In our two previous articles in this series on adoption in Michigan, we discussed the fact that local adoption doesn’t get as much coverage as international adoption does. It’s our goal to make information about anything pertaining to family law readily accessible to people in Michigan. With regards to adoption, we are hoping to address the concerns of those who may have considered adopting, but are perhaps unsure about what’s involved. If you haven’t read the previous articles, we highly recommend that you review that information first, so as to get a clearer picture. Otherwise, let’s go!

Are you required to be wealthy, or to own your own home in order to adopt?

While most people wouldn’t say no to the opportunity for more money and a house to call their own, the truth is that for many people this will never be a reality. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t offer a child a loving family and a stable place to live. This misconception is usually the result of the increased media coverage of international adoptions, which can be extremely pricey.

In Michigan you don’t need to be a homeowner, and you don’t need to have a lot of money available to fund the adoption. You are also not required to have a substantial income in order to fund life after the adoption. Most U.S. based adoptions from foster care are actually free, according to the U.S. Children’s Bureau’s AdoptUsKids project. Those that do incur some minimal costs are usually refunded. In addition, there are a host of resources available to support families after the adoption.

Can you adopt if you are serving in the military?

Military families, whether they are stationed here on U.S. soil or overseas on U.S. bases, are all eligible to adopt children from the U.S. foster care system. Military families stationed here in Michigan would need to follow state adoption guidelines, just like all other Michigan residents. Military families stationed overseas would need to speak with a military adoption specialist, or contact one of the two agencies licensed to handle overseas military adoptions.

Can adopted children be dangerous?

There is a widely held belief that children who come from abusive and neglectful situations are often prone to violence, cruelty, or other types of behavioral issues. The truth is these children, through no fault of their own, had to be taken from parents who were unable to care for them properly, and they are no different at heart than all other children. Brandy Thompson, a partner at The Kronzek Firm, says “We recommend that if you adopt a foster child that you seek the assistance of professionals to help in the transition and as needs arise.”

Some children, due to the severity of their cases, will have specific needs that may exceed what is considered standard. In these instances your case worker will walk you through every step of the process, and there are many resources available to help you and your adopted child transition. Each case is different, and needs to be treated as such. However, we recommend that you view children available for adoption as children in need of love and support, not children who should be feared. It will help you to build better relationships with your future adopted child if your perspective of them is not affected by fear.

We hope this three part series has helped to clear up some of the misconceptions you may have had about adoption in Michigan. If you have any other questions about adoption, or about any other family law topic, our experienced family law attorneys are available 24/7 to help you. We have spent decades assisting the people of mid-Michigan with everything from divorce and custody, to CPS defense and paternity. Call us today at 886 1000. We are here to help you.