[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.

[HeavensGifts]

I am very confused about birth parent rights and surrender documents.

*****As are most of us in Michigan!!!

Can a private licensed ageny in Michigan independently accept a surrender of an unwed birthmother?

****No, it must be done before a judge

And if yes, does a court termination or court procedure always need to occur?

****Yes, they must surrender before a judge

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.

***Temporary Placement is when the agency has custody and they place the child in your temporary care while they provide supervision

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?

***Must be a judge

does the birth parent need to appear in court?

***Yes

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?

****There is no set time but it is suposed to be within two weeks from delivery and after that there is a 21 day appeal which is where the birthparents can file an appeal witht he court but they have to prove wrong doing.

I am concerned about birth parent's changing their mind and just want to become educated about the process.

***Until they go to court they can ask for the child back at any time after court they must prove wrong doing. Make sure you check agencies because with our 2nd the agency took 3 MONTHS to get birthparents into court


Good Luck and please email me privately if you have more questions or concerns.

Heavens Gifts