Adoption; release information

The release of a child for adoption is an alternative worth considering to an abortion. The youth welfare offices are helpful in arranging adoptions. In view of the very large number of couples who register as interested in adopting a child, there are good prospects for placement with suitable and loving adoptive parents.

If the woman gives birth to the child, she can give consent to an adoption after eight weeks at the earliest. Here, however, the adopters must already be determined. A "blank adoption", with which only a general consent of the mother is present, is inadmissible. However, consent to an "incognito adoption" can be given. With this the adoptive parents are certain; however, the mother of the child does not know them.

For an adoption the consent of "the parents" is necessary in principle. However, a participation of the natural father is ruled out if he is not known. A man who believes himself to be the father of the child can obtain participation in the adoption proceedings if he makes a credible case that he can be considered biologically as the father of the child.

The mother's consent must be notarized before the notary public and subsequently received by the family court. It cannot be given subject to a condition or a time provision. The consent is irrevocable. However, it loses its force if the adoptive parents withdraw their application or the family court refuses the adoption. Furthermore, the consent loses its force if the child is not adopted within three years of the consent taking effect.

"Release for adoption" is an alternative to abortion that is worth considering in the vital interest of the child. However, the mother must be aware that the adoption cannot be reversed and that, in principle, there is a prohibition on disclosure and investigation with regard to its circumstances. The mother therefore has no right to later learn the names of the adoptive parents or to contact her child. Therefore, she should be aware of the resulting, possibly serious psychological consequences of a release for adoption.

Jurisdiction

Youth welfare office as adoption agency; family court to decide on the adoption.