For a private adoption (which many couples are chooseing now) you will not need a lawyer if you can do the research and find out the proper paperwork to be filled. It is less expensive but the mother can legally change her mind at the last minute keeping any money that you have provided her, not to mention the emotional trauma that it may cause. If you go to meetup.com you can find private adoption groups with parents who have been through the whole process so you can know what to expect and the best way to go about it. Good luck!

