Working with an adoption agency versus an attorney involves different processes and support structures, and each can be suitable depending on your needs and circumstances. If you are considering growing your family through adoption, consider these differences when choosing to work with an agency or attorney.
Financial Assistance for Expectant Parents
Only adoption agencies are allowed to provide financial assistance for pregnancy-related living expenses to expectant mothers in Texas. These expenses can include maternity clothing, groceries, rent and utilities.
Adoption attorneys are restricted to assisting with counseling, medical and legal expenses, and these costs are typically passed on to the adoptive parents.
Counseling
Most modern adoption agencies – including Adoption Advocates – provide counseling as one of their primary services. Placing a child for adoption is an emotionally complex journey, and professional support is critical in helping a birth mother navigate her grief. The cost of counseling, both during and after the pregnancy, is included in services to expectant parents by the adoption agency.
An adoption attorney’s main role is to facilitate the legal aspects of the adoption process. They do not have experienced adoption counselors on their staff.
The adoptive families can also benefit from a trained expert in adoption. It’s a very emotional process for both parties and to have someone guide you and provide support can be invaluable.
Revocation Period After Relinquishment
There is no revocation period after relinquishing a child to an adoption agency in Texas. Once the affidavit of relinquishment is signed, it cannot be revoked. The process for adoption attorneys differ, however, and there is an 11-day revocation period in which a birth parent can change their mind.
Adoptive Parent Training Requirements
In Texas, there is no state requirement for pre-adoption training for private adoptions with an adoption attorney. For families adopting through an agency, they are required to complete 8 hours of adoption training prior to finalization. Adoption Advocates’ pre-adoption training is exceptionally thorough and prepares families for the process, helps them understand the birth parent experience, process their infertility grief, and educates families on what adoptees need, how to talk to their children about adoption and why openness is important for adoptees.
Cost Differences
Working with an adoption attorney is considerably less of a cost investment than working with an agency. When you look at the differences in the services they offer, it’s not surprising. Much of the fees charged by adoption agencies is being used for expectant parent expenses like groceries, rent, medical bills and counseling. Because adoption attorneys are only offering their legal services, their fees are much less.
If I work with an adoption agency, do I need an adoption attorney as well?
An attorney is needed in every type of adoption to file the termination suit and finalization for the adoptive family. Agencies will have an attorney that represents the agency. Many adoption agencies, including Adoption Advocates, will offer to pay for an attorney to represent the expectant/birth mom, explain the legal paperwork and answer any questions. For adoptive families, Adoption Advocates will connect you with an attorney at the time of finalization, or you are welcome to choose your own legal representation.
So which is the better option: adoption attorney or adoption agency?
The answer depends on what type of situation you are in, and what type of adoption you are pursuing. Not all adoption situations need the same services. In some cases, such as a kinship or stepparent adoption, the legal guidance of an adoption attorney may be all you need. However, most expectant parents will benefit from the comprehensive services and support they will receive from an adoption agency. If you are unsure which route you should take, call Adoption Advocates at (512) 477-1122 and have a session with one of our counselors to help you decide.
