FLORIDA ADOPTION AGENCY — ADOPTION PROCESS — HEART TO HEART ADOPTIONS
Adoption Process in Florida — Step by Step
From your first call to post-placement support, we want you to know what you should expect at every step.
The Florida adoption process begins with a phone call or text when Michelle or Wendy answers you and gives you an understanding of your options.
You re a unique individual in a unique situation. That is why we consider your desires and what is important to you. You can receive support during your pregnancy. You can choose the adoptive family. You can have help with the children you might already be parenting.
What are the steps to placing a baby for adoption in Florida?
- Call or text — 877-437-3424. This first call costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
- You can received financial assistance for rent, food, utilities, and medical care .
- Your counselor explains open adoption, semi-open, and closed adoption; the legal process; and what financial support you qualify for.
- Review family profiles. When you are ready, you look at approved family profiles. You choose. No deadline.
- You decide the level of openness, what your hospital experience looks like, and what support you need.
- Decide what you want during the delivery and your hospital stay. You control who is there and who will be you support system.
- Signing legal papers for placement of the child. this can not happen more than 48 hours after you give birth. You will have your own attorney, free to you, that will explain everything and make sure you don’t feel that you are being manipulated.
- After placement, your baby goes home with the adoptive family. Heart to Heart Adoptions will continue to support you.
- There is always someone to talk with you after the signing. We will help you with physical needs and emotional needs. We will help you make certain the adoptive family is meeting the communication agreement you made with them.
“I was nervous to call, but Wendy made me feel so comfortable from the first hello.”
— Tasha, Tallahassee, Florida
How long does the adoption process take in Florida?
You have control over the how you deal with your pregnancy. You might want to work. You might want to take some time off. We have helped women make plans on the same day they call us. Others talk with us several times before they are ready to receive help and start looking at potential adoptive families. There is no minimum time and no deadline at any stage of pregnancy or after birth.
What happens at the hospital when you place a baby for adoption?
You are completely in control of your hospital experience. A Heart to Heart counselor can be with you during labor and delivery if you want. You decide when and whether the adoptive family is present. You decide how much time you spend with your baby before placement. Nothing happens on a schedule other than yours
Heart to Heart works with the hospital’s social work team ahead of delivery to make sure your plan is known and honored by all staff. You will not be surprised by anything on delivery day if you have been working with your counselor.
What happens after the adoption is finalized?
Post-placement counseling continues at no cost for as long as you need it. If you chose open adoption, contact with the adoptive family continues per your agreement. Heart to Heart does not close your case when the paperwork is signed.
Finalization is a legal milestone, not an ending. The relationship you have built with your counselor, the adoptive family, and your child (if you chose openness) continues on your terms.
What is the birth mother's role during the legal adoption process in Florida?
You review and sign the consent documents. You have legal representation that represents you and only you. This legal representation makes sure you are not pressured in any way to sign papers. You do not need to attend any court hearings . Your role after signing is to continue receiving post-placement support and to maintain whatever contact arrangement you agreed to.
In-Depth Guide--ADOPTION PROCESS IN FLORIDA
Explore each topic in more detail.
How do I start the adoption process in Florida?
Call or text 877-437-3424. A counselor answers right away. The first call costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Can I make an adoption plan if I am already in labor?
Yes. Heart to Heart has helped women make adoption plans the same day they went into labor. Call 877-437-3424 right now.
How long does legal finalization take in Florida?
Typically three to six months after placement. Your baby is with the adoptive family during this time. You do not need to attend court.
What happens to my baby between placement and finalization?
Your baby goes home with the adoptive family immediately after placement. Finalization is a legal process that happens in the background while your baby is already in their permanent home.
Can I be present at the hospital when the adoptive family meets my baby?
Yes, if you want. You control your hospital experience. You decide who will be there and when they are allowed to come. Heart to Heart Adoptions works with the hospital ahead of delivery to make sure your plan is honored.
Do I have to hire my own lawyer for the adoption?
No. Heart to Heart provides independent legal counsel at no cost to you before you sign any consent documents.
What if I change my mind during the process?
Before consent is signed, you can change your mind at any point, for any reason. After signing, reversal is only possible in cases of fraud or duress.
Emotional Support
Add your content here about grief, healing, counseling services H2H provides, and how birth mothers are supported long-term.
Can I choose the adoptive family even late in the process?
Yes. There is no deadline for choosing a family. Some women choose a family within days of calling. Others take weeks or months.
What is post-placement support and how long does it last?
Post-placement support includes ongoing counseling for grief, adjustment, and open adoption contact. It continues at no cost for as long as you need it. We don’t close your case at finalization. We continue to help you.
What happens if the adoptive family I chose changes their mind?
Disrupted matches are rare. If one occurs, Heart to Heart will support you and help you find another family if you still want to proceed with adoption.
We're Here for You
Whether you're just starting to explore or ready to talk, our compassionate team is here to listen and support you—without pressure or judgment.
You don't have to do this alone.
We're here to walk beside you—every step of the way.
Call or Text Anytime
801-563-1000
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