Every expectant mother who is making an adoption plan should have her own adoption attorney offered at no cost to her.

Having separate legal representation ensures that there’s someone available to answer her questions, advocate for her interests, and make sure she understands her rights and responsibilities throughout the adoption process.

Some states have laws that require an expectant mother to have her own adoption attorney paid for by the adoptive parents. Other states require only that the expectant mom is offered her own adoption attorney paid for by the adoptive parents. Most states don’t have any laws about this at all.