand that facing an unplanned pregnancy is a stressful situation, and the brave and loving act of placing your child for adoption is not an easy one. We want expectant/birth mothers to focus on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being during this challenging time, so we do our best to alleviate the stressors such as financial strain that pregnancy and childbirth can bring.

What are the Birth Father’s Rights in Maryland?

If you are not married to your child’s birth father in Maryland, he may still have rights. Maryland law requires a woman to name the father of her child, if she knows who he is. This man must either sign a consent to the adoption or assert his rights. You can discuss these specific requirements with your adoption professionals.

Who Can Adopt My Baby?

As you consider making an adoption plan for your child, you will want to make sure that he/she is going to be placed in a safe and loving home. Every adoption agency, and every state, will have their own set of requirements for adoptive parents, to ensure they are able to care for a child.

At Adoptions With Love, for example, every prospective adoptive parent must:

• Be an adult over 21 years of age.
• Either rent or own a home
• Have a home with adequate privacy, safety, and space for all family members, including the adopted child
• Attend a training course that prepares them for adoption and parenthood
• Provide personal letters of recommendation, in addition an adoption application
• Complete a home study before being approved to adopt

The Home Study is a several month process that includes multiple home visits by the adoption agency social worker, interviews with each person in the home, and thorough background checks and examination of financial and medical records. This gives expectant/birth mothers peace of mind, knowing that their child is going to a safe, stable, and loving home.

Adoption laws vary from state to state. The first step to take, and the best way to get answers, is by contacting a reputable adoption agency. An experienced, professional adoption agency can offer you the assistance you need and keep you informed of your rights as an expectant/birth parent.

If you would like to learn more about Maryland adoption laws and Maryland adoption requirements, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can help you make an adoption plan that meets your needs. Call us anytime at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.