Gulf Coast Adoptions assists birth mothers, expectant mothers, and adoptive families with newborn adoptions in Florida.
There is no cost for birth mothers or expectant mothers.
We help adoptive parents grow their families through newborn adoption, handling the legal steps and providing personalized support for the entire process.
For pregnant mothers
If you’re considering newborn and infant adoption, we’re here for you. We know what a difficult and loving choice you’re considering for your baby. Our team spends hours talking to birth mothers for free. Let us help you sort it all out.
There’s no pressure and no cost for birth mothers and expectant mothers. We treat you with kindness and respect, unconditionally. Contact us to learn more about newborn adoptions in Florida.
For adoptive families
Our goal is simple – Adoption Done Right. Get the personalized and detailed support that you need for your adoption journey. We guide you through the initial stages, including your home study. You can have a lawyer take care of the court process and paperwork. Your legal team is here to answer your questions and provide complete assistance.
The Process – Newborn Adoption in Florida
Florida recognizes newborn adoption. A birth mother can place their child for adoption when the baby is born or any time after.
The planning can start as soon as the birth mother makes the loving choice to place their baby for adoption. The paperwork is finalized after birth.
The mother’s choice – identifying adoptive parents
The newborn adoption process in Florida starts with identifying the adoptive family. For newborn adoptions, the birth mother or birth parents decide who will adopt the child. The mother decides what they value in adoptive parents.
If you are a birth mother or an expectant mother, we invite you to contact Gulf Coast Adoptions to start the adoption process. We can answer any questions you have.
The home study
Prospective adoptive parents must complete a home study. The home study is an extensive look at parental fitness to adopt. The study looks at the physical home, health of the adoptive parents, criminal and employment histories, finances, and more. Adoptive parents can complete a preliminary home study before a child is identified for adoption.
Adoption planning – open or closed adoption
The birth mother and adoptive parents mutually create an adoption plan. The attorney can be the go-between. If the birth mother wants to have a closed adoption or doesn’t want to talk to the adoptive parents directly, the attorney can facilitate communication.
Today, most adoptions are open, with the birth and adoptive parents knowing each other’s identities. Those involved can choose what information to share, but it can be beneficial to share general health information with the adoptive parents.
Those involved can agree on post-adoption contact between the birth mother and child. Birth parents can agree to send periodic photos and updates, or allow the birth mother to send gifts for birthdays and holidays. Open adoptions have a lot of flexibility, and you can decide what’s best for you.
Adoption planning also includes what the birth mother wants for the birthing center or hospital experience.
Father consent
A father can sign consent to adoption at any time, before or after the baby is born.
In Florida, unmarried fathers must assert their rights. They must register paternity with the Florida Putative Father Registry before the petition to terminate rights is filed or within 30 days of receiving notice of the intent to adopt the child.
Consent of the birth father is not required in all cases.
Surrender of the child
A newborn can be surrendered at the hospital. The mother can decide how she wants to proceed, including the amount of time that she wants to spend with the baby.
Having the adoptive parents take the child home from the hospital can be a good plan for a newborn adoption. It is helpful to plan for it in advance so that arrangements can be made. Even if there is no prior adoption plan, you can still choose to place an infant for adoption.
When can the birth mother sign the consent for a newborn adoption?
A birth mother can sign the consent for newborn adoption 48 hours after the child is born or when the mother is ready to leave the birthing facility, whichever is earlier.
The legal process for newborn adoption
Newborn adoptions in Florida are approved by the court. The court will terminate the parental rights of the birth parents. Then, they will determine if the adoption is in the best interests of the child.
The court may finalize a Florida newborn adoption 30 days after termination of birth parent rights or 90 days after the newborn is placed in the adoptive home, whichever is later. The waiting period may be shortened for good cause. There is no time limit if the adoptive parents are close relatives.
Attorney for Newborn Adoptions in Florida
Gulf Coast Adoptions is an attorney for newborn adoptions in Florida. Our service is personal. As adoptive parents ourselves, we’re committed to ensuring a legally sound process.
Talk to a Birth Adoption Lawyer
If you are a birth mother considering your next steps, please contact us. We’re happy to talk to you about newborn adoptions in Florida. If you’re considering adopting a newborn or infant, we invite you to contact us to see how we may facilitate your journey.
FAQs – Newborn Adoption in Florida
What is adoption in Florida?
Adoption in Florida creates a new parent-child relationship. An individual or couple becomes the legal parent of a child, with all of the rights and obligations of parenthood. Newborn adoption in Florida also ends the birth parent and child relationship.
Can adoptive parents pay the mother’s pregnancy expenses in Florida?
Yes. Florida law allows adoptive parents to pay the mother’s expenses during pregnancy and for six weeks after. This can include housing, maternity clothes, food, personal needs, and medical care. Even if expenses are paid, the birth mother can still change their mind about the adoption before the paperwork is complete.
Can a birth mother change their mind after signing the consent to adopt?
No. The consent to adopt is official when it’s signed. The only exception is if there is clear evidence that it was signed under fraud or duress.
What if the father doesn’t want the child adopted?
If a birth father doesn’t want their infant child adopted, they must register with the Florida Putative Father Registry. They must sign an affidavit of support and responsibility. They must have supported the mother and child if they knew about the pregnancy.
Are post-adoption contact agreements binding in Florida?
Florida allows post-adoption contact agreements, but the courts don’t enforce them, especially in newborn adoption cases. The court will not set aside an adoption because the adoptive parents fail to comply.
Can grandparents stop me from placing my baby for newborn adoption in Florida?
No. In Florida, grandparents can’t stop the birth mother from voluntarily placing a child for adoption. Even minors can legally consent to adoption. If the minor is under 14, a parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem must witness the birth mother’s consent.
My parents want to adopt my newborn in Florida. Can they do that?
Yes, if you agree. When the adoption is complete, they will be the parents of the child, with all the rights and obligations that go with parenting.
Does Florida allow interstate adoptions?
Yes. A child can be adopted from Florida to another state. They can also be adopted from another state to Florida. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) applies to interstate adoptions.