What is the primary characteristic of an independent adoption?

An independent adoption is primarily characterized by being a privately arranged adoption. In this context, it means that the adoptive parents and the birth parents take on the responsibility of arranging the adoption themselves without the involvement of an adoption agency. This type of adoption allows for more direct communication and negotiation between the parties involved, which can lead to a more personalized experience.

The nature of independent adoption emphasizes the autonomy of the adoptive parents and birth parents in making decisions regarding the placement of the child. They might work with legal counsel to ensure that the adoption adheres to all legal requirements, but they control the process rather than relying on an intermediary agency.

In contrast, other types of adoptions, such as agency-assisted or court-directed adoptions, involve more formal structures where an adoption agency or the state plays a significant role in facilitating the adoption process. In these situations, the accountability and oversight of the adoption process are handled by a third party, which differentiates them from the independence and direct involvement seen in an independent adoption.