FAQ

From michigan.gov

I am interested in adopting a child. What options do I have?

There are several types of adoptions. Some are private adoptions handled by an attorney or a private agency and others involve a state agency such as the Department of Human Services. The most frequent adoptions are:

• Private agency ward adoptions
• Direct placements
• State and court ward adoptions
• Relative adoptions
• Stepparent adoptions
• Inter-country/interstate adoptions

For more information on stepparent or relative adoptions, please contact your local Circuit Court, Family Division. For other adoptions, you may contact a licensed child-placing agency.

I'm ready to begin the adoption process. What should I do first?

Families and individuals interested in adoption must be approved through a family assessment (also known as the adoption home study) before a child can be placed in their home. The family assessment must be completed by a licensed child-placing agency. (Licensed child-placing agency is a private adoption agency or a local Department of Human Services).

What is a family assessment?  

The family assessment or “home study” generally includes a personal and social history of your current family life and past experiences, health and financial information, support systems, record clearances, references from three unrelated persons and other significant factors.

How long does the family assessment process take?

The family assessment may take from three to six months. The length of time may vary further depending on the availability of the parities involved and/or the essential documents needed.

What is the cost associated with having a family assessment completed?

If you are interested in adopting a child who is a permanent state or court ward, there is no fee for a family assessment conducted by DHS. A private child-placing agency will charge a fee for a family assessment in most cases. Since fees can vary greatly for direct placement and other private adoptions, it is important that you discuss fees with your adoption agency.

How do I choose an adoption agency?

There are a number of Department of Human Services (DHS) local offices and private child-placing agencies around the state that can work for or with you. If you are a foster parent, the agency you are currently working with may be able to conduct the family assessment.

Can an attorney faciliate an adoption?

Yes, but the family assessment must be completed by a licensed child-placing agency prior to a child being placed in an adoptive home.

I am now remarried and my spouse (stepparent) wishes to adopt my child(ren). What is the process?

The Family Division of the Circuit Court handles stepparent adoptions. The ex-spouse or putative father, or father who has acknowledged paternity can either consent to the adoption or if consent is not given, his/her parental rights may be terminated by the court if conditions, as outlined in the Adoption Code, are proven by clear and convincing evidence. Contact your local Family Court for specific requirements, procedures and forms.

I've heard about birth parents trying to regain custody of the children they released for adoption. Could that happen to me if I adopt?

Every legal safeguard is taken to protect you and your adopted child. Prior to 1995, Michigan was one of a very few states that required a court termination of the birth parent’s rights before the child could be placed in a home for adoption. In 1995, changes in Michigan’s adoption law allowed for a temporary placement of a child with a prospective adoptive family immediately following birth, while legal proceedings were completed. The birth parent(s) can also make a direct placement of their child (i.e., the birth parent(s) personally select(s) the adopting parent(s) and consent(s) to adoption of their child by an unrelated individual or couple).

How much does it cost to adopt a child?

The cost of adoption varies greatly and depends on the type of adoption. The costs typically associated with adopting a child who is a permanent state or court ward are far less than a direct placement or private agency ward adoption. These costs include court filing fees and medical and legal documentation necessary to complete the adoption. Many of these costs can be reimbursed through the state’s non-recurring expenses (NRE) program.

Costs associated with direct placement adoptions can include birth parent expenses and agency fees. Michigan has the Adoption Facilitator Clearinghouse, which maintains information about adoption agencies serving a particular county or counties. The Adoption Facilitator Clearinghouse can provide information about the actual costs adoptive parents incurred when adopting a direct placement child through a private adoption agency. To request this information (please note there may be a fee associated with this service) call 517-335-6369 517 or submit a written request to:

Department of Human Services
Payment Reconciliation Section
PO Box 30025
Lansing, MI 48909

What are the requirements to become an adoptive parent?

Agencies are most interested in a person(s) parenting ability and commitment to adoption. A person must be at least 18 years old to adopt and if legally married, both partners must be parties to adoption. Contact a licensed child-placing agency that does adoptions for more information.

Do I have to own my own home to adopt?

No. A rented house or apartment is fine as long as there is adequate bedroom space per child, a safe play area and no health and/or fire hazards. Again, all other criteria must be met as well.

Can I adopt more than one child?

Yes. There are many brothers and sisters waiting to be adopted and we encourage families to adopt siblings to maintain family bonds. Families sometimes adopt one child and decide later they would like to adopt more children.

Why must some children wait so long to be adopted?

For a child to be eligible for adoption, his/her biological parent(s) rights must be terminated. The process of terminating both parents’ legal rights is very thorough and can be complicated and lengthy at times. Often there is a shortage of families who consider adopting a child with a history of being abused or neglected or with a physical, emotional, or medical condition.

If a child is placed in our home and problems arise before the adoption is final, who do we contact?

When a child is placed in an adoptive home there is usually a supervisory period before you go to court to finalize the adoption. You will have regular visits with your worker and he/she will be available to help with any problems that arise. It is in the best interest of you and the child that you contact your worker right away rather than wait until a problem escalates.

What information is available about a child I am interested in adopting?

Available non-identifying information that includes medical information regarding the child and the child’s former family is made available to the prospective adoptive parent(s). Non-identifying information requirements are outlined in the adoption statute

We recently adopted a child but have not yet received a birth certificate in our child's name. How do we apply for a certificate in the adoptive name?

At the time the adoption was finalized, the original birth certificate (the certificate issued in the birth name of the child), is sealed and an amended birth certificate is issued in the adoptive name. Generally, the court or agency provides you with a copy of the amended birth certificate. If this did not occur, you may wish to contact the court or agency that handled the adoption to request information as to how you may now receive an amended birth certificate.

I've heard of stories where adult adoptees are reunited with their birth families. Is this common?

Once the child reaches 18 years of age, s/he can contact the court that finalized the adoption or the agency that handled the adoptive placement to request information about his/her birth family. For further information on this topic, you may wish to visit the Department of Human Services site.

Where do I find a closed adoption record?

All adoption records have a court record of the adoption and there also may be an agency record. There is no one central location of adoption records. The court record of adoption is usually located in the Family Division of Circuit Court (formerly the probate court) in the county where the adoptive parents lived at the time of the adoption. Once the court is found, the court would be able to provide you with the name of the agency if an agency were involved.

I sent in my request for information along with any other requested items and fees required of the court or agency, now what can I expect?

The adoption law requires the child placing agency or court, upon receiving a written request for information from its records, to respond within 63 days after receiving a request for nonidentifying information and 28 days after the court or agency receives the clearance request form back from the Central Adoption Registry which was forwarded as a result of the court or agency receiving the written request from the adopted person. The adult adopted person would be entitled to receive nonidentifying information and possibly identifying information if certain factors are met.

In general, the adoption record would be pulled and if the request is from the adoptee for identifying information,the court or agency would contact the Central Adoption Registry to see if a former parent or an adult former sibling filed a statement giving consent or denial to have their information released. The Registry does not require a fee of the agencies or courts for this check. Once the agency or court receives a response back from the Central Adoption Registry, they can release appropriate information from an adoption record.

Requests from the former parents, adult former siblings, and the adoptive parents of a minor do not require the check with the Central Adoption Registry. In these cases, the adoption file would be pulled and, at a minimum, non-identifying information would be shared.

I know the court and/or agency that hold the adoption record. What do I do now?

Most courts and agencies ask that all requests for information from an adoption record be placed in writing. The agency or court may require a fee for disclosing information from an adoption record.

A request for information should include as much information as possible. The child's complete name (this can be the birth name and/or the adoptive name), the child's date of birth, the name of the parents (the birth parents and/or the adoptive parents), and, if known, the court and/or agency that handled the adoption. The form FIA 1925, "Request by Adult Adoptee for Identifying Information" is available FOR THE ADOPTEE to use

What types of information can be released from an adoption record?

For the adult adoptee, information that can be released from an adoption record depends upon when parental rights were terminated:

• If parental rights were terminated prior to May 28, 1945 but after September 12, 1980 and there is no parental statement of denial found in the Central Adoption Registry, the adopted person would be entitled to receive identifying information.
• If parental rights were terminated after May 28, 1945 but before September 12, 1980, the identifying information can only be released about the birth parent who has filed a statement of consent or of the adult birth sibling who filed a statement of consent. If the birth parent is deceased, information about that birth parent can be released. If there is no statement found, the release of information is considered the same as if the parent had filed a statement of denial.

The birth parents, adult birth sibling, and the adoptive parents of a minor child would be able to receive non-identifying information.

What is the difference between identifying and nonidentifying information?

Identifying information is defined as:

• Name of each biological parent at the time of termination of parental rights
• Most recent name and address of each biological parent
• Names of biological siblings at the time of termination.

Nonidentifying information is defined as:

• Date, time and place of birth of the adopted person including the hospital, city, county and state.
• An account of the health, psychological and genetic history of the child, including an account of the child's prenatal care; mental condition at birth; any drug or medication taken by the child's mother during pregnancy; and subsequent medical, psychological, psychiatric, or dental examination and diagnosis; any psychological evaluation done when the child was under the jurisdiction of the court; any neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse suffered by the child; and a record of any immunizations and health care the child received while in foster care.
• An account of the health, psychological, and genetic history of the biological parents and other members of the child's family including any known hereditary condition or disease; the health of each parent at the child's birth, a summary of the findings of any medical, psychological, or psychiatric evaluation of each parent at the time of placement; and, if a parent is deceased, the cause of and the age at death.
• Description of the adoptee and the adoptee's birth family including:
  • given first name of the adoptee at birth
  • age and sex of siblings of adoptee
  • adoptee's enrollment and performance in school, educational testing results and special education needs
  • adoptee's racial, ethnic and religious background and a general description of birth parents including age
  • account of adoptee's past and existing relationship with any relative, foster parent or other individual or facility with whom the adoptee had lived or visited on a regular basis. The account shall not include names and address of individuals.
  • educational, occupational, professional, athletic or artistic achievement of the birth family
  • circumstances of any court order terminating parental rights of birth parents
  • length of time between termination of parental rights and child's placement
  • status of termination, voluntary, or court ordered
  • any information necessary to determine the child's eligibility for state or federal benefits including financial, medical or other assistance.
• Any agency or court may supplement this information with appropriate additional nonidentifying information.

I am an adult adoptee, can someone look for my birth family for me to see if they are interested in contact or even be willing to give me updated medical information?

The confidential intermediary program was designed to assist in search and contact for most adoptions. You may want to contact the court that finalized your adoption or even the agency that handled the adoptive placement to gain more specific information about this matter.

Can the adult adoptee obtain a copy of the original birth certificate?

For those adoptions where the parental rights were terminated prior to May 28, 1945 or after September 12, 1980 a copy of the original certificate of birth may be made available to the adopted person providing there is no denial statement on file with the Central Adoption Registry. To obtain a copy of the live certificate of birth, the court or agency that provided the identifying information would release the proper paperwork to the adopted person who can then present the document to:

Department of Community Health Customer Services Section 3423 North Martin Luther King Blvd. PO Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909

For those adoptions that occurred between May 28, 1945 and September 12, 1980, the release of the original birth certificate is contingent upon a court order.

Can I, as the adult adoptee, consent to the release of information about myself to my birth family by filing a statement with the Central Adoption Registry?

No. The Central Adoption Registry is a file of former parent and adult former sibling statements of consent or denial. The adopted person may wish to put something in their adoption record that indicates their intentions. Again, the adoption record would be maintained by the court that finalized the adoption and the agency that handled the adoption.

I am an adoptive parent of a minor child and would like to get information from my child's record. What type of information is available to me?

As an adoptive parent of a minor child, you would be entitled to receive nonidentifying information from the adoption record.
Nonidentifying information is defined as: Date, time and place of birth of the adopted person including the hospital, city, county and state An account of the health, psychological and genetic history of the child, including an account of the child's prenatal care; mental condition at birth; any drug or medication taken by the child's mother during pregnancy; and subsequent medical, psychological, psychiatric, or dental examination and diagnosis; any psychological evaluation done when the child was under the jurisdiction of the court; any neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse suffered by the child; and a record of any immunizations and health care the child received while in foster care. An account of the health, psychological, and genetic history of the biological parents and other members of the child's family including any known hereditary condition or disease; the health of each parent at the child's birth, a summary of the findings of any medical, psychological, or psychiatric evaluation of each parent at the time of placement; and, if a parent is deceased, the cause of and the age at death. Description of the adoptee and the adoptee's birth family including:

• given first name of the adoptee at birth
• age and sex of siblings of adoptee
• adoptee's enrollment and performance in school, educational testing results and special education needs
• adoptee's racial, ethnic and religious background and a general description of birth parents including age
• account of adoptee's past and existing relationship with any relative, foster parent or other individual or facility with whom the adoptee had lived or visited on a regular basis. The account shall not include names and address of individuals.
• educational, occupational, professional, athletic or artistic achievement of the birth family
• circumstances of any court order terminating parental rights of birth parents
• length of time between termination of parental rights and child's placement
• status of termination, voluntary, or court ordered
• any information necessary to determine the child's eligibility for state or federal benefits including financial, medical or other assistance.

Any agency or court may supplement this information with appropriate additional nonidentifying information.

Where do I, as the adoptive parent, get information from my child's record?   Information from an adoption record can be obtained from the court that finalized the adoption or the agency that handled the adoption.

As an adoptive parent, I would like to locate the birth family members for my minor child, what do I need to do to find them?

The confidential intermediary program may be available to the adoptive parents of a minor child. A petition would need to be filed with the court that finalized the adoption. For more information concerning this program and to learn if you are eligible to petition, you should contact the court where the adoption was finalized.

I received nonidentifying information years ago about my adopted child. My child is now experiencing other problems, how can I obtain more current information?

You could check with the court and agency that handled your child's adoption to learn if there is any more current information available in their respective files. Sometimes, birth family members may ask the court or agency to place additional information in the adoption file.

You may also wish to discuss with the court whether the confidential intermediary program would be available to you as an avenue to gain additional information.

As a former parent or an adult former sibling, what information can I request from an adoption record?

The former parent and adult former sibling can obtain nonidentifying information from an adoption record. This information would be available from the court that finalized the adoption and the agency that handled the adoption, if an agency was involved.

I understand that not all family members can register with the Central Adoption Registry. Who can register?

The Central Adoption Registry allows the birth parent, a former parent, adult birth sibling and an adult former sibling to register a statement. Only these family members can register with the Central Adoption Registry

How do I register with the Central Adoption Registry?

It is important to remember that only the former parent and adult former sibling can register with the Central Adoption Registry.

Former parents may complete a FIA 1919, "Parent's Consent or Denial to Release Information to Adult Adoptee".

An adult sibling may file either the FIA 1917, "Adult Former Sibling Statement to Release Information to Adult Adoptee" or the FIA 1918, "Release of Information to Adult Adoptee by Brother/Sister as Proxy for Deceased Parent".

These forms are available by contacting the family division of circuit court, a child placing agency, local Department of Human Services, the Central Adoption Registry, or by downloading the form from your computer.

The forms must be completed with as much of the child's information as possible and mailed to the Central Adoption Registry.

What if I, as the former parent or the adult former sibling, registered with the Central Adoption Registry and I change my mind or move?

The Central Adoption Registry allows one to change their statement at any time simply by completing a new form and sending it to the Central Adoption Registry.

As a birth parent, I would like a copy of the original former certificate; how do I obtain a copy?

The original birth certificate is sealed at the time of an adoption. Releasing the original former certificate requires a court order from the court that holds the record of adoption.

How do we feel confident when selecting an adoption entity?

Making the commitment to adopt a baby is a huge step. This investment can be lost if the wrong entity is employed. Choosing the right entity in today’s environment is even more crucial as adoption agencies in the United States are finding themselves in financial straits and closing their doors in unprecedented numbers. To choose an entity with confidence, there are a number of factors to consider, including: size of the adoption entity, national presence, longevity in business and recent history of success. Adoption Network Law Center is not an adoption agency. It is a law center providing adoption services that successfully accomplished over 300 adoptions in 2009 and are on course to do the same this year. Call today to learn more about the team's experience, background and their proven success.

We are concerned about the health and well-being of our adopted baby, how can we be sure that we are getting the truth from the Birthparents about their background?

Adoption Network Law Center’s Birthmothers are required to sign a release providing their complete medical records. This medical history is provided directly to Adoption Network Law Center by the physician treating the Birthmother and subsequently provided to the Adoptive Parents selected by the Birthmother/Parents. Adoption Network Law Center makes every effort to retrieve as much background information on all of the Birthmothers they support and pass that on to you. They gather all available medical records on the Birthmother and those records are disclosed to the Adoptive Parents. Adoption Network Law Center also gathers all the available background information on both the Birthmother and Birthfather and their families of origin as it relates to medical history, education, likes and dislikes and more. Contact Adoption Network Law Center for detailed information regarding the Birthmother screening process.

How does Adoption Network Law Center avoid extended wait times?

Adoption Network Law Center takes great pride in how quickly their Clients are presented with an adoption opportunity. They invest millions of dollars per year in advertising to attract Birthmothers. Adoption Network Law Center appears within the top ten results on the leading search engines for thousands of adoption-related search terms and engages in substantial Birthmother outreach programs. They cannot guarantee how long they will need to market you to potential Birthparents, as the amount of time it takes can be affected by many factors. Contact an Adoption Network Law Center Adoption Consultant today to learn about how you can reduce the amount of time it takes to be selected by Birthparents.

How much does it cost to adopt a baby in the United States?

The total fees for an adoption are comprised of multiple elements. Each adoption is unique and the fees vary, but Adoption Network Law Center strives to maintain affordable adoptions while doing all they can to ensure successful results. When comparing entities’ fees, be sure you are aware of all the related costs, and that the entities you compare are quoting all fees involved, not just their service fee, before you compare the bottom line. The primary variable include:

• The adoption program you choose
• Home study fees
• Birthmother expenses
• Legal fees
• Travel expenses
• Marketing expenses to secure a Birthmother

There are financial resources and programs available to help you with your adoption costs.

How does Adoption Network Law Center avoid Birthmother/Birthparent scams and disruptions?

Adoption Network Law Center works to avoid both scams and disruptions by offering 24/7 support to our Birthparents while theywe work to foster a strong relationship of trust between the Birthparents and our Adoptive Parents. When you choose to retain experienced adoption professionals, you substantially reduce the risk of falling into an adoption scam. Adoption Network Law Center’s proven adoption professionals are more likely to recognize early indications of intentional fraudulent behavior, thereby protecting Adoptive Parents from fraud. Adoption Network Law Center’s commitment to the Birthparent support system is extremely successful in creating a comfort level with Birthparents and has proven to be very instrumental in supporting follow through with the adoption plan. Unfortunately, disruption is a reality that comes with the adoption territory, but Adoption Network Law Center is fully committed to open and direct communication with our their Adoptive Parents and they can be confident in the fact that the Adoption Network Law Center team will walk them through all aspects of their adoption journey, specially in the event of a disruption. Adoptive Parents can also be assured that it is Adoption Network Law Center’s commitment to re-market any Adoptive Parents who have experienced a disruption until Adoption Network Law Center iswe are able to present them with another adoption opportunity.

How does Adoption Network Law Center help clients to avoid failed adoptions?

Avoiding a failed adoption is one of the most important aspects of the services Adoption Network Law Center provides. They ensure that every statute, law and requirement to legally transfer parental rights to the Adoptive Parents is followed to the letter. It is Adoption Network Law Center’s job to do everything they can to ensure that the network of professionals they work with has accomplished each adoption in compliance with all governing statutes, laws and requirements for all states and circumstances involved. Call Adoption Network Law Center to learn more about the legal process of adoption.

Is there any way to reduce adoption fees?

Adoption Network Law Center offers financing programs to help Adoptive Parents manage adoption-related expenses. There are multiple ways to save on your adoption fees. Below are just some of the ways you can save. Call Adoption Network Law Center today to learn more about opportunities to save on adoption expenses and fees.

• 1.Federal Adoption Tax Credit
• 2.Federal Child Tax Credit
• 3.State Tax Credit
• 4.Employer Benefits
• 5.Loans and Grants

How do we make sure the fees remain within our budget?

Adoptive Parents are allowed to place a cap on the miscellaneous fees based on their budget requirements.

Why should I retain Adoption Network Law Center?

Adoption Network Law Center spends millions of dollars per year marketing to Birthmothers. As a result, most Adoptive Parents are presented with an adoption opportunity within 4 months of being marketed. We also offer The "Adoption Network Law Center Commitment" is also offered to every client. Adoption Network Law Center is fully committed to Birthparents as well as our Adoptive Parents. Their qualified adoption staff is available to Birthmothers 24 hours a day so as to ensure the absolute best adoption experience is provided for both the Birthparents as well as our Adoptive Parents.

When do the Birthparents relinquish their parental rights?

Birthparents must consent to relinquish their parental rights before the Adoptive Parents may legally adopt the child. Typically this cannot be done until after the baby is born. Depending on the state in which the Birthparents reside, there may be a time frame within which the Birthparents may rescind their relinquishment. When you are presented with an adoption opportunity, your Adoption Network Law Center Adoption Advisor will explain the legal process for the state in which your adoption will occur.

What is a home study and when should we start it?

Required for every adoption, the home study is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together, usually at the social worker's office. At least one meeting will occur in the applicant's home. If there are other people living in the home, they also will be interviewed by the social worker. It highlights items such as relationships, interactions with children, your neighborhood, and your childhood. A home study also requires prospective Adoptive Parents and other adults living in the home to receive an FBI fingerprint background clearance. The home study helps the courts, and us, determine if a stable environment exists for a family to receive an adoptive placement. The cost of a home study can vary greatly depending on the area of the country in which you reside and the agency that completes it. Contact your Adoption Consultant for a list of providers in your area. It is extremely important that the home study be started immediately! Your home study must be completed and you must be approved for placement by a child-placing agency before you can take your baby home. There are many cases wherein we’ve presented an adoption opportunity has been presented to our Adoptive Parents within a week or two of them retaining our Adoption Network Law Center’s services, so the key here is to be ready!