Adoption Attorney Grand Rapids, Michigan

Types of Adoption in Michigan

Michigan allows for various types of adoption. All require that the biological parents' rights be terminated. Once the adoption is approved, the adoptive parents assume all legal rights and responsibilities of the child.

The different types of adoption include the following:

Direct Placement

In direct placement adoption, the biological parent chooses the adoptive parent(s) for their child. Although these types of adoptions most often involve newborns, they can occur at any time.

Stepparent Adoptions

A stepparent adoption occurs when a person marries a custodial parent, and they want to assume the rights and responsibilities of their spouse's child or children. The non-custodial parent must consent to the adoption and voluntarily relinquish their parental rights. However, if they do not consent, their rights can be involuntarily terminated. A court will involuntarily terminate a non-custodial parent's rights if they have failed to provide support or maintain contact with their child for 2 or more years.

Formal Placement

Formal placement adoptions can be initiated by the biological parent, guardian with legal custody, court with legal custody, or a child-placing agency with legal custody of a child. The legal and physical custody of the child is transferred to the adoptive parent, and the court approves the placement.

Relative Adoption

A relative adoption involves the biological parent transferring rights and responsibilities to a relative. A relative is defined as a person related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption to the fifth degree.

Legal Risk Adoption

Typically, when a biological parent's rights are being terminated, they have 21 days to challenge the action. If the court feels that it is necessary, it can place the child for adoption before the contesting period expires.

Foster Care Adoption

Foster care provides a stable but temporary home for a child whose biological parents are unable to give the care they need. Although foster care focuses on reuniting children with their birth parents, some situations exist where the State feels that returning the child to their biological parent's care would not be in the child's best interests. The foster family may be considered for formal adoption of the child.

Our Grand Rapids adoption attorney can deliver guidance at all stages of the adoption process. Speak with us today.

Adoption-Related Matters in Michigan

As mentioned previously, in an adoption, the biological parents' rights must be terminated before the adoptive parent can assume them.

There are two ways parental rights can be relinquished:

Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights

When a parent voluntarily relinquishes their parental rights, they release them to either an agency or the DHS. They can also do so by consenting to their child's adoption.

Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights

If a parent is not willing to give up their parental rights, the court may order such to happen. Involuntary termination of parental rights can occur in various situations, including those involving:

• Uninterested putative fathers
• Interested putative fathers
• Stepparent adoptions
• Child protective proceedings

Options Other than Adoption in Michigan

Depending on your circumstances, you might want to be involved in a child's life and provide them with a caring environment, but adoption might not be right for you. If this is your situation, you can pursue options to either have decision-making authority for a child or have visitation rights.

Legal Guardianship

With legal guardianship, an individual assumes primary rights and responsibilities for a child. However, this avenue differs from adoption in that the biological parent will still have limited rights. Additionally, legal guardianship ends when the child reaches 18 years of age.

Grandparent Rights

Grandparents can petition for visitation with their grandchild, which means they ask the court to approve certain times when they can see their grandchildren.

Grandparents may exercise their rights in various situations, such as when:

• Their grandchild's parents are going through a divorce, separation, or annulment
• Their grandchild's parents are divorced, separated, or have had their marriage annulled
• Their child is deceased
• Their grandchild's parents are unwed, but their son's paternity was established
• Their grandchild's parents do not have custody of them
• Their grandchild lived with them for at least 1 year
• The grandchild's stepparent adopted their grandchild, and their child is deceased

At Willis Law, we know how important it is to place an active role in a child's life. Our Grand Rapids adoption lawyer will help pursue avenues that allow you to do that.

Compassionate Guidance Through the Adoption Process

Opening your home and heart to a child is fantastic. To prevent delays in growing your family, turn to Willis Law for the sound counsel you need.

To learn more about how we can help, contact our Grand Rapids adoption attorney at (888) 461-7744.