Open and Closed Adoption
Schedule a Consultation TodayOpen and Closed Adoption
Today, open adoptions are the most common type of adoptive relationship. In an open adoption in North Carolina, the child’s birth and adoptive parents share information. Open adoption allows a relationship to be formed between the birth parents, the adoptive parents, and the child. Like any other relationship, they mutually decide what it will be like.
There are two basic and distinct components to an open adoption – sharing identifying information (names and other personal information) and communication, either before or after placement. It is possible to have one and not the other, or to have both.
Communication In Open Adoptions.
Open adoptions can have varying degrees of contact. The amount and form of communication is determined by the parties. Some common ways that we often see adoptive families and birth families interact after an open adoption include:
- Exchanging updates and pictures directly
- Occasional visits
- Staying in touch via social media
In most open adoptions, the adoptive parents will be present at the hospital for the child’s birth. The parties can then decide who will be in the delivery room, provide care for the baby, have access to the nursery, and name the baby. For many adoptive parents, being present for the child’s birth is a great way to start the process of developing lifelong memories.
Closed Adoptions In North Carolina.
In closed adoptions, the parties do not share identifying information. The mother does not receive a copy of the adoptive parents’ home study. The parties usually do not have an opportunity to communicate.
There are certain disadvantages to a closed adoption, such as:
- Limited access to future health information.
- Fewer placement opportunities. Most birth mothers prefer some level of communication.
- Limited ability to answer a child’s questions about his or her family history.
A Third Option
If an open adoption makes you uncomfortable and a closed adoption seems too limiting, there’s a third option – a semi-open adoption. In North Carolina, a semi-open adoption is an adoption in which birth parents and adoptive parents may shar limited identifying information (first names only) and communicate through an intermediary, generally an adoption specialist.
Reaching a Mutual Understanding
As in all relationships, it is important to be honest about your intentions and expectations.
It is also important to have a clear understanding about when and how communications will occur after the adoption.
In North Carolina, understandings about future communications are just promises. They are not contracts. They are enforceable. If a party breaks their promise, a court cannot compel them to comply. You should not promise to do something that you do not intend to do. Intentionally misrepresenting your intentions could be fraud.
Failing to communicate clearly about when and how communications will occur after the adoption can lead to damaged relationships or worse.
Put Our Experience to Work for You.
Open, closed, and semi-open adoptions in North Carolina can be a lot easier with an experienced partner at your side. Bobby Mills has practiced adoption law in North Carolina for over 30 years. Call us today 919-533-4025 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request a Consultation
Call (919) 306-2899 or fill out the short form below. We will usually respond within 1 business day but often do so the same day. Don’t hesitate, your questions are welcome.
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Why Choose Mills Adoption Law?
- Experience–Attorney Bobby Mills has over 35 years of experience representing birth parents, adoptive parents, and foster parents through all aspects of adoption and parental rights.
- Adoption Specialist–Other firms include adoption and parental rights as part of their larger family law practice areas. At Mills Adoption Law, we focus exclusively on adoption, parental rights, and foster parent rights.
- Board-Certified–Attorney Bobby Mills is a Fellow of the American Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproductive Attorneys, certified by the board as a specialist in family law, and the former director of a child placement agency.
- Agency Attorney–At Mills Adoption Law, we also represent child placement agencies and their clients.
Want to Schedule a Consultation?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Associations
Why Should You Choose An Adoption Attorney?
An adoption attorney will:
Provide
We will provide an unbiased explanation of adoption procedures and develop a legally secure plan tailored to your needs.
Assess
We will assess the risks involved, including determining what payments are permissible and ensuring that birth parents are treated fairly and their rights are legally terminated before placement is finalized.
Clarify
We will clarify your options, if any, for post-placement arrangements with birth parents, making sure your interests and those of the child are served.
Explain
We will explain your rights and adoption laws in your state or refer you to attorneys who practice in other states or internationally.
Review
We will review and negotiate the adoption agency contract to protect your interests.
You Should...
Contact
You should contact an attorney as early as possible in the decision-making process.
Learn
Learn about the specific types of adoption services the attorney provides. Ask what percentage of the practice is dedicated to adoption and how many adoption proceedings the attorney has handled.
Choose
Choose an attorney who is experienced in the type of adoption you are considering.
Know
Know what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and that you can afford the services.
Ask
Ask questions, request references, share your concerns and provide the attorney with all relevant documents. Ask for a written retainer agreement that outlines what the attorney charges, how fees are structured and other details regarding fees and fee payment.
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Real Clients, Real Testimonials
Mr. Mill is a very experienced professional lawyer and he is also very patient and kind in giving his advice. 5 stars!
0 reviews • 0 photos
I would highly recommend Bobby for your Adult Adoption.
He’s kind, considerate, and very knowledgeable about the adult adoption process.
Reflecting back, the process was pretty seamless and his pricing was very reasonable.
He was always quick to respond to any questions I had. I dealt directly with Bobby. Not an assistant.
The entire process only lasted several months.
Thank you so much!!
Local Guide • 24 reviews • 54 photos
My family used Mr. Mills for our adoption process and could not be more pleased. He was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and responsive. He was always available and answered every question we had throughout. There were many layers to our adoption situation and process, and Mr. Mills was able to navigate it all without incident. The local DSS representative that we worked with in our county commented that in all of her years working with adoptions she had never seen such a thorough packet of information. Mr. Mills and staff, thank you for what you did for our family. It is absolutely wonderful to be a dad!
4 reviews • 0 photos
I had a very good experience in my adoption process, my confidence in Bobby Mills and his group, was completely justified. I am so glad I found his services as a professional lawyer and felt he did above my expectations! The process was walked through step by step with results we could see the end coming closer in sight each meeting. He was prompt and courteous and answered questions I had. Definitely would use his services again!!
Adoption is one of the most meaningful — and sometimes complicated — journeys a family can take. What began as a simple interstate adoption quickly became the most “unusual” and complicated case lasting 15 months. From the initial consultation, Bobby handled every turn with compassion, clarity, and unwavering ease.
He was consistently available to answer questions, explain the process in a way that felt approachable, and offer steady, thoughtful guidance when it was needed most. His knowledge of adoption law — gave me so much peace of mind during an uncertain time. His recommendations for post-placement services and trusted colleagues were also wonderful, providing the support needed well beyond the courtroom.
Thanks to Bobby’s expertise and heart, my family’s story found its way home. I’ll always be grateful for the steadiness and kindness he brought to this life-changing story.
If you’re in search of an adoption attorney who’s both highly skilled and deeply kind, I couldn’t recommend Mills Adoption Law more.
We can’t recommend Mills Law Firm enough! Going through the adoption process can be daunting and emotional, but Bobby was there for us every step of the way. From our very first consultation, he made us feel welcome and informed.
Throughout the process Bobby was able to able to answer all questions clearly and patiently and guided us step by step through the complex legal paperwork. He was always incredibly responsive to our calls and kept us updated on the progress of our case throughout the entire process.
Thanks to Bobby’s help, our adoption was finalized smoothly, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to him for helping us with this process.
If you’re considering adoption, we strongly recommend that you contact Mills Law Firm. Bobby’s expertise, communication, and support will make a world of difference in your adoption journey. We are so grateful for everything he did for us!
Bobby Mills is absolutely fantastic! I 100% recommend him for anyone trying to adopt! He’s very quick and made even the stressful moments of our adoption journey a lot less difficult! I am beyond grateful for this man and I do not regret the decision on choosing him as my lawyer! Thanks Bobby for everything! From: The Williams Family
I had a wonderful experience in every way possible! Everything was explained in detail of what could or would happen if situation went every way. I would definitely recommend Bobby & The Mills Adoption Law Team to handle your case! Bobby is very knowledgeable,smart, & a straightforward man. We didn’t need to come into the office much. They made it feel easy. Thank you!
I had a very delicate case with the hopes of a very impossible outcome but Bobby was always very honest. Always told me the cons and pros of every move we decided to take. And something that was nearly impossible he made it a reality with his wisdom. There are no words to explain the gratitude I feel towards him. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a network of attorneys to seek if he ever needs assistance. He personally picks up your calls & replies black to every email!! I am so blessed I found him. I will forever be in his debt. THANK YOU BOBBY!!
Bobby’s experience and vast connections with people all over the state of North Carolina was very helpful in making our adoption as smooth as possible. Even though our adoption happened in a town a couple of hours away from Bobby’s office he happened to know a social worker who lived in that town that helped us get through the process when we had questions that popped up. I felt that he always had our interests in mind and answered my texts and emails promptly. We actually recommended Bobby to our friends who are adopting in North Carolina as well. Highly recommend!