Helping Birth Parents
Finding out that you are pregnant and not ready or able to provide for a child can be an overwhelming discovery. You may be feeling ashamed, alone, rejected. Millions of different thoughts and fears may be filling your head, leaving you clueless about what to do, who to trust, and where to turn for help. But remember, you are not alone.
For more than 30 years, we have been helping women just like you conquer their fears, discover hope in their unexpected situation, and find peace and acceptance in their decision to consider adoption. As adoptive parents themselves, Lori and Ray both understand the fears and concerns many birth mothers have regarding adoption.
We have completed more than 2,500 successful adoptions by helping birth mothers just like you. These birth mothers worked closely with our staff throughout the adoption process and even chose which caring adoptive couples their babies were placed with.
How We Can Help
Our firm works closely with birth mothers, assisting with:
- Locating possible resources for living expenses (housing and utilities)
- Transportation to/from doctor appointments, grocery stores, etc.
- Maternity clothing (if needed)
- Matching with a supportive family
- Maintaining an open adoption
- Counseling services
- Firsthand support from our office staff
Is Adoption the Choice for You?
Like many women facing an unexpected pregnancy, you are probably unsure what to do or whether adoption is the right choice for you and your baby. The thought of choosing to place your baby with strangers involves questions, concerns, and fears that are normal for you to have.
For this reason, it is important that you have as much information as possible about adoption. Part of our mission is to answer questions and provide information for women who are considering adoption or who have decided on an adoption plan. We encourage you to read our FAQ page.
In addition, there are different types of adoption plans that you and the adoptive parents will have to choose from. Choosing an adoption plan is not easy because it must meet the needs of you, your child, and the adoptive couple. We explain the adoption process to you and help you make the best decision for you and your baby. We also collaborate with other adoption lawyers, counselors, and social workers who assist birth parents in their decision to place a child for adoption.
Despite their doubts about choosing adoption, many women have found peace and confidence in their decision to work with us.
Your Legal Rights
At this point, you might be asking yourself, “What exactly is the adoption process?” or, “What would my rights in an adoption plan include?”
Well, you may be relieved to hear that in today’s adoption world, you as the birth mother have a right to choose the adoptive couple you believe would be the right fit for your child. That means you have the right to reject any couple presented to you by an attorney or adoption agency; it is critical that you are comfortable with the couple who will adopt your child.
In the state of South Carolina and many other states, you are, by law, in your adoption plan, entitled to various forms of financial assistance, including reasonable living expenses, counseling fees, medical expenses, and attorney fees. After your child is born, you can also insist that he or she be taken straight into an adoptive couple’s home, rather than having him or her placed first in foster care. And remember, you will have your own attorney or adoption professional who will be your advocate during your pregnancy and after.
We work closely with you to make sure you understand the adoption process. If you would like more information regarding your legal rights, please read through our FAQs or contact our office.
Need More Information?
We understand that adoption can be an intimidating and confusing process. It can be difficult making such a big decision without knowing much about adoption. For this reason, we believe that one of the best ways we can help you is by providing the information you need to make a good decision. In addition, we are here to help answer your questions.
Contact Us
If you would like some more information about the services we can provide or if you feel that you are ready to place your child with an adoptive couple, please contact us by phone or complete our online form. Your personal information will be kept completely confidential, and we will do our best to answer any of your questions or concerns.
Contact us today by phone (864-241-2883) or email to arrange your initial consultation with Lori Horst. We will handle your unique situation with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. You can also fill out the appropriate form ahead of time and email it to our office.