Adoption laws vary in each state. Everything from a birth father's rights to open adoption can be different from state to state. We've gathered the five most important Michigan adoption laws you need to know about when considering this for your family.
Consent of both parents is required, unless the parent’s rights have been terminated.
Mich. Comp. Laws § 710.43 (2020)
Michigan does not have a putative father registry, but any father that files an acknowledgment of paternity is entitled to notice of any hearing relating to the child.
In Michigan, an expectant mother may receive money towards expenses of adoption services, medical expenses, counseling expenses, living expenses of the mother during pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum, expenses incurred ascertaining required information about the child’s biological family, legal expenses, and travel expenses.
In Michigan, a lawyer may not represent both the adoptive parents and birth parents.
This issue is not addressed under Michigan law. This means that any agreement about open adoption in Michigan is based only on a promise, and will not be enforced by a court. It's still very important that whatever you agree to is written down and signed by everyone.
Click here for a map showing which states enforce open adoption agreements.
Consent to release of parental rights may be executed seventy-two hours after the birth of the child and must be made in the presence of the court.
Mich. Comp. Laws § 710.29 (2020)
Generally, consent may be revoked within five days, but the court may refuse to grant revocation.