[DeenaDade]

Hi. My husband and I are relocating to Michigan this summer and hope to begin the adoption process once we settle in. I have spent much time researching on the Internet about adoption law and seem to understand the requirements regarding adoptive parents. I am very confused about birth parent rights and surrender documents. Can a private licensed ageny in Michigan independently accept a surrender of an unwed birthmother? And if yes, does a court termination or court procedure always need to occur? I learned from the MARE website that since 1995 children can be placed "temporarily" in the prospective adopter's home and then it appears that there is a waiting period. I also don't understand if a judge must always sign off on a birth parent surrender or can a notary or a licensed agency do so? does the birth parent need to appear in court? I am from NJ where the birth mother can sign within 72 hours of birth and it is an irrevocable surrender and no court processing is necessary related to the surrender (other than the adoptive parent's finalization hearing.) Also I can find NJ surrenders online but am having a hard time finding a MI surrender online. Can anyone email me a draft or direct me to how i can see one... but perhaps I am using the wrong terminology. Can you direct me to how I would obtain a draft of one? I am concerned about birth parent's changing their mind and just want to become educated about the process. Thank you in advance for your time and answers.