What is the legal effect of a Michigan adoption? What if the birth mother is a minor? What is a home study? Get the answer to these and other questions.

Through the process of adoption, a child becomes the legal child of the adoptive parents. Once the adoption is completed, there is no legal distinction between a birth child and an adopted child. The child becomes an heir of the adoptive parents. The adoptive parents assume all legal and financial responsibility for the child until the child is 18 years of age.

While the birth parent knows in their heart that they gave birth and life to the child, through the process of adoption, all of their rights and responsibilities for the child are ended.

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Who may adopt in Michigan?

Either a single person or a married couple may adopt in Michigan. The married couple may be a heterosexual or same sex couple. The married couple must have proof of marriage.

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What If the birth mother is a minor?

Even if the birth mother is a minor under 18 years of age, in Michigan, she must consent to the adoption. However, her parent or legal guardian must co-sign all of the documents.

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What Is a home study (preplacement assessment)?

A home study is a comprehensive study of the prospective adoptive couple to determine their ability to adopt a child. In a direct placement adoption, this assessment must be done by a licensed adoption agency. In a relative adoption or a step-parent adoption, this assessment may be completed by the court.

The elements of the preplacement assessment are detailed in the adoption statute and administrative rules. The licensed adoption agency or the court must review the prospective adoptive parents’ suitability to adopt, including review of such things as their home, health, employment, finances, and beliefs about discipline and parenting. It will also include a criminal background check and history of domestic violence and child abuse. They ask about family and social supports, religion and the like. Fingerprints are done and a there is a check of criminal records and past child protective proceedings reports. Certain offenses prohibit the placement of a child with a prospective adoptive parent. Please ask if there are concerns regarding this.

Even if there is an element in your past about which you are not proud, be honest about it and show what has been done to address the situation.

A home study is good for one year and may be updated annually after the initial study is done.

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Is a new birth certificate issued when you adopt?

Once an adoption is completed in Michigan, a new birth certificate is issued which shows the adoptive parents as the parents of the child. There is no indication on the certificate that the child was adopted.

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What is the Central Adoption Registry?

All adoption files in Michigan are confidential. Once the adoptee becomes 18 years of age, he or she may request access to information. The birth parent may keep their current contact information available in the Central Adoption Registry so that if the child searches, he or she may find the parent. Conversely, if the birth parent does not want to be contacted, they may note that as well.

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