Can I get help with my living expenses during my pregnancy in an Illinois adoption?

In Illinois, adoptive parents may give the birth parent a gift, so long as it is not over $200. Upon order of the court, adoptive parents may also pay for expectant mother living expenses starting from 120 days before the expected due date to sixty days postpartum. Adoptive parents may advance up to $1,000 of the reasonable living expenses of the expectant mother without court approval if it is based on financial need and the health of the child. The cost of an attorney may also be paid for by adoptive parents if the cost does not exceed $1,000.

750 Ill. Comp. Stat. 50/14(a-b) (2020) 

Will I be offered my own Illinois adoption lawyer?

This issue is not addressed under Illinois law, but you still need to make sure you have your own attorney paid for by the agency or adoptive parents. Any family you choose from AdoptMatch will make sure you have your own attorney.

How does Open Adoption work in Illinois?

This issue is not addressed under Illinois law. This means that any agreement about open adoption in Illinois is based only on a promise, and will not be enforced by a court. It's still very important that whatever you agree to is written down and signed by everyone.

Click here for a map showing which states enforce open adoption agreements.

How does the legal process for adoption work in Illinois?

Consent may be made seventy-two hours after the birth of the child and may be executed in front of a judge. When the execution of a consent or a surrender is acknowledged before someone other than a judge, such other person shall have his or her signature on the certificate acknowledged before a notary public.

750 Ill. Comp. Stat. 50/9(B), 50/10(K-O) (2020)

How long will I have to change my mind about adoption in Illinois?

Consent is irrevocable unless obtained by fraud or duress.

750 Ill. Comp. Stat. 50/11(a) (2020)