Independent Adoption

Infants are among the most desired age of adoptable children, particularly by firs-time parents. Infant adoptions are primarily placed by birth mothers who choose to work with agencies, facilitators or attorneys. The latter two are considered independent adoption options because they cut the case worker from being a middle man or woman.

Although agencies consider themselves to be advocates for birth mothers in an adoption situation, about two-thirds of all infant adoptions in the U.S. are thought to be handled independently. Independent adoption services and fees cost between $8,000 and $40,000, although it's possible to be lower or more than those limits.

The key to a successful independent adoption is finding a personable attorney who handles more than six adoptions a year. An attorney who has limited experience with future birth mothers can sometimes sour a placement, which is costly to both the potential adopters and the attorney.

The thing about independent adoptions that birth mothers like probably has to do with how open and professional the adoption can seem. Everything is facilitated through someone who represents the law. This can be comforting for both parties. A birth mother is also more likely to go through with a placement if she's comfortable with the conditions of the adoption. In an independent adoption, she should be provided the same services that an agency would provide, such as counseling, but she'll also have the opportunity to call her own shots and customize the experience for herself.