• Open adoption allows birth parents and adoptive families to maintain agreed-upon contact after placement, ranging from photos and letters to in-person visits.
• In Michigan, open adoption agreements are based on good faith rather than legal enforcement, making agency guidance and clear written plans essential.
• Working with a licensed Michigan child-placing agency helps both birth parents and adoptive families understand their rights and set realistic expectations.
Open adoption is a practice that allows birth parents and adoptive families to exchange identifying information and maintain varying levels of contact, from occasional updates to regular visits. For families considering open adoptions Michigan, understanding both the benefits and the legal framework in Michigan is essential before making any decisions.
What Open Adoption Means in Michigan
Today, a significant majority of domestic infant adoptions are “open adoptions” in which birth parents and adoptive parents have agreed to engage in some level of communication and the exchange of information with one another, including the possibility of identifying information and an agreement for ongoing contact going forward.
Open adoption is not shared parenting. Parental rights of the birth family are terminated, and the adoptive parents are the legal parents and the ones responsible for the care of the child who has been adopted.
A key legal consideration in Michigan is enforceability. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, Michigan does not have statutes that make post-adoption contact agreements (PACAs) legally enforceable between birth parents and adoptive families in private domestic infant adoption. When you create an open adoption agreement with an adoptive family in Michigan, that agreement is based on good faith and mutual commitment rather than legal obligation.
You can begin making an adoption plan at any time during your pregnancy, but you cannot legally sign your consent to adoption until at least 72 hours after giving birth.
Benefits for Each Member of the Adoption Triad
Open adoption offers distinct advantages for birth parents, adoptive families, and the child.
For the child: Benefits range from developing a deeper sense of their own identities and preserving a connection to their birth culture and heritage to the very practical ability to access genetic and medical information.
Research consistently shows that adopted children who maintain some level of connection with their birth families often experience positive outcomes in areas such as identity development, emotional well-being, and understanding their adoption story.
For birth parents: Birth parents can gain peace of mind by knowing how their child is doing. This can also help mitigate the grief and loss that can accompany placing a child for adoption.
Staying in touch gives the birth mother ongoing reassurance about her child’s well-being. Whether that is through letters, photos, or visits, knowing her child is thriving is one of the most meaningful things an adoptive family can offer.
For adoptive families: Clearly defined, ongoing contact can help adoptive parents have more positive feelings towards their child’s birth parents.
Adoptive families can gain continuous access to updated medical history, which is beneficial for the child’s health.
Open vs. Closed Adoption: A Comparison
|
Factor |
Open Adoption |
Closed Adoption |
|
Contact with birth family |
Yes, agreed-upon level |
None |
|
Access to medical history |
Ongoing and updated |
Limited to original records |
|
Child’s identity development |
Supported by direct connection |
May require later search |
|
Birth parent peace of mind |
Ongoing reassurance |
No post-placement updates |
The level of openness can range from fully open, with direct contact between the birth parents and the child meeting or talking directly, to semi-open, where communication is mediated through an adoption agency. Contact arrangements may include letters, emails, photos, phone calls, video messages, or in-person visits, scheduled anywhere from monthly to once a year.
Practical Considerations Before Choosing Open Adoption
Because Michigan does not legally enforce open adoption agreements, the quality of the agency relationship and the clarity of any written plan matter considerably.
The National Council for Adoption explains that a post-adoption communication agreement helps provide structure for ongoing contact between birth and adoptive families while supporting the relationship as it evolves over time. The agreement outlines the type and frequency of communication, such as photos, letters, emails, phone calls, or in-person visits, creating a shared understanding after placement.
You can work with a licensed child-placing agency or adoption attorney to create a plan that reflects your preferences, such as choosing the adoptive family and deciding whether you would like an open or closed adoption.
As a licensed child-placing agency, Morning Star Adoption Center maintains the highest standards of care and professionalism. Expecting mothers have the opportunity to review profiles of pre-screened adoptive families and choose the one that feels right for them.
Key questions to address when planning an open adoption:
• What type of contact is preferred: letters and photos, video calls, or in-person visits?
• How frequently will contact occur, and who initiates it?
• How will contact be managed if circumstances change over time?
• Is mediation available through the agency if communication breaks down?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a birth parent change the level of openness after placement in Michigan? Contact arrangements can evolve over time. Open adoption agreements can evolve depending on what is comfortable and safe for everyone, including birth parents, the child, and the adoptive family. Any changes are typically handled through mutual agreement rather than court action in Michigan.
Does open adoption affect the legal finalization of the adoption? No. Open adoption is not shared parenting. Parental rights of the birth family are terminated, and the adoptive parents are the legal parents responsible for the care of the child. Contact agreements are separate from the legal adoption order.
Can adoptive families in Michigan receive financial assistance for adoption expenses? In 2025, the maximum adoption tax credit is $17,280 for adoptive parents whose Modified Gross Adjusted Income (MAGI) is $259,190 or less. Additionally, in Michigan, it is legally allowable for potential adoptive parents to assist a pregnant woman planning adoption with reasonable and necessary daily living expenses. These expenses are discussed with an adoption professional to determine if they are appropriate and ultimately approved by the court.
What services does a licensed Michigan agency provide to birth parents? Morning Star Adoption Center provides comprehensive support for expecting mothers considering adoption, offering counseling about adoption options, assistance with medical and reasonable living expenses during pregnancy, and emotional support throughout the process.
Choosing open adoption in Michigan is a deeply personal decision that involves weighing ongoing relationships, legal realities, and the long-term needs of the child. Partnering with an experienced, licensed agency helps ensure that all parties enter the process with clear expectations and genuine support. To learn more about how open adoption works in Michigan and to connect with a team that has served expecting mothers and adoptive families across the state, reach out to Morning Star Adoption Center for a confidential consultation.
