Open Adoption in Maryland
Open adoptions used to be a very rare occurrence. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that the concept of an open adoption was even discussed with adoptive parents and birth families, but since that time it has become a much more popular choice.
If you are considering an open adoption in the state of Maryland and seeking the help of a Maryland adoption attorney, we can help. Just complete the short form on this page and take the first steps.
What is an open adoption?
In the most general sense, an open adoption means that the birth parents or birth mother is able to communicate with the adoptive family, possibly including her child, in some manner. This can be interpreted to mean a wide range of things, from communication through a third party such as a family lawyer on one end of the spectrum to regular face-to-face meetings with the child on the other end.
When the terms of an open adoption are part of a legal document, they can usually be upheld and enforced by a court of law unless the court feels that contact with birth parents is not in the best interests of the child.
What an open adoptions means for birth parents
Birth parents often choose to participate in an open adoption because it allows them to maintain some sort of connection with their child. While they may not be in a position to raise the child, they do not want to sever all ties. Conversely, some birth parents may choose not to participate in an open adoption because they worry about the effects that it may have on their future children, this child, or the adoptive family.
Options for an open adoption arrangement include:
- Contact with the child
- Contact only with the birth parents
- Contact through the lawyer or other third party
- Letters and pictures from the adoptive parents
- Face-to-face meetings
Adoptive parents and open adoptions
For adoptive parents, the decision to participate in an open adoption can be made for several reasons, including the following:
- The birth mother or parents may make this a condition of the agreement to relinquish parental rights
- Relationships with birth parents can be beneficial to the adopted child, helping him or her understand adoption and adapt to it more easily
- Adoptive families can become attached to the birth mother during the process of adopting their child
In the end, deciding whether or not you are interested in an open adoption is a personal choice. No one can tell you the right answer, but you may want to speak to a lawyer with adoption experience for more information or for answers to specific questions.
Areas We Serve
The Rodriguez-Nanney Law Firm in Annapolis has our primary offices in Annapolis. However we serve residents throughout the greater Maryland area. Other cities and towns we serve include:
- Arnold
- Severna Park
- Crownsville
- Davidsonville
- Crofton
- Gambrills
- Odenton
- Pasadena
- Edgewater
- Anne Arundel County
Call us today to get legal advice you can trust
If you are considering an open adoption in Maryland, contact the Rodriguez-Nanney Law Firm in Annapolis today. With over ten years of legal experience, we can provide the guidance you need during this process.