Biological parents have rights and responsibilities. When parents put a child up for adoption, they usually give up those rights. The adoptive parents become the legal parents of an adopted child and are legally and financially responsible for their well-being. While many adoptions are closed, an open adoption may allow some rights to birth parents, even after the adoption is complete. An experienced family law attorney will help guide you through the adoption process.
What is an Open Adoption?
When parents put a child up for adoption, they often do not have any further involvement in the child’s life. However, an open adoption is different. An open adoption allows birth parents to remain involved in the child’s life to some extent. An open adoption may be a good choice for some parents, especially if they wish to be part of their child’s life. Both adoptive parents and birth parents need to fully understand the way open adoptions work in order to ensure that they are comfortable with the arrangement.
Birth Parents’ Rights in an Open Adoption
Typically, in closed adoptions, the birth parents give up their rights and are completely out of their child’s life once the adoption is complete. The names of the adoptive child’s birth parents are sealed and are not known to the child. However, in an open adoption, the birth parents may be known to the child and the adoptive family. Birth parents may have the right to see and visit with their child and may be allowed to participate in the major milestones of their child’s life. Birth parents remain involved in the child’s life and are allowed to maintain a relationship with their biological child.
Pros and Cons of Open Adoption
There are several pros and cons to open adoption. An open adoption may help adopted children be more comfortable with their identity and may assist them in feeling more loved and supported. Children may be able to connect with their biological siblings, giving them a larger familial circle. Children have access to medical and genetic information that can be beneficial. There may be some disadvantages to open adoption as well.
Adoptive parents may not wish to share their child with another parent or family. If the birth parents are unfit, they could pose a potential risk to the emotional stability of the child. Adoptive parents and biological parents may not always agree about the way to raise the child, and these conflicts can be harmful to the child. In some cases, the birth parents may stop being as involved in their child’s life, especially when they move on with their lives, and this can cause a child to have emotional issues.
Help From a Knowledgeable Attorney
It is always helpful to seek guidance from a knowledgeable attorney when making important decisions about adoption. Your lawyer will help you understand and address the issues so you are comfortable with the choices you make. You should always be completely aware of the legal ramifications of each type of adoption before you enter into an agreement. To learn more about adoptions, contact us at (608) 784-8310 or online to request a consultation.