A closed adoption is one in which there is no interaction between the birth mother and the prospective adoptive family. This means that there is no identifying information exchanged between the parties or provided to either the birth or adoptive families. However, some non-identifying information such as medical history and physical characteristics will be made available.
Advantages for Birth Parents
The closed adoption process will vary depending on individual circumstances. Some potential advantages of closed adoption include:
- Sense of closure: Many birth mothers and birth families report that having a closed adoption provided them with a sense of closure and enabled them to move on with their lives.
- Privacy: For individuals who feel vulnerable or threatened by their decision to place their child up for adoption, a closed adoption can offer a greater sense of privacy.
- Reduced fear: Some birth mothers are concerned about needing to explain their decision to others. A closed adoption can offer a way to avoid this confrontation.
Advantages for Adoptive Families
Closed adoptions are sometimes preferred by adoptive families due to the following advantages:
- Fewer complications: Some birth families feel that a closed adoption provides for fewer complications are there are no risks of interference from birth parents and fewer people involved in the child’s life that can cause confusion.
- Family freedom: When birth parents are not involved, adoptive families can feel free to enjoy their family time without the any intrusions that can accompany an open adoption.
- An absence of fuzzy boundaries: It can be difficult for adoptive families to parent autonomously if the birth parents are involved and attempt to control parenting decisions. With closed adoption, the adoptive family is in total control and does not face the challenges that could accompany an open adoption.
Advantages for Adopted Children of Closed Adoptions
The adoption process will vary depending on each individual child, but some potential advantages of closed adoption include:
- Protection from potentially unstable birth parents: It can be harmful for some children to have birth parents in their lives in an unstable manner. Birthparents that are emotionally disturbed or not committed to staying a consistent part of the child’s life can have a negative impact on the child.
- An absence of fuzzy boundaries: Closed adoption eliminates the potential for complications that could arise when birth parents attempt to co-parent. This can be confusing for adopted children and could lead to children acting out.
Your adoption attorney or adoption agency will handle all communication and form a vital part of your adoption experience. Your adoption attorney can skillfully assist you in locating an adoptive child and crafting an adoption that meets all of your needs. Communication about your wishes, expectations, and desires improves the entire adoption process. Your attorney will draft and prepare the adoption agreement that will complete your adoption in an expedited manner.
Any potential adoptive family should talk to their adoption attorney about both open and closed adoptions. While closed adoption offers the advantages listed above, open adoption may be a better option for the right family.
McDowell Chartered: Kansas Adoption Attorneys Assisting Adoptive Parents in Closed Adoptions
The Kansas Adoption Attorneys at McDowell Chartered have spent decades assisting adoptive parents in completing closed adoptions. Our compassionate attorney team understands how difficult the adoption process can be. We know you have a myriad of options available to you and we can assist in selecting the sort of adoption that will best serve your family. For adoption attorneys with a reputation for excellence and a dedication to the field of adoption law, call McDowell Chartered today at (316) 633-4322 for an initial consultation.