What is an open adoption agreement?
An open adoption agreement is a legal agreement between birth parents and adoptive parents that allows for ongoing contact between parties. Open adoption agreements have become increasingly popular in Washington and throughout the US, as they offer a way for adopted children to stay connected to their birth families and to maintain a sense of their own natural identity. Open adoption agreements usually involve the exchange of identifying information (such as names, addresses, and contact information) between the birth parents and adoptive parents. This information is then shared among the parties to facilitate contact and visits. Depending on the specific agreement, the contact may range from occasional visits to more frequent communication via phone, email, or text. The specific terms of open adoption agreements vary widely. However, in general, birth parents and adoptive parents may agree to allow for visits, communication, and/or the exchange of pictures and letters. Additionally, the agreement may include provisions for providing medical updates or other information that would be beneficial to the child and/or the birth parents. Overall, open adoption agreements provide adoptive children with an opportunity to maintain connections to both their birth parents and adoptive parents. As such, they are an important part of the adoption process and are carefully considered by courts in Washington when legal proceedings are underway.
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