Adoption in Michigan | Complete Guide to Detroit Adoption

You can create a better future for your child, yourself, or your family through adoption in Detroit, MI.

Whether you're experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or hoping to grow your family, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the process and costs to local professionals and legal requirements.

Schedule a consultation today to speak with an adoption specialist about your next steps.

How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in Detroit

Considering giving up your baby for adoption in Detroit? You’re not alone—and you have options that provide hope, support, and a brighter future.

Here’s how to begin:

Detroit Adoption Laws

Adoption in Detroit, Michigan is governed by a mix of state statutes and best practices that ensure the rights of birth parents, adoptive families, and children are respected throughout the process.

Whether you’re considering placing a baby for adoption or looking to adopt a child, understanding these laws is essential to making informed decisions.

Who Can Adopt in Michigan?

Michigan law allows the following individuals to adopt:

• Single adults (no marriage requirement)
• Married couples jointly
• Stepparents (in stepparent adoptions)
• LGBTQ+ individuals and couples
• Residents and, in some cases, non-residents working with Michigan-licensed agencies

Who Can Be Adopted?

Any minor child or adult can be adopted in Michigan. For children, the parental rights of the biological parents must be legally terminated before adoption finalization.

Consent to Adoption

Consent must be given by:

• The birth mother
• The legal father (if married to the mother at the time of conception or birth)
• A putative father (if paternity is established)
• The child (if 14 or older, unless the court waives this requirement)

Consent can be given:

• No sooner than 72 hours after birth in a direct placement (private adoption)
• In court, before a judge (for direct placement)
• Before an agency or Department representative (for agency placements)

Consent is irrevocable once signed unless obtained through fraud or duress.

Birth Father Rights

Michigan provides legal rights to both legal and biological fathers. A putative father registry allows men to claim paternity and receive notification before an adoption. If a putative father fails to register or take legal action, he may lose the right to contest the adoption.

Adoption Financial Assistance

Adoptive parents may cover the following expenses for a prospective birth mother:

All payments must be documented and approved by the court to ensure legality and transparency. Birth mothers are never paid directly for placing a child for adoption — but they can receive legal financial assistance for pregnancy-related needs.

Post-Placement Contact Agreements

Michigan allows open or semi-open adoptions, where contact may be agreed upon between birth and adoptive families. However, these agreements are not legally enforceable unless formalized in court.

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

If a child is being adopted across state lines, Michigan follows the ICPC. This ensures both states approve the placement before the child is moved, and both sending and receiving states agree the placement is legal and safe.

Detroit Adoption Requirements

Whether you're a hopeful adoptive parent or a birth mother considering adoption in Detroit, it’s important to understand how Michigan’s adoption requirements may apply to you.

For Adoptive Families

If you want to adopt a baby in Detroit, you’ll need to meet certain state requirements designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children. These include:

• Completing an adoption home study, which involves background checks, home visits, interviews, and training
• Being financially stable and emotionally prepared to raise a child
• Working with a licensed agency or attorney who ensures legal compliance and ethical standards
• Meeting state-specific criteria such as age, residency (in some cases), and marital status (both singles and couples can adopt)

These requirements might sound overwhelming, but with a full-service agency like American Adoptions, we’ll walk with you through every step of the process to help you meet these standards — and build the family you’ve been waiting for.

For Birth Mothers

If you’re thinking about giving your baby up for adoption in Detroit, you may wonder whether you have to meet any legal requirements — and the answer is simple:

You don’t. There are no legal requirements for birth mothers to place a child for adoption in Michigan.

You don’t need legal representation, prior experience, or resources. You just need a desire to give your child the best life possible. From there, an adoption specialist will help guide you through every step — from creating a personalized plan to choosing a family and receiving support throughout and after the process.

Adoption is always your choice — and it’s a decision you can make with confidence, support, and compassion.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt in Detroit?

The cost of adoption depends on the path you choose:

• Foster Care Adoption – Usually free or very low cost
• Private Domestic Adoption – Varies, with all services included, and is comprised of items like Home study services, advertising and outreach to prospective birth parents, birth mother financial assistance (medical, legal, counseling, and living expenses),legal services and court finalization, and adoption education and counseling

Financial Assistance for Adoption in Detroit

For Birth Mothers

If you’re pregnant and considering adoption, you may qualify for financial assistance with:

For Adoptive Families

You may qualify for:

• Federal and state adoption tax credits
• Employer adoption benefits
• Adoption grants and loans

Other Adoption Professionals in Detroit

Here are additional professionals you may need during your adoption journey:

• Adoption Attorneys in Detroit
  • Family Law PLLC
  • Law Offices of Dion Roddy
• Adoption Home Study Providers
  • Hands Across the Water
  • Family and Community Services (Macomb)
• Foster Care Agencies
  • Judson Center
  • Ennis Center for Children
  • Forever Families

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.