Legal Rights in Adoption
Legal Rights for Birth Mothers
In Minnesota, as a birth mother, you cannot sign final adoption papers until at least 72 hours after birth. After you sign the final adoption papers, you have 10 working days to change your mind before the papers become final. You do not need legal representation to complete an adoption in Minnesota, but you are welcome to obtain this at any point in the process.
As a birth mother, you may change your mind about adoption at any point until the adoption consents are final. At New Life, we encourage you to take your time in making a final decision. Our Pregnancy Support Social Workers will support you no matter what you decide.
Legal Rights for Birth Fathers
In Minnesota, birth fathers may have a legal right to be involved in the adoption, depending on the situation. In any case, New Life encourages birth fathers to be involved in the adoption planning if possible. If the birth father is not involved, we will take the necessary steps to ensure that an adoption is completed legally and securely.
If you are a birth father, or think you may one, New Life sees you as an important part of the process and we encourage you to call us with your questions or your concerns. Our Pregnancy Support Social Workers can meet with you together with the birth mother, or with each party individually. Depending on the situation, you may be required to have some involvement in the legal process of the adoption. You do not need legal representation to complete an adoption in Minnesota, but you are welcome to obtain this at any point in the process.
