A Guide to the Steps in the Adoption Process in Michigan

An individual or couple may choose to adopt a child for many reasons. Some are unable to have children of their own, while others have married into a family and want to adopt beloved stepchildren. There are also adoptive parents who feel compelled to provide a loving home for a child in need.

In any case, the roots of adoption lie in a desire to experience the joys of raising a child and developing a lifelong bond. The process of adopting a child can be a challenge, but for adults committed to taking on the responsibilities of parenthood, it is a necessary hurdle. Here is what you can expect in Michigan.

Understand Qualifications

There are a few ways to adopt a child in Michigan. For example, you may:

• Work with an adoption agency

• Adopt directly from a birth parent through direct placement adoption

• Adopt a relative or stepchild

• Adopt a child through the foster care system when parental rights have been terminated and the child is unable to return home

In Michigan, an individual, couple, relative, or stepparent may be eligible to adopt by meeting several requirements.

Under state law, you must be at least 18 years old. You will also need to fulfill the following:

• Complete an application, if adopting through an agency

• File a petition for adoption with the circuit court

• Complete background checks, along with all adult members of the household

• Provide medical statements

• Provide three personal or professional references that speak to your parental abilities

• Complete a home study

You must also complete a minimum of 12 hours of training, including Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) training, as well as training that focuses on child development, the emotional and behavioral needs of adoptive children, and the impact of adoption on families.

Additionally, you may need to complete training on behavioral management, appropriate discipline strategies, and sleep safety for infants.

Complete a Home Study

Once you have completed an agency application and filed a legal petition for adoption in a Michigan circuit court, a home study is typically required. This is conducted by a social worker, and the process starts with providing required documents, such as:

• Background checks

• Financial records

• Medical records

These documents serve to prove that you are qualified and capable of caring for children and providing for their needs.

Next, you must submit to a home inspection. Your social worker will come to your home to make sure it is safe and ready for children to inhabit. This professional will point out problem areas and offer suggestions for preparing a safe environment for children.

Finally, every member of the household will be interviewed. All adults and children in the household should be ready to welcome a new family member and express positive and enthusiastic feelings about the adoption.

Speak With a Qualified Michigan Family Law Attorney

The process of adopting a child can be complicated and take several months to a few years to complete, depending on your situation. Adopting a stepchild, for example, is likely to proceed faster than waiting to be matched with a child. A qualified attorney can guide you through the process, advise you on how best to reach your goals, and provide access to needed resources.

Are you ready to expand your family through adoption? The trusted and experienced team at Gucciardo Family Law can help. Contact us now to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more.