The process of adoption is a long, tedious process that costs money. California’s family law provisions allow for such legal adoptions to qualified parents in the state. In Orange County, depending on the type of company or firm used to make the adoption, the process can cost potential parents tens of thousands of dollars.

So it comes as no surprise that many parents are resorting to using social media instead of conventional means. Sites such as Facebook’s Marketplace or Youtube provide opportunities to biological and adoptive parents to connect get to know each other and arrange the adoption – and it only costs a fraction of what it would cost if parents go through an agency.

Often, parents create a page where they can post media content. This is the means by which they introduce themselves to other parents who are looking to either adopt or offer their child up for adoption.

Experts however warn parents about potential issues with this unconventional method. While it may work for some families as it expands the search, this method presents certain risks to parents.  One issue experts worry about is how social media sites handle privacy. While most sites do have good privacy settings, most parents tend to ignore these settings. As a result, information posted online end up getting used against posters.

The FBI has investigated certain cases wherein the birth mom involved tricked families into paying expenses without any intention of actually handing over the child. Experts warn that the internet have vulnerabilities that make scams easier.

According to experts, anyone taking this course should involve a legal professional immediately who knows the many adoption scams in the country. The adoption process involves many, often tricky, legal documents that necessitate parents and legal professionals to confirm information. The process also needs a legal professional to review and sign any legal documentation.

Adoption may cost money but if done right, it is money well-invested. A legal professional may prove helpful during adoption to avoid all other family legal issues that may arise.