Private (Independent) Adoption
Private Adoption: What It Is, How It Differs from Agency Adoption
Private adoption, sometimes called independent adoption, is a direct placement typically facilitated by an attorney rather than through a licensed adoption agency. It's distinct from agency adoption, where a licensed non-profit coordinates every step.
Definition
A private adoption is a domestic infant adoption arranged directly between birth parents and adoptive family, typically with an attorney handling the legal aspects but without full-service agency counseling, matching, or post-placement support.
How It Works
- ●Birth parents and adoptive family connect directly (often through mutual contacts or advertising)
- ●An attorney handles the legal documents and consent process
- ●Home study is still required, usually through a state-licensed provider
- ●Post-placement support is typically the family's responsibility to arrange
Benefits
- +Direct relationship with no agency intermediary
- +Lower legal fees in some cases
- +Families who already have a connection may find it natural
Considerations
- ·No counseling support for birth parents by default
- ·No agency matching services
- ·Less post-placement support than agency adoption
- ·Not legal in all states, check state law
Common Misconceptions
- Private adoption is not automatically cheaper once birth-mother expenses are included
- Birth parents are not unsupported, some states require counseling by law
Compare With Other Types
Open Adoption
An open adoption is an adoption in which the birth parents and adoptive family maintain some form of ongoing direct contact after placement.
Semi-Open Adoption
A semi-open adoption is an adoption in which birth parents and adoptive family share non-identifying information and updates through the adoption agency, without exchanging direct contact information.
Closed Adoption
A closed adoption is an adoption in which no identifying information is exchanged between birth parents and adoptive family, and there is no ongoing contact after placement.
Talk Through Your Options
Our counselors help you decide what type of adoption is right for you, free and confidential.
Private (Independent) Adoption FAQ
What is private (independent) adoption?+
A private adoption is a domestic infant adoption arranged directly between birth parents and adoptive family, typically with an attorney handling the legal aspects but without full-service agency counseling, matching, or post-placement support.
Who chooses private (independent) adoption?+
Families and birth parents consider private (independent) adoption for many reasons. See the benefits and considerations sections above for a fuller picture.
How common is private (independent) adoption today?+
Private adoption remains legal in most U.S. states but is less common than agency adoption for domestic infant adoption.
Can an adoption change types over time?+
Yes, many adoptions evolve. Families may choose to open a closed adoption later, or adjust contact in an open adoption as the relationship matures. Post-adoption contact agreements are enforceable in some states, including Utah.