One of your options when dealing with an unexpected pregnancy is putting your baby up for adoption. If you’ve considered placing a child for adoption, you may be wondering, “Can I get paid for adoption in Hawaii?”
First off, we want you to know two things:
- You won’t have to pay to put a child up for adoption.
- You can get help with some pregnancy-related costs through adoption financial assistance in Hawaii.
“Can you get paid for adoption in Hawaii? The answer is complicated. It’s okay to have questions about financial assistance for adoption in Hawaii, and we want to help you get answers if you’re wondering, “Can you get paid for adoption in Hawaii?”
As you start your journey, it’s wise to find an adoption agency you can rely upon for information and guidance. To get a list of agencies nearby or to find more information on financial assistance for adoption, simply complete our online form. For now, please read on for the answers to “Can you get paid for adoption in Hawaii?” and other questions.
1. Will I be expected to pay to put my baby up for adoption in Hawaii?
No, birth mothers are never expected to pay to put their child up for adoption in Hawaii. It’s always a free option for birth moms. That’s because pregnancy has its own inherent financial challenges stemming from the cost of prenatal care and hospital expenses. Requiring birth mothers to pay additional fees for the adoption process would be unethical and burdensome.
2. Can you get paid for adoption in Hawaii?
Some mistakenly believe birth mothers “get paid” for adoption in Hawaii since they sometimes receive financial assistance from potential adoptive parents. However, adoption financial assistance and compensation aren’t the same thing in legal terms. Adoption for compensation remains illegal under state and federal law.
Compensation is considered anything of value offered to or accepted by birth parents in exchange for placing a child for adoption. Offering or accepting such compensation can have negative consequences, such criminal prosecution under human trafficking laws.
Can you get paid for adoption in Hawaii? No, but you can accept legal financial help in compliance with state laws. Choosing to place a child for adoption means most (if not all) costs stemming from your pregnancy, labor, and delivery will be paid by the prospective adoptive parents as financial assistance for adoption.
The family courts allow financial support for adoption to be provided because they recognize that many women dealing with unexpected pregnancy face considerable financial challenges. The assistance provided by hopeful adoptive families can help alleviate some of that stress and promote a safe and healthy pregnancy for mother and baby.
3. Is it possible to get paid to place a baby for adoption in Hawaii by an adoption agency?
If you’re wondering, “Can you get paid for adoption in Hawaii by an adoption agency?” the answer is no. The source of the compensation is irrelevant in a legal sense. Anyone who offers or any birth parents who accept anything of value for placing a child for adoption is breaking state and federal law. That includes compensation from adoptive parents, adoption agencies, or other representatives of potential adoptive families.
You should be suspicious of anyone that offers compensation beyond the expenses described as acceptable under state law. Payment in exchange for giving your baby up for adoption can result in harsh penalties, so please avoid any person or agency that offers you illegal compensation.
Can you get paid for adoption in Hawaii? Again, the answer is no, but there is adoption financial assistance available for paying pregnancy-related expenses. Birth mother expenses incurred before, during, and soon after the pregnancy and birth may be paid by hopeful adoptive families or through adoption agencies in compliance with the law.
4. Do birth mothers get financial assistance for adoption in Hawaii?
An unplanned pregnancy can turn your life upside down and present significant financial challenges. The long list of costs associated with pregnancy (such as groceries, medical care, and lifestyle costs) can overwhelm you, and a limited ability to work during pregnancy may further compound those struggles.
The answer to “Can you get paid for adoption in Hawaii?” is no, but you may be eligible for financial assistance in compliance with state laws that can help pay pregnancy-related costs like living expenses and the cost of medical care. To be considered legal, birth mother financial assistance in Hawaii must fall under one of these categories:
- Medical expenses: Prenatal and postnatal healthcare comes at a significant cost, which could be burdensome for birth mothers. State law lets potential adoptive families pay birth mother and baby medical care and hospital costs.
- Living expenses: Some birth mother living expenses can be paid by the adoptive family if they promote the health and well-being of the mother and child. That includes things like birth mother housing, food, utilities, and other expenses the court deems reasonable.
- Adoption expenses: All birth mothers can get free support from an adoption agency that can help them coordinate adoption opportunities and access needed resources. Agency costs can also be paid by potential adoptive families in HI.
- Legal expenses: Legal fees for adoption would present a financial burden for many birth mothers, So state law in Hawaii allows prospective adoptive parents to cover those costs.
Even if you’re in your third trimester or you’ve already given birth when you choose adoption, you could be wondering, “Can I get paid for adoption in Hawaii?” Payment isn’t an option, but you can get adoption financial assistance at any point in your pregnancy or immediately after the birth. Please speak to a professional about your situation because each adoption scenario is unique. To connect with someone, please complete this online form.
5. What state regulations govern adoption financial assistance payments?
Birth mother expenses aren’t directly addressed by Hawaii state law. However, payment of birth mother expenses such as housing, medical costs, and other living expenses deemed reasonable by the court is legal. Some states limit the amount of adoption financial assistance, and Hawaii doesn’t enumerate a maximum limit in state law.
The laws about adoption financial assistance can be difficult for the average person to navigate, and laws governing it differ from state to state. That’s why it’s wise to consult with a licensed adoption professional about birth mother expense payments to make sure you’re in compliance with state law. Though the answer to “Can I get paid for adoption in Hawaii?” is always no, you can get legal assistance from hopeful adoptive parents who wish to help.
6. Who decides how much adoption financial assistance is provided to birth mothers?
Even though the answer to “Can you get paid to give a baby up for adoption in Hawaii?” is no, adoption financial assistance is legal and available in Hawaii. There’s no maximum limit on adoption financial assistance under Hawaii law, and the family court system has the ability to govern any financial assistance offered.
Some factors that can impact the kinds of expenses covered and the amount of adoption financial assistance you will receive, such as:
- Your current living standard
- The standard of living needed to ensure the health and safety of you and your unborn child
- Other sources of financial assistance
- The adoption budget of the prospective adoptive family
7. Where do I find additional information on adoption financial assistance in Hawaii?
If you’re still wondering, “Can I get paid for adoption in Hawaii?” it’s time to consult an adoption professional for answers. Your adoption agency in Hawaii will help you get all the assistance you’re entitled to receive in compliance with the laws in Hawaii. To connect with a professional today, please complete our online form.
