What Are a Birth Mother’s Rights After an Adoption in Oklahoma?
So, you’re trying to figure out if adoption is right for you. But what happens after the adoption is over? What are your rights as a birth mother after all the paperwork has been signed? Understanding the entire process of adoption in Oklahoma — beginning, middle, and end — is crucial to figure out if you’re a good fit. It’s important to remember that while you have the right to change your mind about adoption anytime before it’s finalized, once you sign the papers you can’t go back. After the adoptive family takes their baby home, you will not have any legal parental rights. So, it’s important to check in with yourself throughout your adoption journey. If you’ve already reviewed your unplanned pregnancy options in Oklahoma, and you think adoption could be right for you, the first step is to reach out to an adoption center. One of the adoption agencies in Oklahoma could help you understand all that you need to know about adoption, including birth mother’s rights. Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is no exception. We’re here to keep you informed about all aspects of your Oklahoma adoption.
Birth Mother’s Rights After a Closed Adoption in Oklahoma
Closed adoption is the least common type of adoption in the United States. During a closed adoption, you have no direct contact with the adoptive family, and you don’t keep in touch with them after the adoption is finalized. While many pregnant women prefer more contact, there are valid reasons you may want a closed adoption like privacy, closure, or safety. However, it’s important to remember you won’t have any communication rights after your adoption.
- The Right to Privacy After Your Adoption
In your closed adoption, you probably won’t share any identifying information with your biological child or their adoptive family. No matter what, your adoption agency won’t share this information without your consent. So, you don’t need to worry about your privacy being compromised.
- The Right to Communicate with Your Biological Child After They Turn 18
While you may have guidelines in place preventing you from contacting your adoptive family, you have any right to communicate with your biological child if they reach out in adulthood. While this may not be something that’s interesting to you personally, it’s something to keep in mind.
Birth Mother Rights After an Open Adoption in Oklahoma
When you go through an open adoption with Adoption Choices of Oklahoma, you will create an open adoption agreement. This will allow you to set up some guidelines for your relationship after your adoption has been finalized. However, you should realize that any principles created in this agreement can be revoked by the adoptive parents because they have sole custody rights. However, if you follow any rules that were agreed upon beforehand, this is unlikely.
- The Right to Adoption Visitation
In your adoption agreement, you and the adoptive family may outline a visitation schedule. For example, you may decide to come over for dinner once a month. The frequency of visits is up to you and the family, but you should make sure to get on the same page before the adoption is wrapped up.
- The Right to Communication
The kind of communication you’ll have can also be outlined in your open adoption agreement. It’s important that you stick with whatever is previously discussed, for example, don’t call ten times a month if you agreed on four. And you shouldn’t contact your biological child unexpectedly. This will allow you to maintain a positive, communicative relationship with the adoptive family.
How Do I Know if Oklahoma Adoption Is Right for Me?
Adoption is a beautiful option. And while it’s not for everybody, it could be right for you. The best way to figure out if you’re a good fit for Oklahoma adoption is to reach out to experts. Contacting one of the adoption agencies in Oklahoma — like Adoption Choices of Oklahoma — is a great way to get good advice.
If you’re not ready to reach out to an adoption center, but you still want to learn more, there are plenty of free educational adoption resources available online. If you’re not sure where to start, you can check out our website for a thorough overview of the adoption process in Oklahoma. You can also check out our birth mother blog where we answer questions like how to choose an adoptive family, how you can access adoption resources, and what you should know about closed adoption in Oklahoma.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
About the Author: Alexandra Georgiton is a fourth-year student at the University of Cincinnati studying Rhetoric and Professional Writing, and is receiving certification in Copyediting and Publishing. She has been passionate about the English language for her entire life, and reading and writing have always been her favorite hobbies. She enjoys professional writing and editing because she loves to use her talent and love of writing to make a difference in the world.
