Considering Independent Adoption? Make Sure to Avoid Adoption Scams

 Posted on October 06, 2021 in Family Law

Adopting a child is one of the most meaningful responsibilities a person can undertake. For many prospective parents, conceiving a child naturally is not possible due to age or medical conditions. For others, adoption represents a personal choice to give a child in need a loving home. Sadly, some unscrupulous individuals take advantage of hopeful parents. If you are thinking of adopting a child, it is crucial that you remain cautious of adoption scams.

Private Adoptions Can Leave Parents Vulnerable

There are many ways to adopt a child in Illinois. Many people choose to adopt a child through an adoption agency or the Department of Children and Family Services. Others opt for an independent adoption. In an independent adoption or private adoption, the adoptive parents work directly with an expectant mother. Unfortunately, independent adoptions are more susceptible to scams than other types of adoption.

The majority of the women who seek adoptive parents for their babies are kind, selfless mothers hoping to give their children a better life. However, some women who claim to be looking for adoptive parents are simply scam artists. They use deception to extort thousands of dollars from couples under the guise of medical expenses or other baby-related needs. Some scammers even go so far as to send parents fake ultrasound pictures or other fabricated evidence. Parents hoping to adopt a child can sometimes be blinded by excitement and optimism to recognize red flags of deception in a situation like this.

Protecting Yourself and Your Rights

If you want to adopt a child, the best way to ensure that you will not fall victim to an adoption scam is to work with a skilled adoption lawyer. Your attorney can help you evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various adoption avenues, guide you through the adoption process, and make sure your rights are protected. An experienced lawyer will also know to look for signs that a couple may be in the grips of an adoption scam. Finally, your adoption attorney can ensure that you do not inadvertently violate Illinois law while you pursue the adoption. Paying or receiving money in exchange for a child is a felony offense, however, paying for a mother’s cost of living expenses and giving her modest gifts is allowable.

Contact a Plainfield Adoption Lawyer for Help

Adoption is a significant legal undertaking. If you want to adopt a child, contact a skilled Illinois adoption lawyer from the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., for help. Call our office at 815-666-1285 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://data.postandcourier.com/saga/stealinghope/page/1

https://adoptionnetwork.com/adoptive-parents/how-to-adopt/about-birth-parents/what-is-a-birth-mother-scam/