An open adoption is one in which there is some degree of contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family. At one time, open adoptions were virtually unheard of, but today, they account for up to 70% of all domestic adoptions in the United States. If you're thinking about bringing a new member into your family this way, get to know more about the process below.

Common Questions About Open Adoption

Are there different kinds of open adoptions?

Yes. Both sets of parents can largely determine the extent of openness that works best for them, but they must agree on what their obligations will be before the adoption is finalized. In some situations, an open adoption is nothing more than the adoptive parents knowing the names and identifying details of the birth parents. In other cases, the adoptive parents might provide the birth parents with updates on the child, or they might welcome the birth parents as extended members of the family, including them in milestones, celebrations, holidays, and events.

How does the process work?

There are two popular ways to open-adopt. One way is to go through an agency that handles open adoptions, and the other is to adopt independently. When operating without an agency, the adoptive parents privately seek out the birth parents, facilitate the agreement and relationship, and hire an attorney to draw up all the paperwork needed to complete a legal adoption.

What are the benefits?

The primary benefit of an open adoption is that the child has some connection with their birth parents. This allows them the opportunity to know something about their heritage and their biological family. Many adopted children have questions about their birth parents as they grow up, and having access to them ensures peace of mind for the child and an expanded sense of family.

What are some potential risks?

People and relationships change over time. As a result, one of the most significant risks of an open adoption is that either set of parents—or the child themselves—may become less comfortable with the birth parents being a presence in their life. Adoptive parents' rights almost always supersede those of the birth parents, so the adoptive parents can legally amend the terms of the open adoption if circumstances change.

To explore open adoption in detail, contact Castles Family Law in Brentwood, TN. Attorney Lauren Wilson Castles and her team serve clients throughout the Nashville and Franklin areas, offering representation and guidance in family law cases and estate planning. If you think open adoption is right for your family, call (615) 804-6086 or visit Castles Family Law online to schedule a consultation.