Adoption is often a very exciting time for a family that is looking to grow, but it can also be stressful and emotional. As you prepare to embark on your adoption journey with your family law in Santa Fe attorney, here are some tips to help you have a successful experience from start to finish.
Consider Your Adoption Professional
An adoption professional is always evaluating whether to accept a family as their client. They are going to observe how a potential client may behave with birth mothers. Naturally, your displayed level of understanding, patience and kindness may indicate whether you will be the type of person who has negative or positive interactions with birth mothers.
On the other side of things, these are also traits you should be looking for in your adoption professional. Do they come off as understanding, patient and kind? Is this a person who will engage with birth mothers in a positive manner? Would you want the birth mother of your child to be treated in the way the professional is treating you? If you are not comfortable with your adoption professional, it is time to look for someone else to work with.
Weigh Your Interactions with Birth Mothers
It can be very upsetting and even scary for a birth mother to speak with a family only to find them abrasive, rude, impatient or offensive in some other way in person. This can lead a birth mother to wonder how this family would treat her child and question other commitments they may have already made, such as allowing her some contact with her child post-adoption.
A birth mother must know you care about them, their child and the adoption process. You need to communicate this to them, and part of the way you will do this is via your own behavior and actions. Even the best family profile will not overcome a negative impression that is formed the first time you meet a birth mother in person, so keep this in mind.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Attitude is something that often holds prospective adoptive parents back. Your adoption is a process, and it’s one you are a partner in and one that is impacted by your attitude.
Adoptions are not easy. You may find yourself stressed and at your emotional and financial limits. Therefore, it’s crucial to be self-aware and know when you have to get out and blow off steam. Afterward, you can take a deep breath and center yourself before you speak to your adoption professional or a birth mother.
Look at the people around you in your life. Are they supportive and positive or negative about your plans? If possible, you should limit your contact with negative people as they can damage your chances of success. In addition, don’t complain about what you don’t have yet. Focus on what you do have and work toward your goal of growing your family.
Remember the Small Things Count
Even if an adoption doesn’t work out for you, you can work toward another chance. Whenever you don’t know why your adoption professional is taking an action or asking you to do something in a specific way, just ask for their reasoning and listen to their response.
A good adoption professional has your best interests at heart and is doing what they can to help you welcome a new child to your family. Last but certainly not least, if you have any questions or concerns about the legal part of the process, be sure to speak to your attorney about them.