Open and closed adoptions each have their own benefits. Adoption is a life-changing process for all parties involved—birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child. In Oklahoma, prospective adoptive parents can choose between two primary types of adoption: open and closed. Understanding the differences between these adoption types can help families make informed decisions that best meet their needs and circumstances.
Open Adoption
First and foremost, open adoption involves some level of communication and contact between the birth parents, adoptive parents, and child. The degree of openness can vary widely, ranging from exchanging letters and photos to regular visits and shared holidays.
Key Features of Open Adoption:
- Ongoing Contact: Birth parents and adoptive parents maintain some form of communication. This includes things such as in-person visits, phone calls, emails, or social media interactions.
- Access to Information: The child can have access to information about their biological family, such as medical history, cultural background, and reasons for adoption.
- Emotional Benefits: Open adoption can provide emotional benefits for the child by helping them understand their identity and maintaining connections with their birth family.
- Flexibility: The level of openness can adjust over time based on the needs and comfort levels of all parties involved.
The specifics of the arrangement are agreed upon by both sets of parents and formalized in a post-adoption contact agreement.
Closed Adoption
Closed adoption involves sealing all identifying information and records, ensuring no contact or communication.
Key Features of Closed Adoption:
- No Contact: There is no ongoing communication or contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family. Additionally, identities and personal information are confidential.
- Anonymity: The birth parents and adoptive parents do not know each other’s identities, and the child may not have access to information about their birth family until they reach adulthood, if at all.
- Legal Finality: After finalizing the adoption, the birth parents relinquish legal rights and responsibilities. Once this is done, the adoptive parents assume these rights.
- Emotional Considerations: Closed adoptions can provide a sense of closure and privacy for birth parents, while adoptive parents may feel a greater sense of security in their parental role. However, it can also lead to feelings of loss or identity issues for the adopted child.
After a closed adoption, the child’s original birth certificate is typically sealed and replaced with a new one listing the adoptive parents as the child’s legal parents.
Considerations for Open and Closed Adoptions
Both open and closed adoptions come with their own set of legal and emotional considerations. This includes step-parent adoptions. Open adoptions require clear communication and boundaries to ensure that all parties are comfortable with the level of contact. To avoid misunderstandings, formalize all agreements in writing.
In closed adoptions, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential for curiosity or desire for information from the child. Because of this, adoptive parents should be ready to support their child in understanding their adoption story, even with limited information.
Check Out Our Family Law Blog For More Child Custody Articles.
Tulsa Adoption Attorneys
The difference between open and closed adoptions in Oklahoma lies primarily in the level of communication and contact. Understanding these differences and carefully considering the needs and preferences of all parties involved can help ensure a positive adoption experience. If you’re wanting to explore your options, contact us today at Tulsa Divorce Attorneys & Associates by calling 539-302-0303 or go online to learn more.