Agency or Independent

What is the legal difference between an Agency adoption and an Independent adoption?

Independent adoptions are arranged through attorneys, facilitators, counseling centers, etc. The birthmother gives physical custody to the adopting couple, while retaining legal guardianship until the adoption is finalized in court.

Licensed agencies, are regulated by the State of California and are legally allowed to accept the birthmother's relinquishment and become the child's legal guardian until the adoption is finalized.

Are there other differences?

While adoptions can be arranged independently, only a licensed agency such as IPAS can provide all of the services required before, during and after an adoption, for both birth parents and adopting parents.

IPAS is dedicated to "being there" for you and your child with education and counseling that far surpasses any legal requirements.

For more information about our history as a non-profit licensed adoption agency and our tradition of service, visit "All About Us."

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