Today, open adoptions are the most common type of adoptive relationship. In an open adoption in North Carolina, the child’s birth parents and adoptive parents know each other’s full names and share direct contact information. The mother receives a copy of the adoptive parents’ home study. Open adoption allows a relationship to be formed and grown between the birth parents, the adoptive parents, and the child. Like any other relationship, they mutually decide what it will be like.
Communication In Open Adoptions
Open adoptions can have varying degrees of contact. The amount and form of communication is determined by the adoption agreement that is created at the beginning of the process. Some common ways that we often see adoptive families and birth families interact after an open adoption include:
- Exchanging letters and pictures directly
- Occasional visits between the two families
- Staying in touch via social media (Facebook, etc)
In many open adoptions, the adoptive parents will even be present at the hospital for the child’s birth. The parties can then decide who will be in the delivery room, provide care for the baby, have access to the nursery, and name the baby. For many adoptive parents, being present for the child’s birth is a great way to start the process of developing lifelong memories.
Closed Adoptions In North Carolina
In closed adoptions, the parties do not share full names. The mother does not receive a copy of the adoptive parents’ home study. The parties do not have an opportunity to communicate.
There are a couple of disadvantages to a closed adoption, such as:
- These limitations on the freedom to communicate can cause an issue if the child encounters any medical problems down the road, or if they have any questions as they get older about their birth parents and family.
- Most birth mothers prefer an open adoption. Your options will be limited by choosing a closed adoption.
- A closed adoption is difficult to reverse. Many times, at some point in the future, you or your child may want to establish a relationship with the birth parents. With a closed adoption, this is nearly impossible.
A Third Option
If an open adoption makes you nervous and a closed adoption seems too limiting, there’s a third option – a semi-open adoption. In North Carolina, a semi-open adoption is an adoption in which birth parents and adoptive parents communicate through an intermediary, generally an adoption specialist.
Put Our Experience To Work For You
Open, closed and semi-open adoptions in North Carolina can be a lot easier with an experienced partner at your side. Bobby Mills has practiced adoption law in North Carolina for over 30 years. Call us today at 919-306-2899 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.