Any unplanned pregnancy can come as a huge shock, to all parties involved. Not only can this be an emotionally demanding time, but it can also be a very difficult time financially for the birth mother, and the birth father if they are a couple. Prenatal care, maternity clothes and all of the other costs that are associated with pregnancy and birth can soon mount up to quite a large sum.
Whatever your circumstances are, if you are considering putting your baby up for adoption you might find yourself asking the question do birth mothers get paid for adoption?
In short, the answer is no you cannot be “paid” in exchange for either your consent to giving your child up for adoption or your baby being adopted. However, there are a number of financial resources that are available to a birth mother who is giving her baby up for adoption.
Can I get financial assistance for adoption?
The rules do vary from state to state, but in most states Licensed Adoption Agencies, attorneys or the adoptive parents are able to assist the birth mother financially during her pregnancy. In the state of Texas, ONLY a Licensed Adoption Agency can legally provide financial living assistance to the birth mother throughout the adoption process. the adoptive parents are responsible for: As a licensed adoption agency, the Adoption Alliance can provide the following…
● The cost of any prenatal care, together with the costs of the pregnancy and any birth expenses that occur in respect of both the birth mother and the child
● Living expenses for the birth mother in order that she is able to support herself during the pregnancy; these should be of a reasonable nature and can include, but are not limited to, assistance with rent, groceries and utility bills
● Any legal fees in respect of the adoption both for the birth parent, or parents
The laws for adoption in the state of Texas do not require that any of these expenses should be repaid to the adopting family in the event that the birth mother should ultimately decide to change her mind and keep the baby.
If you are worried about the financial implications of being pregnant then you should speak to an adoption agency like The Adoption Alliance. We will help you understand the costs associated with your pregnancy and adoption.
When will the financial support be available?
Each adoption is assessed based on the living circumstances of the mother to be, the stage of pregnancy she is in and even the Texas county in which she is living. It is understandable that the living circumstances of the birth mother might change unexpectedly. When working with an adoption specialist at an agency like The Adoption Alliance, we will ensure that financial assistance is secured as soon as possible. You should be entitled to receive financial support for the duration of your pregnancy and also for a period of time after the pregnancy; this is likely to be a period of time between four to six eight weeks.
How are the expenses I can receive worked out?
The expenses that any birth mother are is entitled to receive from the adoptive parents during their adoption plan is worked out on a case-by-case basis. Just as the people involved in each case are different so too are the circumstances surrounding them. In the state of Texas these expenses are approved by a judge. There are some expectant mothers who will require greater financial support during their pregnancy than others. Some pregnancies are harder than others, just as some births will require more intervention, and therefore will lead to a greater expense. There is no exact amount that is paid to each birth mother as it is all based on each individual set of circumstances, and therefore the amount may vary considerably.
What happens if I change my mind about the adoption?
In the event that the birth mother or birth parents chose to keep the baby before the relinquishment papers are signed, they are no required to repay any of the money they have received during the pregnancy of birth.
Getting the help and support you need
If you want to find out more about the adoption laws that apply in Texas or you simply want a better understanding of the laws that might apply to your circumstances, then contact The Adoption Alliance today. Your call will be dealt with the utmost confidence and we will be able to give you advice on any aspect of adoption in Texas.
