Adoptions
The Probate Court processes adoption petitions for direct placement, agency, adult, stepparent, and relative adoptions. We also accept petitions regarding post-adoption matters, including delayed registration of foreign birth and confidential intermediary services.
General Guidelines
- The petitioners and/or the adoptee must be a resident of Monroe County.
- This is a legal proceeding; however, the court cannot give legal advice. The petitioners must determine whether or not they need the assistance of an attorney.
- Adoption packets can be picked up at the courthouse by contacting the adoption supervisor.
- Filing fees and the confidential case inventory form must be submitted at the time the petition is filed.
- There are four phases in the processing of an adoption:1) Acceptance and processing of the adoption petition. 2) Completion of the home study investigation/supervision process. 3) Termination of parental rights (except in adult adoptions and foster care adoptions). 4) Confirmation/finalization of adoption
- The process takes, on average, 9 to 12 months. Case particulars may result in adoptions taking more or less time.
More Information
If you have been considering adopting a child, the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) is an excellent resource for frequently asked questions regarding adoptions.
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