Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption in Maine

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Maine, you may be considering adoption. Adoption in Maine is a positive choice that can offer many benefits. Making the decision to place a baby for adoption in Maine is never easy. Right now, you may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, and stressed. The first thing to know is that there are resources to help you. You should never have to face this journey alone.

With the support of the right Maine adoption agency, you can lovingly make an adoption plan for your child. The best Maine adoption agencies will offer you guidance and support every step of the way.

As you consider your pregnancy options, you may have many questions running through your mind. Read on. We have compiled a list of Maine adoption FAQ to help get your started. Some of your most pressing questions may be addressed below. If not, you can always reach out to Adoptions With Love. Call 800-722-7731 any time of day, any day of the week.

Maine Adoption FAQ

What is an adoption plan, and how do I create one?

An adoption plan is a legal contract that details the contact with the adoptive family post-adoption. Your Maine adoption agency will help you create the adoption plan that best meets your needs. This plan outlines the exact type of adoption plan that is desired, be it an open adoption, semi-open adoption, or closed adoption. Within each type of plan, the form and frequency of communication is expressed in detail to ensure there is no confusion.

How does the adoption process work in Maine?

The first step of making an adoption plan in Maine is to find the right adoption agency. This is an important step of the Maine adoption process. You will want an adoption professional with whom you can trust and feel comfortable. Once you have completed this step, your adoption agency can help you move through the rest of the adoption process, such as choosing your child’s adoptive family and designing the adoption plan. The right adoption agency will guide you every step of the way.

Will my child know about me and why I chose adoption?

Many expectant/birth parents worry what their child will think of them as they grow up. You can rest assured that this part can be in your hands. The level of openness in your adoption is your decision. You can maintain contact with your child’s adoptive family over the years by choosing a Maine open adoption plan. This means your child will grow up knowing who you are, why you chose adoption, and how deeply you love them. With an open adoption plan, children grow up knowing they are loved by two families, not just one.

Can adoptive parents change their minds after agreeing to the adoption?

It is very uncommon for adoptive parents to change their minds after agreeing to an adoption. Thanks to the Home Study process, you can be confident that your child is placed in a safe, stable, and loving home. Adoptive parents are typically those who have been longing for a child for quite some time – so it is very rare to have an adoptive parent back out of an adoption agreement.

How do I explain my decision to family and friends?

Adoption is an extremely personal decision. No one can make this decision for you, and no one has the right to judge you for choosing this path. Your adoption counselor can help you navigate feelings of anxiety and trepidation when it comes to family conversations. Your adoption counselor can help you navigate every emotional part of the adoption journey.

What if the birth father does not agree with the adoption?

Depending on your relationship, you may or may not need the birth father’s consent for adoption. Birth fathers’ rights are complicated and are typically handled on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with Maine adoption laws. It is best to speak with your Maine adoption agency for guidance on your situation.

Can I make changes to my adoption plan after it has been created?

Yes. The adoption plan is a legal document that is signed by all parties, but it may be tweaked over the years to accommodate a growing child and evolving relationships. If you choose to have a closed adoption, that is okay, too. Adoptions With Love keeps photos and letters on file in case a birth parent decides to open the adoption later.

What are the different types of adoption available in Maine?

There are three types of adoption plans from which to choose when planning an adoption in Maine, including:

• Open adoption
• Semi-open adoption
• Closed adoption

With open adoption, you can choose the form and frequency of communication. This may include text messages, social media messages, emails, phone calls, and in-person reunions. With semi-open adoption, you may choose to maintain communication using your adoption agency as a liaison. You may choose your child’s adoptive family and then decide to keep the adoption closed. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to your adoption planning. Every adoption plan is different. The choices are all yours.

What is the role of an adoption agency in Maine?

Maine adoption agencies are meant to oversee adoptions in Maine to ensure that each child is placed in a safe, stable, and healthy home. The best Maine adoption agencies will offer support and guidance to expectant/birth mothers at no cost. At Adoptions With Love, for example, you can receive assistance with the following services:

• We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, transportation, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
• Medical care. We can help you find a doctor or midwife with whom you can trust, and cover any uninsured medical expenses related to the pregnancy and birth.
• Counseling services. We highly encourage professional counseling before and after the adoption is complete.
• Legal support. Our team of Maine adoption attorneys ensures your adoption is handled safely and legally, protecting your rights throughout the adoption process.
• Ongoing support. We are here to support you before and after the adoption is complete.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy is overwhelming, particularly when it comes to finances. Adoptions With Love prioritizes the health and well-being of the expectant/birth mother, including mental, emotional, and financial health. The stress related to an unplanned pregnancy should not be another factor weighing on your mind during this challenging time.

Learn More about Maine Adoption

Were your top Maine adoption questions answered here? If you want to know more about adoption in Maine, reach out to a reputable, experienced adoption professional. Adoptions With Love has been working with Maine expectant/birth parents since 1986. Call 800-722-7731, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can offer you information – commitment-free – and answer your questions with compassion, patience, and love.