When a woman is thinking about placing a baby for adoption, it is common for her to have questions about the financial aspects of the process. Many prospective birth mothers consider adoption in part because money is tight — and in these cases, a woman may worry, “Does it cost to put a baby up for adoption in Alabama?”
Other times, because of widespread misconceptions about adoption, a woman might even wonder, “Do you get paid for giving your baby up for adoption in Alabama?”
Here’s the first thing every potential birth mother should know: Nowhere in the United States can mothers get paid for adoption. “Giving a baby up” for adoption for money is illegal in Alabama and across the United States.
However, adoption-related expenses can be paid for by the prospective adoptive parents to help ease the financial burden that may be incurred by the prospective birth mother. An adoption professional’s services are also free to prospective birth moms.
Want to learn more? Keep reading for information on some of the financial support provided to women choosing adoption in Alabama.
Is it Free to Put a Child Up for Adoption in Alabama?
The process to place a baby for adoption involves many moving parts. A prospective birth mother will usually work with a specialist to create an adoption plan and choose an adoptive family, and she’ll need medical care, emotional support and legal representation along the way.
With so many services and professionals involved in the process, an expectant mother may wonder: “How much does it cost to give a child up for adoption in Alabama? Is it really free to give a baby up for adoption?”
The answers to these common questions may surprise you.
“Does putting a baby up for adoption cost money?”
No. It should never cost you anything to make an adoption plan for your baby. An adoption professional will provide all the services you need to make an adoption plan free of charge, including:
- Case management and adoption planning services
- Help finding the perfect adoptive family
- Contact mediation with the adoptive family, as needed
- Professional counseling and support
- Legal representation from an adoption attorney
- And more
“If I give my baby up for adoption in Alabama, is it free to receive legal, medical and counseling services?”
Yes. Prospective birth mothers receive financial support in the form of free services and resources provided by their adoption professional. In Alabama, state law also allows prenatal care, delivery, and other adoption expenses to be paid for by the adoptive family.
It is always free for a prospective birth mother to choose adoption, and a woman can receive adoption financial assistance to cover her expenses throughout the adoption process.
But that leads us to another common question: “Does a mother of a baby get paid for adoption in Alabama?”
Can You Get Paid for Adoption in Alabama?
So, do you get paid for putting your baby up for adoption in Alabama? No. But you can receive financial assistance for adoption-related expenses.
A prospective birth mother cannot directly receive money for putting her baby up for adoption. She can, however, have certain birth- and adoption-related expenses paid for in Alabama. These expenses include prenatal and delivery medical care, the baby’s medical expenses, and certain cost-of-living expenses that occur because of or during the pregnancy.
The living expenses a potential birth mother can receive will vary based on a number of factors but may include things like:
- Rent and utilities
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Maternity clothing
- And more
Your adoption specialist will work with you to understand your needs and ensure you are receiving the financial assistance for putting a baby up for adoption that Alabama will allow in your situation.
Prior to payment, a full accounting of all expenses must be approved by an Alabama court. All expenses will be approved unless they are considered unreasonable by the court. (Don’t worry — your adoption specialist will take care of this for you).
Remember: Receiving adoption financial assistance in Alabama will never obligate you to place your child, should you change your mind at any point in the process.
How Do Adoption Agencies Pay Birth Mothers in Alabama?
Remember, it is illegal for adoption professionals and potential adoptive parents to “pay” a potential birth mom for her child. Adoption agencies that pay prospective birth moms don’t exist in Alabama or anywhere in the U.S. Instead, a prospective birth mother’s adoption professional will work with her to determine what her financial needs are and what expenses she’s eligible to receive based on her circumstances and Alabama laws.
Adoption agencies can offer services such as adoption and pregnancy counseling, legal services, and other means of support and guidance. These will all be free of cost to a prospective birth mother.
Beware of any hopeful adoptive parents who say they can provide you “compensation” for placing a baby for adoption in Alabama. Work through a professional like an agency or attorney instead to ensure you meet all Alabama adoption laws.
Why Do Mothers Get Paid for Adoption Expenses in Alabama?
Making the decision to pursue adoption is one of the most stressful choices a prospective birth mother can make. She shouldn’t have to worry about her finances, as well. Offering financial help for prospective birth mothers “giving a baby up” for adoption in Alabama helps to ease that burden and allows the prospective birth mom to focus on her prenatal care, hospital and adoption plan.
While you do not “get paid” for putting your baby up for adoption in Alabama, remember that it is always free to put a baby up for adoption — and you can receive financial support when “giving a baby up” for adoption to make this process more manageable for you.
If you are considering adoption in Alabama, please fill out the contact form to start your journey with an experienced professional today.
