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Both open and closed adoptions allow prospective parents the opportunity to welcome another child into the family. At one time, virtually all adoptions in the United States were closed, but in the last few decades, open adoptions have become much more common. Below, learn more about each type, the differences between them, and the family laws that govern them.

Open

In an open adoption, the adoptive parents meet and maintain contact with the biological parents. The extent of the relationship between the adoptive and birth families—and the eventual relationship, if any, between the birth family and the child—can vary from one adoption to the next. Essentially, both sets of parents determine this for themselves.

In most open adoptions, the birth parents choose the adoptive parents that they want to have raise the child. The child will then typically grow up knowing they are adopted, and they have some degree of connection with their birth parents. This can range from an occasional phone call to the birth parent being a consistent presence in the child's life, almost like another member of the family.

Closed

With a closed adoption, the adoptive parents and child know very little about the child's origins. They don't know the identity of the birth parents or where the child came from, and the birth parents do not know the identity of the adoptive parents or where the child has ended up.

This ensures a certain amount of protection for both parties. In a closed adoption, the adoptive parents are the sole parents listed on the child's amended birth certificate.

family lawMany parents, both adoptive and biological, choose this option to avoid a potentially complicated relationship between the child and the birth parents. The child may not even be told they were adopted. All information from a closed adoption is sealed, but once the child reaches 18, they have the right to follow specific family law channels and request their original birth certificate.

 

To explore the legal aspects of adoption and to better understand all of your options, consult an attorney. For more than 20 years, Anderson Law Firm has been serving clients throughout east Texas and southwest Arkansas. In addition to family law cases, Attorney Darren Anderson offers representation in personal injury claims, criminal defenses, and business litigation issues. Call (903) 792-1229 or visit his office's website to schedule a consultation.

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