Choosing to place a child for adoption is rarely an easy decision to make. Many prospective birth mothers wonder, “Will adoptive parents love my child as much as I would?” “Will my child know who I am?” and, of course, “Is adoption right for me?”
However, one common question that crosses many women’s mind is not as often discussed: “Can I get my baby back after adoption?”
Because adoption is not an easy choice, some women will confront this question even after they’ve decided to place their baby for adoption — and that’s completely normal. Accepting adoption can be a long process, which is why it’s so important to have a strong support system of friends, family and your adoption professional.
But, if you’re wondering “How can I get my child back after adoption?” your support group may not be enough. Here at the Nelson Law Firm, we can help you understand your adoption rights in Iowa and how your individual situation may affect your ability to regain your parental rights after you give a child up for adoption.
For more information on your individual case, please call us at 319-291-6161. For a general overview of consent laws in Iowa, keep reading.
Iowa Laws on Birth Mother Adoption Rights
If you’re wondering, “How can I get my baby back after adoption?” you need to understand you only have 96 hours after you sign your consent to file a revocation request. To take back your adoption consent, you must file an affidavit of consent withdrawal with an Iowa court before your parental rights have been terminated in court.
After the 96 hours has passed, if you still file for a revocation of your consent, the judge will only invalidate your consent if you can prove it was obtained by fraud or coercion or you were misinformed about the legalities of the act. The most important consideration in a revocation of your parental rights is whether it’s in the best interest of the child. The longer a child is with their adoptive parents, the less likely it will be for you to regain your parental rights.
If you are/were feeling pressured into placing your child for adoption, give us a call right away at 319-291-6161, as we can help you understand your adoption rights in this case.
If you have already placed your child and are wondering how to get your child back after adoption, we can also inform you of the options available.
Things You Should Consider
If you’re overwhelmed with the question, “Can I get my child back after adoption?” it’s important you reevaluate your feelings on the upcoming or completed adoption. Is this a legitimate question you have, or is it a nervous manifestation of your anxiety and uncertainty about your future? It’s completely normal for you to have confusing emotions about your adoption, but you should make sure to share your concerns with someone you trust, rather than be dishonest about what you’re really feeling.
If you’re wondering how to get your child back after adoption because you’re afraid you’ll never see them again, remember that you can choose an open adoption — which will let you communicate with your child’s adoptive family and even your child as the years pass. You can even decide how much communication you’d like — from letters to phone calls to visits — and you may be able to change those levels as you decide what you’re comfortable with.
Finally, you should make sure that you are sharing your thoughts and feelings with your adoption support group. Adoption is not a journey meant to be taken alone; by communicating how you’re feeling and understanding where those feelings are coming from, your questions of “Can I get my baby back after adoption?” will likely disappear as you become more comfortable with the idea of adoption. There is no shame in asking for help or guidance; in fact, this will make your adoption process easier.
However, perhaps the most crucial step in confronting your question, “How can I get my child back after adoption?” is making sure that you are 100 percent confident in your adoption decision before you sign away your parental rights. It’s never too late to choose adoption, so if you’re only ready after your baby is born, that’s completely fine. Being committed to your adoption plan will save all parties involved in your adoption stress and heartbreak — which is why it’s the best option for your child (and you) in the long run.
For more information on your adoption rights in Iowa and how to get started with the adoption process, contact the Nelson Law Firm at 319-291-6161 or online.