The laws of some states allow attorneys and other individuals who are not licensed as child-placing agencies to match adoptive parents with birth parents. In most states, however, the adoptive and birth parents must make initial contact with one another without the intervention of an individual, such as an attorney, who is receiving professional fees for rendering services in connection with the adoption proceeding. In these states, the adoptive and birth parents must make initial contact with one another by such means as word of mouth and newspaper advertising. In those states that prohibit paid intermediaries such as attorneys, it is still legal for attorneys to receive payment for advising prospective adoptive parents on advertising techniques and other methods by which adoptive parents can make their own initial direct contact with birth parents.
More information about independent adoptions:
