Few things are more joyous and fulfilling than caring for a child. Private adoption is an increasingly popular option for those looking to expand their families. Unfortunately, the adoption process can feel overwhelming. All you want to focus on is the health and happiness of a child who needs your love. But before you can, you will likely be flooded with stacks of paperwork, invasive questions, and legal hurdles.
At Alward Fisher, we know how important family is. That’s why we want to help you as yours grows. We know you are eager to share your love with a child. We’ll work hard to make the adoption process as smooth as possible. Our compassionate team of Michigan direct adoption attorneys can walk you through the process and let you know what to expect every step of the way.
If you are ready to open up your home to a child, we are ready to help. Contact our offices today for an initial consultation.
What Is a Private Adoption?
Private or direct adoption is permits a parent or guardian having legal and physical custody of a child to make a placement of the child directly to an adoptive parent. The parents have often already chosen someone they feel comfortable with, such as a friend or relative not within the fifth degree of consanguinity by marriage, blood, or adoption.
Private Adoption Pros and Cons
One of the main benefits of private adoption is the relationship between the biological parents and the adoptive parents. The adoptive parents often get more information about the baby’s health as it develops and may know the family’s medical history. The biological parents may also allow the adoptive parents to support the birth mother through her pregnancy, which can be a valuable experience for all involved.
Private adoptions tend to be completed more efficiently than those through an adoption agency. They are also much faster than international adoptions, which can involve long waits and considerable paperwork.
Private adoptions are also an excellent choice for individuals and couples looking to adopt an infant. Typically, private adoptions occur when the child is still very young. This gives the adoptive parents time to bond with the baby and form attachments.
However, there are some drawbacks to private adoption as well. If you are adopting from a friend, or someone you know, there is always the possibility that adoption will complicate the personal relationship.
It can also be a stressful experience. The biological parents can change their mind and want to keep the baby, leaving the eager adoptive parents devastated.
While the process of private adoption itself can be reasonably quick, finding biological parents looking for adoptive parents can be challenging. If you are not in close contact with someone willing to explore the option of private adoption, you could have to wait years for the right circumstances. Some couples place ads on social media or newspapers seeking a willing birth mother. While this can sometimes work out, it can also be dangerous and attract dishonest people willing to prey on those who simply want to expand their families.
Private adoption can also be expensive. In some cases, the adoptive parents may be expected to cover all of the pregnant mother’s medical costs and birthing expenses.
Requirements to File for Adoption in Michigan
Before you can bring a child into your home, you must meet the qualifications outlined by the state of Michigan. These requirements ensure that the child is placed in a safe, responsible, and loving home environment.
In Michigan, you do not need to be married to adopt a child. You also do not need to own your own home, as long as you have enough space and your home is free from environmental hazards.
A Closer Look into the Adoption Process in Michigan
The direct adoption process can seem intimidating. The first step is finding biological parents who are looking to have someone adopt a child. The adoptive parents must then go through the process of submitting a petition and participate in a home study or pre-placement assessment.
In some cases, the birth mother or biological parents may want to temporarily place the baby with the adoptive parents before making a long-term decision. All parties can sign paperwork that outlines the child’s temporary placement and acknowledges that the baby must be returned within a certain time frame if the biological parents requests the child back.
The biological parents will retain all legal and parental rights to the child until a formal adoption happens. In Michigan, the biological parents have 21 days to appeal after deciding to terminate their parental rights to a child. Once the adoptive parents are given custody of the child by the court, there is generally a supervision period.
After the supervision period ends, the court may finalize the adoption. The state can then issue a new birth certificate listing the adoptive parents as the child’s legal guardians.
Benefits of Hiring an Adoption Lawyer
Even if it brings you the joy of a child, private adoption can be a challenge. An experienced private adoption lawyer can help you navigate the process effectively so you can welcome a child into your loving home as quickly and painlessly as possible.
If you are considering a private adoption, talk to a compassionate family law attorney with Alward Fisher today.