Experts in the complexities of identified adoptions

When adoptive parents and birth parents are not closely related and they identify each other privately, without the help of an adoption professional, it is generally referred to as an identified adoption (If they are closely related, it is referred to as a relative adoption.

Once you’ve identified a birth mother, a successful adoption requires a lot more than document preparation. It requires detailed coordination, communication and contact between the parties as well as strict compliance with all applicable laws throughout the adoption process.

At Shorstein & Kelly, our board certified professionals have 30 years of adoption experience. We’ve developed proven methods and practices to implement and complete a successful identified adoption plan.

Here are the requirements we handle in a typical identified adoption:

• Birth parent coordination: We’ll make sure all pre-birth disclosures, notices, affidavits, documentation, and interviews are completed as mandated under Florida law. This includes required due diligence concerning the birth father.
• Home study referral: We’ll put you in touch with a local agency or social worker who can conduct the required home study before the child is born.
• Contact management: We’ll coordinate and provide advice and guidance on your communication with the birth parent(s).
• Expense management: If applicable, you’ll receive an itemized estimate of anticipated birth mother expenses. For added peace of mind, our office handles all budgeting, disbursement and monitoring activities.
• Comprehensive document preparation: We’ll prepare all the legal paperwork related to pre-birth court filings, hospital delivery and consent forms, and release of the baby to you as the adoptive parents.
• ICPC Compliance: If you and the birth mother live in different states, we’ll make sure every aspect of the adoption complies fully with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which governs interstate adoptions.
• Medical records: We’ll obtain the birth mother’s prenatal medical and hospital records for you, so you have the information your pediatrician needs.
• Finalization: We’ll prepare all documents and provide all legal services needed (including court appearances) to finalize your adoption and terminate the parental rights of the birth parents.
• Birth certificate: We’ll obtain a new birth certificate for your child, listing you as the parents.
• Photos and updates: we’ll coordinate the back-and-forth between you and the birth parent(s), in a way that honors the privacy preferences of everyone involved in the adoption.
• Counseling: We’ll arrange and manage counseling for birth parents as needed, and pursuant to Florida law
• Other services: We’ll make sure you and the birth parents receive all other services required to ensure a positive emotional, spiritual and physical environment during the term of adoption plan.

Our flat fees for identified adoption start at $8,500, excluding birth mother expenses. We accept all major credit cards.