Adoption in Michigan | Complete Guide to Michigan Adoption
Choosing adoption in Michigan means choosing a future full of possibilities — for your baby, your family, and yourself. Whether you're navigating an unplanned pregnancy or pursuing your dreams of becoming a parent, you deserve support that’s rooted in compassion and backed by experience.
With American Adoptions, you’re never alone. From licensed counseling to financial support, from personalized guidance to the most comprehensive list of waiting families — we’re here every step of the way.
Schedule a consultation today and get the support you deserve.
How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in Michigan
If you're considering adoption in Michigan, here’s exactly how the process works with American Adoptions. These six steps ensure you stay in control and supported every step of the way:
How to Adopt a Baby in Michigan
If you're hoping to adopt, you can take these general steps toward parenthood with confidence:
Adoption Agencies in Michigan
Private Domestic Adoption
Foster Care Adoption
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Lansing)
- Judson Center (Dearborn, Ann Arbor)
- Spaulding for Children (Southfield)
International Adoption
- Hand Across the Water (Ann Arbor)
- Nightlight Christian Adoptions (Detroit)
Local Michigan Adoption Information
Adoption laws and services can change depending on where you live. Each state has its own laws – but even within a state, there may be differences in cities and counties. If you’re considering adoption in Michigan, click your city below to learn more about adoption in your area:
- Adoption in Detroit
- Adoption in Grand Rapids
- Adoption in Ann Arbor
- Adoption in Lansing
- Adoption in Dearborn
Types of Adoption in Michigan
Whether you're a birth mother considering adoption or a family hoping to adopt, it's important to understand the different types of adoption available in Michigan. Each type comes with its own process, benefits, and considerations.
Infant Adoption
This is a private domestic adoption where a birth mother voluntarily places her newborn with an adoptive family.
- For birth mothers: You choose the family, the level of contact, and the hospital plan.
- For adoptive families: You work with a licensed agency like American Adoptions to match with a birth mother and go through the legal steps of adoption.
Foster Care Adoption
This involves adopting a child who is in the custody of the Michigan foster care system, often due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
- For birth mothers: If your parental rights are involuntarily terminated, your child may become eligible for adoption through the state.
- For adoptive families: This is a more affordable option and often involves adopting older children or sibling groups.
International Adoption
This type of adoption involves adopting a child from another country.
- For birth mothers: International adoption does not apply in your situation, as it involves children already living outside the U.S.
- For adoptive families: You’ll work with a Hague-accredited agency to navigate international laws, travel requirements, and home country regulations.
Stepparent Adoption
When a stepparent wants to adopt their spouse’s biological child, this legal process gives them full parental rights.
- For birth mothers: If you’ve remarried and want your spouse to legally adopt your child, this may be the right path.
- For adoptive families: This is typically a simpler process with fewer requirements, especially if the noncustodial parent gives consent.
Michigan Adoption Laws
Understand your rights and responsibilities:
Michigan Adoption Requirements
In Michigan, adoptive families must meet specific requirements in order to adopt.
- Hopeful Parents: Must complete a home study, background checks, and agency requirements.
- Birth Mothers: No legal or financial prerequisites to place a baby for adoption.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt in Michigan?
- Private Domestic: An average of $50,000–$70,000+, includes agency, legal, and birth mother support.
- Foster Care: Often free or low-cost; subsidized by the state.
Financial Assistance for Adoption in Michigan
- Birth Mothers: Housing, groceries, transportation, and medical expenses covered.
- Adoptive Families: Grants, loans, and tax credits are available.
Other Adoption Professionals in Michigan
Adoption Attorneys
- Conklin Law Firm (East Lansing)
- Law Offices of Dion Roddy (Troy)
Home Study Providers
- Hands Across the Water (Ann Arbor)
- Adoption Associates (Jenison)
Adoption Social Workers
- MARE
- Morning Star Adoption Center (Southfield)
Foster Care Services
- Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) - Kalamazoo
- Orchards Children’s Services (Southfield)
Adoption in Michigan [FAQ]
What are the requirements to adopt a baby in Michigan?
Hopeful parents must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, complete a home study, and meet financial and emotional readiness standards.
What disqualifies you from adopting in Michigan?
Criminal history (especially abuse or neglect), unstable living conditions, or inability to complete a home study may disqualify someone.
Can you pick the baby you adopt?
Yes. In private adoptions, birth mothers often choose the adoptive family, and adoptive parents review expectant mother profiles. It’s a mutual matching process.
How long does the adoption process take in Michigan?
With American Adoptions, the average wait time is 9–12 months, depending on preferences and availability of birth mother matches.
Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.