Wyoming Adoption Laws

“Adoption is the most intentional process on Earth.” – Jody Cantrell Dyer

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Wyoming, you may be considering adoption. This is a positive, but difficult decision. While it is common to hear the phrase “give baby up for adoption,” it is not an accurate depiction of what is happening. Adoption is a thoughtful, selfless, loving decision. If you are thinking about adoption in Wyoming, you may also be wondering about Wyoming adoption laws. You have come to the right place.

Adoption is an incredible, life-changing journey, but it is also a challenging one. Adoption laws vary by state. Before you begin the process, you will want to know a bit about it first. Read on, as we explore placing a baby for adoption in Wyoming and the Wyoming adoption laws you should know.

Who Will Adopt My Baby in Wyoming?

As an expectant/birth parent, you are likely thinking about your child’s future. Will you find a loving family to raise your baby? How will you know your baby is safe and loved? Rest assured that all adoptive parents must check-off several requirements before adopting a baby. For example, they must be an adult and be approved to parent the baby by a licensed adoption agency and the courts system.

At Adoptions With Love, all waiting families must complete a Home Study. This is required to adopt a child through our agency. The Home Study is a long process that allows us to get to know each family and confirm they are ready to adopt a baby. The Home Study includes multiple home visits, interviews, background checks, and a thorough review of official documents which share medical history and financial records. This process helps us ensure that each child adopted is going to a safe, stable, and healthy home.

What are the Laws Regarding Adoption Consent in Wyoming?

This is another common concern for expectant/birth parents. In some states, there is a waiting period required between giving birth and signing consent forms. Certain states may require mandatory counseling services. In Wyoming, a birth mother may give her/their consent at any time after birth. There is no waiting period. There is no mandatory counseling, either, as long as it is made clear that the birth mother is signing consent knowingly and voluntarily.

At Adoptions With Love, we encourage all birth mothers to take as much time as they need before making their final decision. There is no deadline. It is never too late to make an adoption plan. Our priority is your health and wellbeing, and that includes your confidence in your decision to place your child for adoption.

Can the Decision Be Reversed?

In some states, there is a period of time wherein consent may be revoked. In Wyoming, adoption consent is irreversible upon signing unless that consent was obtained under fraud or duress. This is another reason Adoptions With Love wants birth mothers to take their time in making their decision. The court may decline an adoption on account of an objection made by the putative father of the child. In this scenario, a birth mother would be able to withdraw her consent.

Birth Father Rights

The rights of a birth father – in any state – can be complicated. Often, it is handled on a case-by-case basis. There are a few basic Wyoming adoption laws regarding birth father rights that you may want to know, including:

• If the birth father is known, he must consent to the adoption, except if there is evidence of abuse, neglect, or other valid reasons that parental rights would be revoked.
• The State of Wyoming has a putative father registry for cases wherein the birth father is unknown.
• If a birth father wants to claim custody of a child, he may choose to file a petition for custody.

Determining a birth father’s rights can be complex. It is important to check with your adoption attorney for the most accurate and up-to-date information as it pertains to your circumstances.

Adoption Expenses

Many states let expectant/birth mothers receive financial support during the adoption process. Some put a limit on the amount of financial assistance given, while others specify the types of services covered. Wyoming adoption laws do not specify the amount or types of services that may be provided.

At Adoptions With Love, all prospective birth mothers receive the following free services:

• Housing assistance. We can cover a deposit or several months of rent.
• Counseling services. Our compassionate, experienced counselors are here to offer their support during and after the pregnancy.
• Legal services. Our team of adoption attorneys is well-versed in adoption laws in Wyoming and will ensure you are making an informed decision.
• Other living expenses. We can cover other costs, such as utilities, phone bills, and maternity clothes as needed. We can also help with groceries.
• Medical coverage. We can help you find a doctor or midwife with whom you feel comfortable, and we can cover any uninsured medical expenses related to pregnancy, birth, and recovery.
• Adoption design assistance. We can work with you to design an adoption plan that best meets your needs, and implement the entire plan based off your wishes and comfort level.

Find a Supportive Adoption Agency in Wyoming

Once you have familiarized yourself with Wyoming adoption laws, and considered all of your pregnancy options, you may be ready to take the first step towards making an adoption plan for your child. Adoption is a positive, loving choice. It can be a difficult one, but it is also one that offers plenty of benefits for expectant/birth mothers. The first step in making an adoption plan in Wyoming is finding an adoption agency with whom you trust.

Adoptions With Love has been helping Wyoming birth parents make adoption plans since 1986. Our experience, compassion, and devotion mean you will be more personalized care. Your decisions will be respected, and you will never be pressured into any decision regarding your pregnancy. Contact Adoptions With Love at any time. Call us at 800-722-7731, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or reach out to us online. We can help guide you through the adoption journey and keep you informed of your rights as an expectant/birth mother.