Is Open Adoption Right for My Family?

 Posted on November 30, 2021 in Family Law

Adoption can be a beautiful way to expand your family. When you consider adopting a child in Illinois, there are a lot of choices to be made. Will you adopt after starting as a foster parent, or directly pursue adopting a newborn? Will you work with an agency? And now, will the adoption be open or closed? In the past, nearly all adoptions were closed but there is a growing trend towards open adoption. However you choose to go about adopting, it is important to have a lawyer you trust overseeing the process. 

What is Open Adoption?

In a traditional closed adoption, records about the birth parents are sealed and the child has no contact with them, typically at least until adulthood. In an open or semi-open adoption, however, the adopted child will have some form of contact with her birth parents. Open adoptions may be preferred by birth parents who know they are not prepared to raise a child on their own, but do not want to completely lose contact with the child entirely, either. 

The level of contact between adopted child, adoptive parents, and birth parents can vary quite a bit depending on the terms of the adoption contract. Some adoptive and birth families only exchange occasional letters and pictures. Some live close to one another and visit frequently. It is generally left up to both sets of parents what type of frequency of contact they would like to share. 

The main drawback is that contracts setting out a contact schedule are generally not enforceable, although they can lead to litigation in some circumstances. This is one of the reasons it is so important to work closely with an attorney if you are considering open adoption.

How Does Open Adoption Benefit Adoptive Parents?

Some prospective adopters initially balk at the idea of having their child’s birth parents around. However, open adoption arrangements can be beneficial for everyone involved. Some birth parents take an active role and provide useful assistance to adoptive parents. As your child grows up, knowing her biological parents may offer you valuable insights into her personality and strengths. Simply having a second set of people who are invested in the well-being of your child can provide an invaluable source of moral support. 

Call a Kane County Adoption Lawyer

When you are thinking of adopting, Serrano Hanson is here to help you grow your family. Our Geneva adoption attorneys have the experience needed to guide you through the process of any open or closed adoption. Call us at 630-844-8781 to set up a confidential consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.adoptioncenterofillinois.org/blog/how-aci-views-open-adoption/