Maryland recognizes two types of adoption; agency adoption and independent or private adoption. An agency adoption involves a birthparent releasing their newborn to a placement agency such as a local department of social services or other licensed adoption agency. In a private adoption the birthparent relinquishes their parental rights directly to the adoptive parents.

An independent or private adoption gives the birthparent and the adoptive parent direct control concerning the choices about the baby and each other. A private adoption also involves more background information such as medical, social and religious histories.

The guidance of an experienced lawyer can help make your decision to adopt as widely known as possible and ensure that all transactions and documents are handled according to the law. After the baby's birth, the attorney will prepare the necessary papers to be signed and filed with the court.

If you are planning to give your child up for adoption, consult an attorney during pregnancy to ensure you are fully informed of your legal rights.

If you want to adopt a child, Maryland law requires that you file a petition for adoption with the local circuit court.

Jan O'Connor has the experience and know-how to make the legal course of adoption smooth and understandable to an otherwise daunting process.

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