Regardless of whether you’re considering placing or adopting a child, it’s wise to review the different kinds of arrangements that birth parents and adoptive parents can establish. There are three kinds of adoption, and after evaluating your situation, a seasoned family lawyer can explain which may be worth pursuing given your particular circumstances. In the meantime, here's what you should know about the pros and cons of each. 

Open Adoptions

In open adoptions, the birth parents and adoptive parents meet and typically remain in touch over the course of the children’s lives. Prior to finalizing the arrangement, the parties will discuss what level of contact they're comfortable with. They might agree to regular phone calls and letters, for example, or annual visits. This arrangement can be especially beneficial for the children because they're able to see where they came from; however, both sets of parents need to be aware of the other’s expectations. They must also be willing to put in the effort. Otherwise, conflict and resentment will inevitably ensue.

Closed Adoptions

In a closed arrangement, the adoptive parents do not typically meet the birth parents. And if they do, they will not establish nor maintain any kind of relationship with them. These arrangements are especially common in international adoptions. They can make it easier for the adoptive parents to bond with the child because they're the only family the child knows. As the children get older, though, they often become curious about their past. And if the relationship was closed from day one, finding out where they came from poses a challenge. 

Semi-Open Adoptions

A semi-open adoption is perhaps the best of both worlds, and lawyers often propose this arrangement when prospective parents are unsure of what they may want. In a semi-open adoption, both sets of parents maintain contact through a third party—typically, an agency or social worker. This allows the child to grow up knowing about his or her roots while establishing clear boundaries between the birth family and the adoptive family. In semi-open relationships, the adoptive parents can protect their privacy and maintain control over all contact, while the birth parents can enjoy regular updates on the children. 

If you need help finalizing an adoption in Texas, turn to The Law Offices of Charley Johnson in Centerville. With more than 35 years’ experience serving Leon County, this seasoned family lawyer is well-versed in the laws pertaining to adoption, paternity, child custody, guardianship, divorce, and domestic violence. Learn more about his practice areas online. To request a consultation with this lawyer, call (903) 536-2185.