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Adoption Services
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
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The petitioners and/or the adoptee must be a resident of Lenawee County.
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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.
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Adoption packets can be picked up at the Probate Court counter or by contacting the adoption coordinator. Adoption checklists and most associated forms are available below.
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Filing fees must be paid at the time the petition is submitted. Fees are addressed on the page dedicated to each particular type of adoption.
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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, 9-12 months. Case particulars may result in adoption take more or less time.
- Our adoption coordinator is Heidi S. Ross (517-264-4613; heidi.ross@Lenawee.mi.us).
Types of Adoption and Related Services
- Adult Adoption
- Agency Adoption
- Attorney Information
- Delayed Registration of Foreign Birth
- Direct Placement Adoption
- Post Adoption Services
- Relative Adoption
- State Ward Adoptions (Children from Foster Care)
- Stepparent Adoption