Sometimes, when a birth mother is unsure of her adoption decision, she wonders “Can I get my baby back after adoption?” If you’re thinking this, it’s important that you consider your reasons for choosing adoption — and decide whether it’s actually the best choice for you.
If you’re asking “How can I get my child back after adoption?” you may simply be second-guessing yourself, or you may be changing your mind about your adoption plan. Questioning whether adoption is right for you isn’t wrong, but it’s important that you address these thoughts sooner rather than later so you can ensure you’re making the best possible choice for yourself and your baby.
If, on the other hand, you have not yet chosen adoption and are asking yourself these questions, you need to know that you will have no parental rights after you give up a child for adoption. While you may be in contact with your child and their adoptive parents through open adoption, you will not have any legal rights or responsibilities for your child. Because adoption is a permanent decision, it’s important to be sure of your choice before signing legal adoption documents.
The laws regarding your adoption rights will be different depending on if you live in Kansas or Missouri:
- Can I get my child back after adoption in Kansas? Once you sign the adoption consent papers in Kansas, you cannot revoke your decision — which is why it’s so important that you are absolutely confident in your adoption choice before signing.
- Can I get my child back after adoption in Missouri? Missouri allows some protections when it comes to the revocation of adoption consent. While you can sign your consent to adoption starting 48 hours after the baby is born, your consent may be withdrawn anytime until it is reviewed and accepted by a judge in court. There are no laws stating when a written consent must be brought before a judge, but once it has, it must be approved by the court within three days.
If you’re questioning how to get your child back after adoption, you should not rely on the revocation laws as your last resort. Having doubts about your adoption decision is natural, so it’s important that you speak with your adoption support system and your adoption specialist about your worries ahead of signing your adoption consent. The more open you are about your feelings throughout the adoption process, the easier it will be to make your final adoption or parenting decision.
If you’re questioning your adoption decision or need some immediate advice, Mike recommends you call his adoption agency partner, American Adoptions. Adoption specialists are available 24 hours a day, for free, to answer your questions and address your concerns, especially if you’re thinking about how to get your child back after adoption. They can help you understand your feelings and move forward from them — no matter which decision you make.
Still wondering if you can get your baby back after adoption or have questions about your birth mother rights in open adoption in Kansas City? Mike can discuss your individual situation to determine your options and your legal rights in your adoption. You can give him a call for free at 816-842-3580 or contact him online.