An Overview of the Adoption Process in Michigan

Michigan is known for its great lakes and bustling automotive industry. It is also home to more than 10 million Americans. If you are a Michigan resident facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering adoption. Adoption is a positive, loving choice. It is one that can feel overwhelming, at times, but made much easier with the support of an adoption agency. If you are researching “adoption process Michigan,” you have come to the right place.

In this guide, we will highlight the adoption process in Michigan. Adoption does not have to be intimidating. The best resource available to you is a supportive and compassionate adoption agency. Read on, as we explore adoption in Michigan and what you need to know before taking on this life-changing journey.

1. Who can guide birthmothers through adoption in Michigan?

The best place to turn, when considering adoption in Michigan, is an adoption professional. An adoption agency in Michigan will ensure that your adoption is handled safely and legally. It will also ensure that your child goes to a safe, stable, and loving home. The best adoption agencies in Michigan will provide you with the support and care you deserve, while providing you with respect, dignity, and compassion.

Choosing to work with a Michigan adoption agency offers many benefits for birth parents, including the peace of mind and comfort offered by these experienced professionals. Adoptions With Love, for example, has been helping expectant/birth parents in Michigan since 1986.

2. How to prepare for an adoption in Michigan?

Once you have found the best adoption agency for you, you can reach out to learn more about their organization. It can help to read testimonials on the agency’s website and speak with a social worker to get a better idea of how they will treat you throughout the adoption process.

Once you have settled on an adoption agency, you can continue to focus on your health and well-being. The best adoption agencies in Michigan will offer supportive services at no cost to you. In fact, you can get financial assistance during the adoption process, including living expenses and uninsured medical bills related to the pregnancy. Keeping up with your prenatal appointments is important for ensuring that you have a healthy pregnancy and overall health.

It is also important to seek professional counseling. Adoptions With Love offers counseling before and after the adoption is complete. Your mental and emotional health are just as important as your physical health, so it is crucial to continue these free services.

3. How much does adoption cost?

Adoption should never cost expectant/birth parents a dime. In fact, the best adoption agencies in Michigan will provide you with free supportive services as well as financial assistance throughout the pregnancy (and beyond.)

Adoptions With Love offers expectant/birth mothers planning adoption in Michigan the following services for free:

• Housing assistance. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Other living expenses, such as utilities, phone bills, food costs, and even maternity clothes, as needed.
• Counseling services, before and after the adoption.
• Legal support. We offer an adoption attorney who is experienced with Michigan adoptions.
• Adoption planning services. We can help you design an adoption plan that makes you feel comfortable.
• Ongoing contact. We stay connected with our Michigan birth parents.

4. What to expect after an adoption in Michigan?

Adoption is a lifelong journey. It does not end once the paperwork is signed. After your child’s adoption is complete, you may begin to build a bright future. If you have an open adoption or a semi-open adoption, you may start to form a bond with your child’s adoptive family. Your adoption professional can help you navigate this relationship and act as a liaison, if needed.

You may also begin to work toward your own goals – both personally and professionally. One of the biggest benefits of choosing adoption is that you may continue to reach for your dreams while knowing that your child is safe and well-loved.

5. How to get started in the adoption process in Michigan?

The first step to begin the adoption process in Michigan is by reaching out to the adoption agency of your choosing. Once you have met with – or spoken with – an adoption professional, you can begin to consider the type of adoptive family you would like to adopt your child. You can also browse the many profiles of prospective adoptive parents who are ready to adopt. You may speak with, or meet, the family before making your decision. Once you have chosen an adoptive family, you may begin to consider the type of adoption plan you would like to have. Your adoption professional can help you determine the plan that best meets your needs. There are three basic types of adoption plans from which to choose:

• Open adoption
• Semi-open adoption
• Closed adoption.

If you choose an open or semi-open adoption, you can maintain ongoing contact with your child’s adoptive family for the many years following adoption. If you decide that a closed adoption is right for you, that is okay, too. Adoptions With Love keeps letters and photos on file in case a birth parent decides to open the adoption later.

6. How long does the adoption process take?

A birth mother may sign consent after a 72-hour period following the baby’s birth. Once consent is signed, the Michigan family court issues an order terminating the parental rights to said child no sooner than five days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the consent form is signed. This is good for anyone planning adoption for their child because it allows time to meet the baby and consider the choice before signing the paperwork.

While 72 hours (about 3 days) is the minimum requirement in Michigan, there is no expiration. It is never too late to place your child for adoption. Adoptions With Love encourages birth parents to take all the time they need before signing any official paperwork. You may finalize your decision in the hospital or at home. It is up to you.

Learn More About Adoption in Michigan

If you have even more questions about the adoption process in Michigan, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can help guide you and walk you through the journey. Call 800-722-7731, text 617-777-0072, or contact us online. We can help you make an adoption plan for your child in Michigan with the respect, dignity, and compassion you deserve.