Can Single Adults in Michigan Adopt Children?

 Posted on May 10,2022 in Family Law

For many years, only married adults in heterosexual relationships could adopt in Michigan. To the tremendous benefit of children and adoptive parents alike, society’s notions of what constitutes a family have expanded significantly in recent years, along with legal protections that enshrine those notions. For single adults living in Michigan who are looking to adopt, the good news is that you can qualify to adopt just as a married couple could. However, it is important to consider whether you meet the criteria to adopt and how adoption and parenthood could change your life forever. 

What Do I Need to Do Before I Adopt a Child?  

The individual needs of each child will differ as they grow and develop, but certain criteria must be met before an adult can adopt a child of any age. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Being at least 18 years old
• Completing an adoption licensing application
• Completing background checks for yourself and any other adult who lives in your home
• Providing medical statements for yourself and any other household member 
• Passing an environmental inspection and on-site visits by a social worker
• Providing three references 
• Having adequate bedroom space, which can change depending on the age of the child 

Can I Adopt if I Am an Unmarried Parent? 

More and more, unmarried individuals who cannot or prefer not to seek a spouse are choosing to raise children on their own. For children without parents, this expanding conception of what family can look like means an increase in adoptions and placement in a forever home. Unmarried men and women who are already parents can add to the love in their homes by adopting another child. 

Can I Foster If I Am Not Sure I Am Ready to Adopt? 

Fostering a child in your home is a temporary endeavor, although many foster parents decide to adopt their foster child. Individuals who are unsure whether they are ready to adopt may find fostering to be a rewarding experience without the lifetime commitment; however, foster children still need care and reliability. It is important to note that not all foster parents are able to adopt a child in their care, especially when there is a hope or expectation that the foster child and his or her birth parents will be reunited. 

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with a Novi, MI Adoption Attorney

Children all over the world are in need of the selfless love an adoptive parent can give. No matter what your personal status may be, schedule a free consultation with an Oakland County adoption attorney with Elkouri Heath, PLC to determine whether you can make your dream of adoption come true. Call us today at 248-344-9700. 

Source: 

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adoption