What is a private adoption?

A private adoption is when a person or a couple adopts a child through a private arrangement. In Washington, private adoptions must be arranged through a licensed adoption service provider, such as an adoption agency or a licensed attorney. A private adoption is different than an agency adoption in that the adoptive family is not chosen by an adoption agency, but instead is chosen by the birth parents or the court. Private adoptions are subject to state laws and regulations in Washington. The process starts with the birth parents voluntarily giving up their parental rights. The adoptive family can then apply for legal custody of the child with the court. The court will review the application to make sure it is in the best interest of the child before granting the adoption. When the adoption is finalized, the adoptive family receives legal rights and responsibility for the child, and the child’s birth parents no longer have any legal rights or responsibilities towards the child. In a private adoption, the adoptive parents assume all financial responsibility for the child as if they were the birth parents, including medical and educational expenses. Private adoption is an important option for many families, as it can provide an infant or a child to otherwise childless couples. It is also important for providing adoptive families with a child who is a good match for their family, as the choice of the child is up to the adoptive parents.

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