Adoption Stories
Adoption Stories | Birthmother Stories
In the 1980s, I had the wonderful experience of becoming an adoptive parent. Erica, my older daughter, was born in 1988 and my experience with her birth mother took place over a period of four months. Although the adoption progressed smoothly,there were still many trying circumstances along the way. Approximately two and a half years later, I was blessed again to become the adoptive father to another little girl, Elizabeth, who joined our family in just three weeks.
As an adoptive parent, I can attest to the fact that the time, uncertainty, and emotional trials you will face during the adoption process are quickly forgotten once you hold your child in your arms for the first time. Because I experienced the same fears and concerns during my adoptions that you, too, may face, as your attorney I can offer you not only a unique understanding of the struggles related to your adoption but also a personal commitment to building your family through adoption.
I invite you to read the testimonies of several clients who, after enduring their own obstacles and difficulties through the adoption process, have faith in the miracle of adoption.
Mike and Bettina
For many years, we tried to adopt a child from China; but it eventually became apparent that it was not God’s will for us. We began talking about domestic adoption and remembered an article we had saved about Ray Godwin. After much prayer, we decided to give him a call. We soon had an appointment with him. He was very nice and upfront with us about what he and his staff could do for us. Within just a couple of months, our photo book was being shown to potential birth moms. Although we experienced a failed adoption, we knew that God had a child for us and that we just needed to trust Him. After 15 months of waiting we received the phone call and soon held the most beautiful little girl in our arms.
Isabella is now a year old. Our precious gift from God has brought us so much joy and happiness.
We want to publicly thank Ray Godwin and his staff for all that they did for us thru the whole adoption process. Everyone was so kind and and helpful. We pray that God will continue your endeavors for many years to come.
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Faith and Adoption
Awaken Magazine published an article written by one of our Adoptive Couples. .
Adoption is a very important concept for a Jesus follower because it defines how we join the family of God. Like many concepts that are important in life, the best way to learn them is through experience. That is how adoption was opened up to me, through my own experience.
My husband and I always wanted to adopt. We had a biological son first, named Jude, and he changed my life. I love him so much, and he made me realize the biggest purpose for my life was to be his mom. I had a very difficult pregnancy, and I was not prepared to go through that again. We felt it was time to consider adoption. There are many fears that I walked through to make a decision to adopt.
What if I canʼt love this baby like my first son, Jude? What if the birth mom changes her mind? What if there is something wrong with the baby? .
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Evan and Jennifer
Words cannot fully express the gratitude Evan and I felt to your team in leading and guiding us through the adoption process with Emma Kate. Over the course of 4 short months, God gave us the greatest miracle, moment by moment–and I still, six weeks after her birth, can’t quite take it all in. You all did so much–giving generously of your talents and time, patiently answering my many questions (and a few for Evan too), saying prayers for us, showing us love and compassion, and handling all the details that gave this miracle the chance and space to unfold. After a huge amount of pain through our miscarriages over the last 3+ years, we have come out on the other side–you have changed our lives forever and brought us so much joy with our beautiful Emma Kate. She smiled at Evan for the first time this morning, and I thought my heart would stop.
God bless each of you, and please remember that what you do every day changes lives and gives people hope and so much joy.
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Amy and Conrad
Before we talked to Ray Godwin, we thought domestic adoption was nearly impossible. We had unsuccessfully tried to adopt through two different agencies before we spoke with Ray about domestic adoption. Ray and his staff were wonderful from the initial phone call. They always took the time to explain the adoption process and answer any questions that we had.
We were matched with a birth mother within a matter of days, and our son was born three weeks later. It was quite a whirlwind, but so very worth it! Connor is a wonderful, healthy baby, whom we have had since the first day of life.
I cannot say enough about how comforting it was to work with Ray and his staff. I have never met a group of people more dedicated to building families and fulfilling dreams. Our son is truly a godsend, and we know that he was meant to be with us. Our family is complete, and our hearts are full.
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Dan and Melissa
We had always wanted to adopt a child. For us, adoption was a picture of God’s adopting His children for salvation. We had already been blessed with two biological children-Hannah and Daniel. Daniel was born with severe disabilities, and we were told in 2001 that it would be best not to have any more children.
After receiving that news, we began researching several adoption agenciesbut were unhappy with their processes. Our research on transracial adoptions interested us because it showed another picture of God’s diverse family. After talking with another adoptive couple who had adopted transracially, we were referred to Ray Godwin.
We started the adoption process in September and brought Isaiah, an African-American baby, home on December 20, 2001. Hannah became a little mother to Isaiah, and an instant bond formed between all three children. Less than two years later, we began planning for another transracial adoption. In November of 2003, we brought home Noah, who added another facet to the family.
A short time later, little Daniel passed away, but we accepted God’s timing and rejoiced in His blessings. When people ask us how we deal with a transracial family and the occasional looks and questions from other children, we just explain that if it weren’t for adoption, we wouldn’t be a part of God’s family.
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Eddie and Lori
Adoption for us was an emotional roller coaster, even though we were blessed with a wonderful birth mother. The wait was worth it; our Edison is precious.
We are thankful for The Complete Adoption Book. It helped us immensely. We are very grateful that Ray was there to lead us through this miracle of adoption.
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Jeff and Rebecca
Before our initial contact with Ray Godwin, our understanding of adoption was very limited. The first time I contacted the office, my call was returned promptly by Laura, who spent close to an hour on the phone with me answering our questions and explaining the process to me.
Mary’s adoption, our first adoption with Ray, happened very quickly and smoothly, a few days after our home study was approved. Ray and his office staff were very helpful, guiding us through the entire process.
When we were ready to adopt again, we contacted Ray. I had always been interested in multiples and was quite ecstatic when Ray’s office contacted us regarding identical triplet boys to be born in a few months. The placement was complicated by a number of factors, including a trip across the country 3,000 miles from home, and inherent uncertainties and risks of a triplet pregnancy. Ray was always accessible by phone any time I had a question or issue arise during the trip. Ray’s office staff all went out of their way to assist us in the process. We are so thankful for their guidance and help each step of the way. We also thank the Lord for our sons Chris, Dan, and Nathan.
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
David and Janet
Both of us have always loved working with children and spending time with them. So when we found out we wouldn’t be able to have biological children, we decided to adopt.
It was a highly emotional time for us, and we really appreciated the help of Ray and his staff. We had many questions, but the people in Ray’s office patiently answered all our questions and explained things for us. Just six months after meeting with him, Ray surprised us by placing our daughter, Katy, into our arms and hearts.
We were thrilled to see how the Lord had worked out every detail. When we were ready to have our family grow again by adoption, we contacted Ray’s office and started the paperwork. All three of us are eagerly looking forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to add to our family.
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Chris and Melissa
We can’t express enough the appreciation that we have for Ray Godwin. He is well-respected by adoptive families and birth mothers alike for both his candor and his concern for all involved in the adoption process.
We have recommended several families to his office for counsel, and have received overwhelming positive feedback from all. As we have added to our family through the miracle of adoption, we have, of course, worked with his office, and can’t recommend enough for other adoptive families and birth mothers to do the same!
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Birthmother Stories
Jessica’s Story
“During the first phone call I made, I talked directly to Ray and scheduled an appointment. I was nervous when I walked into his office because of the unknown, but everyone there was so kind and so friendly. I had many questions, and every one of my questions was answered with care and compassion.
“Ray set up meetings with two different couples from me to choose from. When I met the couple that eventually adopted my child, I knew that they were the ones; I had been told that I would “just know” and I did. The adoptive couple that I chose is the most wonderful family I could have ever asked for. I will always know that my child is in the most loving home he could have; I have Ray and his staff to thank for that!
“It is a very difficult decision to place your child for adoption, but Ray and his staff make it so much easier.”
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Erin’s Story
“I would like to thank you and everyone in your office for helping me with everything. I would also like to thank you for finding such a great and loving family for my son. Please let them know that I am very sorry for the stress that they endure with him being in the hospital.”
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
Beth’s Story
“I just wanted to extend my deepest gratitude for all you and your associates have done for me during this difficult time. Everyone in your office was very understanding and compassionate with everything I was dealing with. I know without a doubt that Laura Beth and Dave are the right ones to raise Seth and I find solace in knowing how happy they are. My only regret is that I could not do it myself, which I am not used to not being the one in control. Also, thank you so much for getting Mr. Campbell’s office involved on my behalf with this ridiculous DSS situation. I have never done drugs or abused my child in any way shape or form, and for her and I to be questioned and in the manner we were is absurd. I know that is not what you were hired for but you had him call anyway and I appreciate it very much! Also, Jane was extremely there for me at the hospital when the DSS caseworker was there. Up until then, she was abrasive and almost inconsiderate, but she definitely was there when I needed her most. Please extend my thanks to her if you get a chance.”
Disclaimer pursuant to Rule 7.1 South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct: This is a testimonial by a former client of Raymond W. Godwin, Attorney at Law, P.C. The result achieved on behalf of one client does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients..
