2008 ADOPTION DISCLOSURE

THE STATE OF FLORIDA REQUIRES THAT THIS FORM BE PROVIDED TO ALL PERSONS CONSIDERING ADOPTING A MINOR OR SEEKING TO PLACE A MINOR FOR ADOPTION, TO ADVISE THEM OF THE FOLLOWING FACTS REGARDING ADOPTION UNDER FLORIDA LAW:

1.      The Name, address, and telephone number of the adoption entity providing this disclosure is:

            Name: Linda J. Barnby, P.A.

            Address: 1681 Maitland Avenue

            Maitland, Florida 32751

            Phone Number: 407-831-4944.

2.      The adoption entity does not provide legal representation or advice to  parents, or anyone signing a consent for adoption or affidavit of nonpaternity,  and  parents have the right to consult with an attorney of their own choosing to advise them.

3.      With the exception of an adoption by a stepparent or relative a child cannot be placed into a prospective adoptive home unless the prospective adoptive parents have received a favorable preliminary home study, including criminal and child abuse clearances.

4.      A valid consent for adoption may not be signed by the birth mother until 48 hours after the birth of the child, or the day the birth mother is notified, in writing, that she is fit for discharge from the licensed hospital or birth center. Any man may sign a valid consent for adoption at any time after the birth of the child.

5.      A consent for adoption signed before the child attains the age of 6 months is binding and irrevocable from the moment it is signed unless it can be proven in court that the consent was obtained by fraud or duress. A consent for adoption signed after the child attains the age of 6 months is valid from the moment it is signed; however, it may be revoked up to 3 days after it was signed.

6.      A consent for adoption is not valid if the signature of the person who signed the consent was obtained by fraud or duress.

7.      An unmarried biological father must act immediately in order to protect his parental rights. Section 63.062, Florida Statutes, prescribes that any father seeking to establish his right to consent to the adoption of his child must file a claim of paternity with the Florida Putative Father Registry maintained by the Office of  Vital Statistics of the Department of Health by the date a petition to terminate parental rights is filed with the court, or within  30 days after receiving service of a Notice of Intended Adoption Plan. If he receives a Notice of Intended Adoption Plan, he must file a claim of paternity with the court, and provide financial support to the mother or child within 30 days following service. An unmarried biological father’s failure to timely respond to a Notice of Intended Adoption Plan constitutes an irrevocable legal waiver of any and all rights that the father may have to the child. A claim of paternity registration form for the Florida Putative Father Registry may be obtained from any local office of the Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, the Department of Children and Families, the Internet websites for these agencies, and the offices of the clerks of the Florida circuit courts. The claim of paternity from must be submitted to the Office of Vital Statistics, Attention: Adoption Unit, P.O. Box 210 Jacksonville, FL 32231.

8.      There are alternatives to adoption, including foster care, relative care, and parenting the child. There may be services and sources of financial assistance in the community available to parents if they choose to parent the child.

9.      A  parent has the right to have a witness of his or her choice, who is unconnected with the adoption entity or the adoptive parents, to be present and witness the signing of the consent or affidavit of nonpaternity.

10.  A  parent 14 years of age or younger must have a parent, legal guardian, or court-appointed guardian ad litem to assist and advise the  parent as to the adoption plan.

11.  A  parent has a right to receive supportive counseling from a counselor, social worker, physician, clergy, or attorney.

12.  The payment of living or medical expenses by the prospective adoptive parents before the birth of the child does not, in any way, obligate the  parent to sign the consent for adoption.