The majority of adoptions in the United States are independent adoptions. An independent adoption occurs when a birth parent places their child directly with an adoptive family without any involvement or interference by the Department of Human Services or an adoption agency. Under Oregon law, a birth parent may choose any family to adopt their child as long as the family has a favorable home study.

Susan Moffet helps birth parents looking for the right family to adopt their child. A birth parent can choose the home environment they want for their child. Our office handles the legal, practical and financial aspects of the adoption process. All costs of the adoption are paid by the adoptive family. Many independent adoptions include a Continuing Contact Agreement, which is approved by the court and may provide for the payment of birth parent living expenses during the pregnancy and pictures and letter updates until the adopted child reaches adulthood.

Ms. Moffet represents adoptive parents in Oregon and through out the United States who have a favorable home study and are ready to become parents. Susan Moffet can help in the process of obtaining a home study, preparing a portfolio to be shown to prospective birth parents and developing a plan to find the child who is right for their family. She has over 35 years of experience in handling independent adoptions. She is experienced with the Indian Child Welfare Act and between residents of different states when adoptions involving the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children applies.

She advises adoptive parents on the legalities of all adoption related expenses. This includes payment for pregnancy related living expenses, counseling, medical and legal costs. We provide an accounting to the court of all costs associated with the adoption. We also provide documentation for our clients to aid them in applying for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit.

Adopting through a licensed adoption agency can be a wonderful experience. If you have chosen an agency, I can guide you through the legal process. I provide an unbiased explanation of agency adoption procedures and help develop a legally secure plan tailored to your individual needs.

Susan Moffet can review and negotiate adoption agency contracts to ensure your interests are served. She can clarify your options for post-placement arrangements with birth parents and draft or review an agreement to ensure your interests and the child’s interests are protected. We will finalize your agency adoption in a timely and secure manner. Many agency adoptions can be finalized for an affordable flat fee.

Most international adoptions are handled through adoption agencies that have contacts in the foreign country. Susan Moffet can finalize your international adoption. If your adoption is finalized in the child’s country of origin, I can process an Oregon re-adoption and obtain an Oregon Certificate of Live Birth.

Many wonderful families are created through step-parent adoptions. Susan Moffet can help when you want to adopt your spouse’s or partner’s child.

When the non-custodial parent consents to the adoption, it can be an inexpensive and streamlined process. More complicated situations require careful evaluation before proceeding. It is important to consider the practical, legal, and emotional aspects of a step-parent adoption before taking the first steps.

Susan Moffet can help you decide if it's right to proceed with a step-parent adoption. She can initiate contact with the non-custodial parent on your behalf.

Step-parent adoptions do not require an extensive home-study process because one of the child’s parents will retain his or her parental rights. Uncontested step-parent adoptions can often be completed in three to four months.

Oregon law allows one adult to adopt another through the court system. The legal process is streamlined and quicker than that involving the adoption of children. An adult adoption only requires the consent of the person adopting and the person who is being adopted. Generally, you are not required to notify the adoptee’s birth parents or other relatives. A new birth certificate will be issued reflecting the status of the adopting adult as the parent of the adult adoptee.

There are several circumstances where an adult adoption is appropriate. The most common is when an adult was raised by a step-parent or other relative and now – as an adult – wants to become their legal child. Adult adoption is also appropriate in circumstances where a person experienced trauma in their family of origin or when a person wants to confirm inheritance rights for another adult.

Only you can determine if adoption is the right choice for you and your child. This is a highly personal decision and cannot be taken lightly. You may wish to talk to a professional counselor, family member, or friend as you make your decision. It is important that you go through a well thought out process.

The following questions may help you start your decision making process:

• Is my life situation conducive to raising a child at this time?
• Are there changes I could make before the baby is born which would improve my situation?
• What type of life have I envisioned for my child?
• Do I have the emotional and financial support necessary to parent my child in the way I want?
• What are my financial resources? What is my level of income?
• What are my emotional resources? Who will support me during this pregnancy?
• What are my long term goals for myself?
• How does this pregnancy affect those goals?
• How does parenting affect these goals?
• What are my goals for this child?
• What is my concept for being a good parent to this child?
• What are the potential gains for myself if I choose adoption?
• What are the potential losses for myself if I choose adoption?
• How will I approve of myself if I make an adoption plan?
• How will I disapprove of myself if I make an adoption plan?
• What other options have I considered?
• How will my choice affect other people I care about?
• Where do I see myself being in 6 months? one year? three years?

All kinds of parents!

• A single mother who does not feel ready to raise a child by herself
• An unmarried couple who are not yet ready to start a family
• A married couple who already have children to provide for
• A couple with marital issues who want a stable home for their baby
• And all the parents in between!

Oregon law allows birth parents to place their child for adoption with an approved family of their choosing. You will be represented by your own attorney (paid for by the adoptive parents) who will make certain your legal rights are protected. A single woman can often place a child for adoption without the birth father’s consent.

What does it cost?

All adoption costs are paid by the adoptive family and there is no cost to you. The law allows the adoptive family to pay your necessary legal, medical, and pregnancy-related living expenses.

Why use an adoption attorney?

Adoption attorneys are uniquely qualified. Unlike agency social workers, they know the law, and can explain your rights and how the adoption process works. An attorney can accurately access the risks and assure that your rights are fully protected. Attorneys know about all types of adoptions – private, relative, agency, state, independent – and can help you choose the best one for you.

They are married couples and single people of all ages. They may have infertility problems, or perhaps they want to adopt a child because they were adopted themselves.

Some adoptive parents have already adopted one child and are seeking a second child to add to their family. They come from all walks of life, and have different backgrounds, religious beliefs, and interests. Although their specific circumstances may be different, they all have one thing in common: They are eager to love and provide for a child.

All adoptive parents are investigated and approved to adopt a child through an extensive home study process. You choose the adoptive family. You may place your child with a family in Oregon or anywhere in the United States.

Choose the family that best fits your needs and desires for your child.