Facing an unplanned pregnancy is likely a time of difficulty and uncertainty for you, and questions about finances may be further complicating matters.
You may be wondering if there is financial help for birth mothers “giving baby up” for adoption. You may even be asking these specific questions:
- Do you get paid to give your baby up for adoption in South Carolina?
- Can you receive adoption financial assistance if you choose this path?
- Who covers the medical bills? Who pays for the legal services?
- How much does it cost to give a baby up for adoption?
These are all good questions. We understand that financial burdens can impact your decision to move forward with adoption. Fortunately, our legal team is always here to answer these questions and explain financial assistance for adoption in South Carolina.
To learn more about the cost of putting a baby up for adoption and any financial assistance you may receive, don’t hesitate to reach out anytime. You can also call or text a social worker at 864-680-8038. Here at Thompson Dove Law Group, we want to help you make the best decision for you — without the stress of finances hanging over your head.
Does It Cost to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in South Carolina?
The first important thing for you to understand is that you will not pay any fees for any necessary adoption services. Our team is here to ensure you can make your adoption decision without any financial pressure to do so. While you will never receive direct “compensation” for placing a baby for adoption, you will never have to pay anything, either.
It is always free to put a child up for adoption in South Carolina, because certain expenses are always covered:
- Medical Expenses: Any premiums, co-pays or additional medical expenses not covered by private insurance or Medicaid are fully covered by the adoptive family. You will never need to pay for the expenses of carrying your pregnancy to term and giving your child a life with the adoptive parents of your choice. This way, you can focus on a healthy pregnancy without the stress of finances looming over your head.
- Legal Expenses: Legally completing an adoption is often a meticulous process, requiring care to ensure all legal pitfalls have been satisfied. The adoptive family will cover these legal expenses, no matter the level of work required by an attorney. And you will always have a separate attorney who works to protect your rights and interests. Just because the adoptive parents cover your legal expenses does not mean you will be obligated or pressured into choosing adoption. You will always retain your right to change your mind prior to signing your consent to the adoption.
- Counseling/Case Management Services: Whether you work with a full-service adoption firm like Thompson Dove Law Group or an adoption agency, or you work with an adoption attorney for just the legal work, there are always additional services that you should take advantage of:
- Counseling
- Education
- Support
- Matching with a prospective adoptive family
- Pre- and post-placement contact mediation
- and much more
While you will never “get money” from adoption in South Carolina, you will always receive these invaluable services, designed to help you choose the best path for you. We encourage you to take advantage of any services we or another adoption professional offer you, as they will all contribute to a healthier adoption. Plus, these services are all paid for by the adoptive family.
Possible Financial Assistance for Putting Baby Up for Adoption
Not only is putting a baby up for adoption in South Carolina free, you may be eligible to receive additional financial assistance during your pregnancy. Remember, you will never “get paid” for adoption, but you can receive financial help to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy experience.
South Carolina adoption law allows adoptive families to pay “reasonable living expenses” to expectant mothers. Living expenses are moneys used to pay for items such as:
- Groceries
- Rent/mortgage
- Utilities
- Maternity clothes
- And more
Living expenses are intended to help ease your financial burden of paying bills while carrying a pregnancy to term. Most often, this adoption financial assistance is paid directly from the professional to the provider of services, such as a landlord or utility company, or paid in the form of gift cards to your favorite grocery store. So, while you will never find adoption agencies that “pay” you directly, there are many professionals, including Thompson Dove Law Group, who will work to cover these specific expenses, as allowable by law.
If you indeed choose to pursue adoption, Thompson Dove Law Group will work with you and the court to ensure you receive any living expenses for which you are entitled. We know placing a child for adoption can be complicated and difficult, so we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you.
If you have more questions or concerns about financial assistance for adoption in South Carolina, please contact Thompson Dove Law Group today.
