Cooperative Adoption

Cooperative adoption allows birth parents to have ongoing contact with a child they have put up for adoption after the adoption has been legally finalized. Some states have adopted cooperative adoption statutes which allow for a written and enforceable contact agreement between the adoptive family and the birth parents.

States which have statutes allowing for a cooperative adoption allow the birth parents to have rights after the adoption which can include face to face contact, phone calls and letters. This allows the birth parents to give up their legal, parental rights but retain some type of right to visitation with their child. Cooperative adoption is voluntary, and both the birth parents and adoptive parents must agree in advance to all the terms.

Proponents of cooperative adoption argue children who maintain contact with both parents benefit from the arrangement. Others argue it may create additional confusion or difficulties dealing with two sets of parents. If you are considering a cooperative adoption it is important to talk to an adoption lawyer. Generally courts must approve the cooperative adoption agreements for them to be enforceable, and all parties must agree in writing to all of the terms of the agreement prior to the adoption finalization.