Lori Barkus, P.A.2883 Executive Park Drive, Suite 103A, Weston, FL 33331

Tel: (954) 349-7988 Fax: (954) 349-8088

Whether you seek a private adoption or an agency adoption our firm will lead you through the legal aspects of your adoption path.

DOMESTIC ADOPTIONS EXPLAINED

There are two types of agency adoptions. The first type is a direct placement adoption whereby the agency locates a birthmother for you.

The second type is an identified agency adoption whereby the adoptive parents locate the birth mother and then proceed with the adoption through an agency.

Independent Adoptions and Intermediaries

In an independent adoption, a child is identified without the use of a licensed child placing agency or the Department of Children and Families (Childnet in Broward County). When proceeding with an independent adoption, Florida law does not allow a child to be placed directly from birthparent(s) to an adoptive parent(s) without the use of an intermediary. An intermediary is either a licensed attorney or physician.

IMPORTANT: An attorney CANNOT represent both the adoptive parent(s) and the birth parent(s).

The Intermediary must file with the court, prior to the birth, a statement regarding the terms of the placement, the financial reimburements to be paid, if any, and whether the adoptive couple has been approved through a preliminary home study conducted by a licensed professional or child placing agency.

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