Michigan Adoption Proceedings Judicial Benchbook Revised Edition 2012

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Adoption Proceedings BenchbookRevised Edition

Updates: January 2012May 1, 2012
UpdateshavebeenissuedfortheAdoptionProceedingsBenchbook.Asummary ofeachupdateappearsbelow.Theupdateshavebeenintegratedintothewebsite versionofthebenchbook.Clickingonthelinksbelowwilltakeyoutothepage(s) inthebenchbookwheretheupdatesappear.Thetextaddedorchangedineach updateisunderlined.
Chapter 4: Adoption Eligibility, Venue, Jurisdiction, LawyerGuardian Ad Litem 4.4: LawyerGuardian Ad Litem
EffectiveMay1,2012,2012PA115amendedMCL712A.17d(1) to expand a lawyerguardian ad litems duties to include participating in training in early childhood, child, and adolescentdevelopment.
Chapter 10: Paying the Costs of Foster Care & Adoption 10.6(E) Adoptive Parent Subsidies
On April 5, 2012, the SCAO issued SCAO Administrative Memorandum201204tohelpcourtswiththeimplementation of the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act and other recently signed acts that extend adoption support subsidy agreements and medical subsidy agreements to children who wereadoptedbetweentheagesof16and18,andwhomeetthe eligibility requirements set out in the Young Adult Voluntary FosterCareAct,MCL400.641etseq.
10.7(H) Guardianship Assistance

MichiganJudicialInstitute2012 Page1of2
AdoptionProceedingsBenchbookRevisedEdition
On April 5, 2012, the SCAO issued SCAO Administrative Memorandum201204tohelpcourtswiththeimplementation of the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act and other recently signed acts that extend guardianship assistance to children reaching 21 years of age if the child meets the requirementssetoutintheYoungAdultVoluntaryFosterCare Act,MCL400.641etseq.1
AmendmentstoMCR3.979arepending.
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MichiganJudicialInstitute2012
ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS BENCHBOOK REVISED EDITION
MICHIGAN JUDICIAL INSTITUTE 2012
Michigan Supreme Court

TheHonorableRobertP.Young,Jr.,ChiefJustice The Honorable Michael F. Cavanagh, the Honorable
Marilyn Kelly, the Honorable Stephen J. Markman, the Honorable Diane M. Hathaway, the Honorable Mary Beth Kelly,theHonorableBrianK.Zahra,Justices
The
Honorable Chad C. Schmucker, State Court Administrator GeneralCounsel
Mr. Matthew Schneider, Chief of Staff and Supreme Court
Michigan Judicial Institute Staff

DawnF.McCarty,Director AnneM.DeMarco,ProgramAssistant RachaelDrenovsky,LearningCenterCoordinator AmyFeinauer,ProgramAssistant DonnaHellman,ResearchAttorney MaryAnnMcDaidMink,MultimediaDevelopmentSpecialist KimberlyMuschong,ResearchAttorney SarahRoth,PublicationsManager CorrieS.SchmidtParker,ResearchAttorney TeriScott,AdministrativeAssistant PeterC.Stathakis,ProgramManager CathyWeitzel,Training&DevelopmentSpecialist
TheresearchdoneforthisbenchbookiscurrentthroughMay1,2012.Thisbenchbook isnotintendedtobeanauthoritativestatementbythejusticesoftheMichigan SupremeCourtregardinganyofthesubstantiveissuesdiscussed.
Acknowledgments
Work on the revised edition of this benchbook was overseen by an Editorial Advisory Committee facilitated by MJI Research Attorney Corrie SchmidtParker, who skillfully revised this edition of the benchbook. MJI gratefully acknowledges the time, helpful advice, and expertisecontributedbytheCommitteemembers,whoareasfollows:
TheHonorableRobertButts,ProbateJudge
CheboyganCountyProbateCourt
Ms.LauranF.Howard,JuvenileIntake
OaklandCountyCircuitCourtFamilyDivision
TheHonorableFrederickR.Mulhauser,ChiefJudge
Emmet/CharlevoixCountyProbateCourt
Ms.JeniferL.Pettibone,ManagementAnalystChildWelfare
Services,StateCourtAdministrativeOffice
Mr.GeorgeM.Strander,Administrator/Register
InghamCountyProbateCourt
TheHonorableKarenA.Tighe,ProbateJudge
BayCountyProbateCourt
Ms. Jennifer D. Warner, Management AnalystFamily
Division,StateCourtAdministrativeOffice The first edition of the Adoption Proceedings Benchbook was funded by a grant from the Michigan Family Independence Agency (Michigan DepartmentofHumanServices).Thefirsteditionofthebenchbookwas researched and written by former MJI Research Attorney, Jennifer D. Warner, and edited by former MJI Judicial Education & Publications Manager,TobinMiller.
TheMichiganJudicialInstitute(MJI)wascreatedin1977bytheMichiganSupreme Court.MJIisresponsibleforprovidingeducationalprogramsandwrittenmaterialsfor Michiganjudgesandcourtpersonnel.Inadditiontoformalseminarofferings,MJIis engagedinabroadrangeofpublicationactivities,services,andprojectsthataredesigned toenhancetheprofessionalskillsofallthoseservingintheMichigancourtsystem.MJI welcomescommentsandsuggestions.PleasesendthemtoMichiganJudicialInstitute, HallofJustice,P.O.Box30205,Lansing,MI48909.(517)3737171.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 AdoptionDefined........................................................................................ 11 A. PurposesoftheAdoptionCode............................................................ 12 B. DocketPriority ....................................................................................... 13 C. OrdersEnteredUnderAdoptionCode ............................................... 13 1.2 1.3 StepOneofAdoptionProcessIndianChild ....................................... 14 StepTwoofAdoptionProcessVoluntaryorInvoluntary ................ 15 A. VoluntaryTermination .......................................................................... 15 B. InvoluntaryTermination ....................................................................... 18 1.4 1.5 ChildsBestInterestFactors..................................................................... 111 Definitions .................................................................................................. 113 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. Adoptee .................................................................................................. 113 AdoptionAttorney ............................................................................... 113 AdultFormerSibling............................................................................ 113 AgencyPlacement................................................................................. 113 ChildProtectiveProceeding................................................................ 113 CentralAdoptionRegistry .................................................................. 113 Child........................................................................................................ 114 ChildPlacingAgency........................................................................... 114 Consent................................................................................................... 114 Court ....................................................................................................... 114 Department ............................................................................................ 114 DirectPlacement ................................................................................... 114 EquitableFather .................................................................................... 114 FormalPlacement ................................................................................. 115 IndianChild/Tribe ................................................................................ 115 LawyerGuardianAdLitem................................................................ 115 LegalFather ........................................................................................... 115 NonrecurringAdoptionExpenses ..................................................... 116 Placement ............................................................................................... 116 PutativeFather ...................................................................................... 116 Relative ................................................................................................... 116
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V. Release .................................................................................................... 116 W. RescissionPetition ................................................................................ 116 X. TemporaryPlacement .......................................................................... 117 Y. TribalCourt............................................................................................ 117 Z. WithintheFifthDegreeByMarriage,Blood,orAdoption ............ 117 1.6 LegalAdvice................................................................................................ 117 A. InformationClerksMayProvide........................................................ 117 B. InformationClerksMustNotProvide............................................... 118 1.7 FlowchartsofAdoptionProcesses.......................................................... 119
Chapter 2: Freeing a Child for Adoption

2.1 ReleaseofParentalRights.......................................................................... 22 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. 2.2 A. B. C. D. 2.3 2.4 2.5 PersonsAuthorizedtoExecuteaRelease............................................ 23 RequiredSupportingDocumentation ................................................. 26 InterestedParties..................................................................................... 27 ReleaseHearing....................................................................................... 28 CourtDetermination .............................................................................. 28 ExecutionofRelease ............................................................................... 29 TerminationofCourtsJurisdiction ................................................... 210 RehearingonaReleaseMCL710.64(1)........................................... 211 RevocationofaReleaseMCL710.29(10) ........................................ 211 CourtsJurisdictiontoSetAsideaRelease ....................................... 212 AppealingtheCourtsDenial ............................................................. 212
SettingAsideaRelease............................................................................. 210
NoticeofIntenttoReleaseExpectedChild .......................................... 212 VoluntaryTerminationDuringaChildProtectiveProceeding........ 214 ConsenttoAdoption ................................................................................. 217 A. B. C. D. E. F. PersonsAuthorizedtoExecuteaConsent ........................................ 218 InterestedParties................................................................................... 222 ConsentHearing ................................................................................... 223 CourtDetermination ............................................................................ 224 ExecutionofConsent............................................................................ 225 TerminationofCourtsJurisdiction ................................................... 226
2.6
SettingAsideaConsent............................................................................ 226 A. RehearingonaConsent ....................................................................... 226 B. WithdrawalofaConsent .................................................................... 226
2.7 2.8 2.9
WithholdingConsent................................................................................ 227 NoticeofIntenttoConsenttoAdoptionofExpectedChild ............. 227 TerminationPursuanttoAdoptionCode ............................................. 230 A. UninterestedPutativeFather .............................................................. 230 B. InterestedPutativeFathers.................................................................. 232
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C. StepparentAdoption ............................................................................ 238 2.10 TerminationPursuanttoJuvenileCode................................................ 246 2.11 SpecialNoticeProvisionsforIncarceratedParties.............................. 246 A. B. C. D. E. PetitionersResponsibility ................................................................... 247 CourtsResponsibility .......................................................................... 247 DocumentationandCorrespondencetoIncarceratedParty .......... 248 DenialofRelief ...................................................................................... 248 Sanctions................................................................................................. 249
Chapter 3: Identifying the Father

3.1 TypesofFathers ........................................................................................... 32 A. LegalFather ............................................................................................. 32 B. PutativeFather ........................................................................................ 33 C. EquitableFather ...................................................................................... 33 3.2 ThePaternityAct ......................................................................................... 34 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. 3.3 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. 3.4 A. B. C. D. 3.5 ChildBornOutofWedlock ................................................................... 35 CourtsJurisdiction................................................................................. 38 StandingtoFileaPaternityAction....................................................... 39 FilingPaternityAction ......................................................................... 311 GeneticTesting ...................................................................................... 314 PaternityProceedings........................................................................... 318 OrderofFiliation................................................................................... 320 ChildBornOutofWedlock ................................................................. 321 AcknowledgmentofParentageForm ................................................ 322 BirthCertificate ..................................................................................... 324 CourtsJurisdiction............................................................................... 324 CustodyDetermination........................................................................ 324 InvalidationofAcknowledgmentofParentage ............................... 325 RevocationofAcknowledgmentofParentage ................................. 325 ChildBornOutofWedlock ................................................................. 328 NoticeofIntenttoClaimPaternity .................................................... 329 PetitiontoIdentifythePutativeFather ............................................. 329 RebuttingPresumptionofLegitimacy............................................... 333
AcknowledgmentofParentage .............................................................. 321
IdentifyingthePutativeFather ............................................................... 328
PutativeFatherHearingChildProtectiveProceedings ................. 334 A. Notice...................................................................................................... 335 B. Hearing ................................................................................................... 336
3.6 3.7
AdjudicationofPaternityinAnotherState.......................................... 337 TheUniformInterstateFamilySupportAct(UIFSA) ........................ 337
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Chapter 4: Adoption Eligibility, Venue, Jurisdiction, Lawyer Guardian Ad Litem

4.1 WhoMayAdoptaChild............................................................................. 41 A. PersonsEligibletoAdopt ...................................................................... 41 B. PersonsNotEligibletoAdopt .............................................................. 42 C. ConsiderationsofAge,Race,NationalOrigin,ReligiousAffiliation, Disability,orIncome .............................................................................. 45 4.2 Venue ............................................................................................................. 46 A. ProperVenue ........................................................................................... 46 B. ChangeofVenue..................................................................................... 47 4.3 JurisdictioninAdoptionProceedings ..................................................... 47 A. B. C. D. 4.4 ExclusiveJurisdiction ............................................................................. 47 ConcurrentJurisdiction.......................................................................... 47 InterstateAdoptions ............................................................................. 410 InternationalAdoptions....................................................................... 413
LawyerGuardianAdLitem..................................................................... 422
Chapter 5: Temporary Placements, Investigation Reports, and Safe Delivery of Newborns

5.1 TemporaryPlacements................................................................................ 51 A. WhoMayMakeaTemporaryPlacement............................................ 52 B. AgencyPlacement................................................................................... 53 5.2 ProceduralandDocumentaryRequirements ......................................... 53 A. B. C. D. 5.3 5.4 IdentifyingandNonidentifyingInformation ..................................... 54 PreplacementAssessments.................................................................... 55 TransferStatements ................................................................................ 58 TransferReport...................................................................................... 511
InvestigativeReport .................................................................................. 512 DispositionReport..................................................................................... 512 A. CourtsResponsibility .......................................................................... 513 B. ProsecutorsResponsibility ................................................................. 513
5.5
ResolvingCustodyDisputesAfteraTemporaryPlacement............. 514 A. PetitionforDispositionorRevocationofaTemporary Placement ............................................................................................... 514 B. HearingtoDetermineCustody........................................................... 515
5.6
SafeDeliveryofNewbornsLaw............................................................. 518 A. B. C. D. EmergencyServiceProvidersResponsibilities................................ 519 HospitalsResponsibilities................................................................... 521 ChildPlacingAgencysResponsibilities ........................................... 521 ImmunityFromCivilDamages .......................................................... 522
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E. F. G. H. I.
JurisdictionandAuthority................................................................... 523 PetitionforCustody ............................................................................. 523 NoParentalRequestforCustody....................................................... 526 ClosedHearingsandConfidentialityofRecords............................ 527 SafeDeliveryofNewbornsProgram ................................................. 527
Chapter 6: Formal Placement, Adoption Petition, Adoption Order, and Adult Adoption
6.1 FormalPlacementoftheChild.................................................................. 61 A. WhoMayMakeaFormalPlacement ................................................... 62 B. ProceduralandDocumentaryRequirements ..................................... 63 6.2 CompilationofNonidentifyingandIdentifyingInformation ........... 63 A. NonidentifyingInformation.................................................................. 64 B. IdentifyingInformation ......................................................................... 66 6.3 AdoptionPetition ....................................................................................... 66 A. B. C. D. E. 6.4 PetitionRequirements ............................................................................ 67 FilingRequirements................................................................................ 68 ServiceRequirementsandInterestedParties ..................................... 68 RequiredSupportingDocumentation ................................................. 69 AdoptionSupportGroups................................................................... 610
AdoptionOrder .......................................................................................... 611 A. TerminationofParentalRights ........................................................... 611 B. SupervisoryPeriod ............................................................................... 611 C. ActionontheAdoptionPetition......................................................... 612
6.5
EffectofAdoptionOrder.......................................................................... 614 A. B. C. D. NameChange ........................................................................................ 614 NewBirthCertificate............................................................................ 614 LegalRightsandObligations .............................................................. 616 GrandparentVisitation ........................................................................ 617
6.6
AdultAdoption .......................................................................................... 617
Chapter 7: Rehearings, Appeals, Rescissions, and Dissolutions

7.1 Rehearings..................................................................................................... 72 A. B. C. D. 7.2 PetitionforRehearingRequirements................................................... 72 ResponsetoPetition ............................................................................... 72 CourtDetermination .............................................................................. 72 AllegationsofFraud ............................................................................... 74
MotiononWithholdingConsenttoAdopt ............................................ 75 A. MotionRequirements............................................................................. 75
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B. CourtDetermination .............................................................................. 76 7.3 AppealingSubsidyDetermination .......................................................... 78 A. PetitionforReview ................................................................................. 78 B. DHSResponsibilities .............................................................................. 79 C. CourtDetermination ............................................................................ 710 7.4 AppealingtotheMichiganCourtofAppeals ...................................... 711 A. Jurisdiction ............................................................................................. 711 B. Procedures.............................................................................................. 712 C. CourtDetermination ............................................................................ 714 7.5 7.6 AppealstotheMichiganSupremeCourt.............................................. 718 RescissionofStepparentAdoption........................................................ 719 A. PetitionRequirements .......................................................................... 719 B. HearingRequirements ......................................................................... 720 C. CourtDetermination ............................................................................ 720 7.7 7.8 DissolutionofanAdoption ..................................................................... 721 ReportingAmended,Annulled,orRescindedAdoptionOrders .... 721
Chapter 8: Direct Placement Adoption, Stepparent Adoption, Relative Adoption, and Legal Risk Adoption
8.1 DirectPlacementAdoption........................................................................ 81 A. B. C. D. E. 8.2 A. B. C. D. 8.3 8.4 SelectionofProspectiveAdoptiveParent ........................................... 82 AdoptionAttorneyorAgencyAssistance .......................................... 82 ExchangeofInformation..................................................................... 810 RequiredAdditionalorDifferentDocumentation........................... 811 SupervisionofPlacement .................................................................... 813 NoncustodialParentsConsenttoAdoption ................................... 814 TerminationofNoncustodialParentsParentalRights................... 815 IdentifyingandNonidentifyingInformation ................................... 815 GrandparentVisitation ........................................................................ 816
StepparentAdoption ................................................................................. 813
RelativeAdoption...................................................................................... 819 LegalRiskAdoption.................................................................................. 820
Chapter 9: Recordkeeping Requirements and Release of Information

9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4
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RestrictionsonAccesstoAdoptionProceedingsRecords ................... 91 DisclosureofBiologicalorAdoptiveParentsNames.......................... 92 CompilingNonidentifyingandIdentifyingInformation ................... 93 CentralAdoptionRegistry ......................................................................... 93

A. ConsenttoorDenialofReleaseofIdentifyingInformation............. 94 B. ClearanceRequestandReplyForms ................................................... 95 9.5 9.6 ReleaseoftheChildPlacingAgencys,theDHSs,ortheCourts Identity.......................................................................................................... 96 ReleaseofNonidentifyingInformation.................................................. 97 A. ReleasetoAdoptiveParent,AdultAdoptee,FormerParent,orAdult FormerSibling ......................................................................................... 97 B. ReleasetoDirectDescendant ................................................................ 97 C. ReleasetoChildrensOmbudsman...................................................... 97 9.7 ReleaseofIdentifyingInformation.......................................................... 98 A. B. C. D. E. 9.8 A. B. C. D. E. ReleasetoAdultAdoptee ...................................................................... 98 ReleasetoFormerParentorAdultFormerSibling.......................... 915 ReleaseofMedicalInformation ......................................................... 916 ReleasetoDirectDescendant .............................................................. 918 ReleasetoChildrensOmbudsman.................................................... 918 QualificationRequirements................................................................. 919 Responsibilities...................................................................................... 920 AccesstoOriginalBirthCertificate .................................................... 922 Compensation........................................................................................ 922 DismissalofConfidentialIntermediary ............................................ 922
ConfidentialIntermediaries .................................................................... 918
Chapter 10: Paying the Costs of Foster Care & Adoption

10.1 FosterCareFunding .................................................................................. 102 10.2 CompensationforAdoptionServices.................................................... 102 A. B. C. D. ServicesAdoptiveParentsMustPay ................................................. 102 ServicesAdoptiveParentsMayPay .................................................. 102 ServicesaPersonMustNotPayWithoutCourtApproval ............ 103 ServicesForWhichaPersonMustNotBeCompensated .............. 105
10.3 SolicitingAdoptedChildrenandAdoptiveParents........................... 105 10.4 ReportingandAccountingRequirements ............................................ 106 A. PetitionersVerifiedAccountingStatement...................................... 107 B. AttorneysVerifiedAccountingStatement ....................................... 107 C. ChildPlacingAgencysortheDHSsVerifiedAccounting Statement................................................................................................ 108 D. ParentsorGuardiansVerifiedAccountingStatement.................. 108 10.5 CourtApprovalofFees ............................................................................. 109 10.6 AdoptiveParentSubsidies..................................................................... 1010 A. SupportSubsidies ............................................................................... 1011 B. MedicalSubsidies ............................................................................... 1015 C. NonrecurringAdoptionExpenses ................................................... 1020
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D. AppealofSubsidyDetermination.................................................... 1022 E. ExtensionofAdoptionSubsidyAgreementsandMedicalSubsidy Agreements .......................................................................................... 1022 10.7 GuardianshipAssistance........................................................................ 1024 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Eligibility .............................................................................................. 1024 GuardianshipAssistanceAgreement .............................................. 1026 AnnualReview.................................................................................... 1027 DurationofGuardianshipAssistance.............................................. 1027 Appeal .................................................................................................. 1028 CourtsRole ......................................................................................... 1029 DHSsRoleWhenAssistanceIsProvided ...................................... 1030 YoungAdultGuardianshipExtension(YAGE) ............................. 1030
10.8 FederalFundingforSubsidies .............................................................. 1033
Chapter 11: Adoption Proceedings Involving an Indian Child

11.1 GeneralRequirementsoftheIndianChildWelfareAct(ICWA) .... 112 11.2 PurposeoftheICWA ................................................................................ 112 11.3 WhentheICWAApplies.......................................................................... 113 A. AnIndianChildUndertheICWA ..................................................... 113 B. ChildCustodyProceedings................................................................. 117 11.4 NoticeofProceedingstoParentandTribeorSecretaryof Interior ......................................................................................................... 118 A. VoluntaryProceedings......................................................................... 118 B. InvoluntaryProceedings...................................................................... 119 C. NoticeRequirements .......................................................................... 1110 11.5 Jurisdiction ................................................................................................ 1115 A. MandatoryTransferofCasetoTribalCourt .................................. 1116 B. NonMandatoryTransferofCasetoTribalCourt(Concurrent Jurisdiction).......................................................................................... 1118 11.6 AppointmentofCounsel ........................................................................ 1120 11.7 RighttoInterveneinProceedings ........................................................ 1121 11.8 VoluntaryProceedings............................................................................ 1122 A. ConsenttoFosterCarePlacement.................................................... 1122 B. ConsenttoTerminationofParentalRights..................................... 1124 11.9 InvoluntaryProceedings ........................................................................ 1126 A. FosterCarePlacement........................................................................ 1128 B. TerminationofParentalRights ......................................................... 1129 11.10PreferredPlacementsofIndianChildren ........................................... 1130 A. FosterCareorPreadoptivePlacements........................................... 1131
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B. AdoptivePlacements.......................................................................... 1132 C. DeviatingFromtheOrderofPreference ......................................... 1132 11.11QualifiedExpertWitnesses.................................................................... 1133 11.12ChangeofPlacementandPetitionforReturnofChild ................... 1134 A. DisruptionofAdoption ..................................................................... 1134 B. RemovalFromFosterCare ................................................................ 1135 11.13CentralAdoptionRegistryforIndianChildren ................................ 1136 11.14RecordkeepingandDisclosureofInformation ................................. 1137 A. MaintenanceofRecords..................................................................... 1137 B. DisclosureofInformation .................................................................. 1137 11.15ImproperRemoval ................................................................................... 1139 11.16InvalidationofStateCourtActionforViolationoftheICWA ...... 1139
Appendix A: County Resources Appendix B: Department of Community Health Resources

Cases MichiganStatutes MichiganCourtRules ConstitutionalAuthority UnitedStatesCode CodeofFederalRegulations
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Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7
AdoptionDefined ................................................................................. 11 StepOneofAdoptionProcessIndianChild....................................... 14 StepTwoofAdoptionProcessVoluntaryorInvoluntary .................. 15 ChildsBestInterestFactors............................................................... 111 Definitions .......................................................................................... 112 LegalAdvice........................................................................................ 117 FlowchartsofAdoptionProcesses ..................................................... 119
In this chapter . . .
Thischapterincludesthedefinitionofadoptionandthepurposesofthe Adoption Code. In addition, the chapter discusses the procedures by which a parents parental rights may be terminated prior to a childs adoption. This chapter also provides a list of factors the court must consider to determine a childs best interests, and addresses the priority treatment thecourtsaretogivetoadoptionproceedings.Thechapteralsotouches on how to avoid giving legal advice while serving selfrepresented parties.
1.1
Adoption Defined
Adoption is the act that legally establishes relations of paternity and affiliation among people who are not related by nature. In re Sessions Estate,70Mich297,305(1888).Adoptionhasalsobeenreferredtoasthe legalequivalentofbiologicalparenthood.SmithvOrgofFosterFamilies ForEqualityandReform,431US816,844n51(1977).
Section1.1
InMichigan,adoptionwascreatedpurelybystatuteanddidnotexistin the common law. See Slattery v HartfordConnecticut Trust Co, 254 Mich 671,675(1931);InreWhitesAdoption,300Mich378,382(1942).Because adoption proceedings are purely statutory, the primary goal of judicial interpretation is to ascertain the Legislatures intent. In re Dawson, 232 MichApp690,696(1998).Specifically, The primary goal of judicial interpretation of statutes is to ascertain the intent of the Legislature. The first criterion in determiningintentisthespecificlanguageofthestatute.The Legislature is presumed to have intended the meaning it plainlyexpressed,andwhenthelanguageofastatuteisclear and unambiguous, judicial construction is neither required nor permitted. However, if a statute is ambiguous and reasonable minds can differ with regard to the meaning of the statute, judicial construction is permitted. When construingastatute,thecourtmust usecommonsenseand should construe the statute so as to avoid unreasonable consequences.BecausetheAdoptionCodeisinderogationof thecommonlaw,itmustbestrictlyconstrued.InreDawson, 232MichAppat696.(Internalcitationsomitted.) Anadoptionwill fail,ifa courtdoesnotsubstantially complywiththe adoptionstatutes.Slattery,254Michat675.
A. Purposes of the Adoption Code

ThegeneralpurposesoftheAdoptionCodeareallofthefollowing: (a) To provide that each adoptee in this state who needsadoptionservicesreceivesthoseservices. (b) To provide procedures and services that will safeguard and promote the best interests of each adoptee in need of adoption and that will protect the rightsofallpartiesconcerned.Ifconflictsarisebetween therightsoftheadopteeandtherightsofanother,the rightsoftheadopteeshallbeparamount. (c)Toprovidepromptlegalproceedingstoassurethat theadopteeisfreeforadoptiveplacementattheearliest possibletime. (d) To achieve permanency and stability for adoptees asquicklyaspossible. (e)Tosupportthepermanencyofafinalizedadoption by allowing all interested parties to participate in
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Section1.1
proceedings regarding the adoptee. MCL 710.21a(a) MCL710.21a(e).
B. Docket Priority
All adoption proceedings must be treated as high priority. MCL 710.25(1). Since one of the purposes of the Adoption Code is to provide prompt legal proceedings in order to free up a child for adoption as soon as is practicable, adoption proceedings must be advancedonacourtsdocket.Id.;MCL710.21a(c). The court must not adjourn or continue an adoption proceeding withoutashowingofgoodcause.MCL710.25(2).SeeInreMKK,286 MichApp546,563564(2009),wheregoodcausewasshowntostay adoptionproceedingsanddetermineifaputativefatherwasachilds legal father when the putative father was obviously the biological father, he filed a paternity action shortly after the childs birth and beforetheadoptionpetitionwasfiled,andtherewasnoevidencehe didsojusttopreventtheadoptionproceedings. Note: In In re MKK, the Court noted that [it did] not intend to create a race to the courthouse, where a paternity action takes precedence over an adoption proceeding merely because the paternity action was filedfirst;rather,the timingofa paternityclaimisbut one factor to be considered in determining whether there is good cause under MCL 710.25(2) to stay adoption proceedings. Furthermore, while a stated purpose of the Adoption Code is to safeguard and promotethebestinterests of each adoptee, upholding therightsoftheadopteeasparamounttothoseofany other, see MCL 710.21a(b), the general presumption followedbycourtsofthisstateisthatthebestinterests ofachildareservedbyawardingcustodytothenatural parent or parents . . . . Thus, giving a paternity action priority over an adoption proceeding does not necessarilyconflictwithprotectingthebestinterestsof thechild.InreMKK,286MichAppat562563.
C. Orders Entered Under Adoption Code

OrdersthatmaybeenteredpursuanttotheAdoptionCodeinclude thefollowing: (1)Orderterminatingparentalrights: (a) following a release of parental rights, MCL 710.29(7).SeeSection2.1.
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Section1.2
(b)followingaconsenttoadoption,MCL710.51(1). SeeSection2.5. (c) following a putative father hearing under the AdoptionCode,MCL710.37andMCL710.39.See Section2.9(A)andSection2.9(B). (d) pursuant to a stepparent adoption, MCL 710.51(6).SeeSection2.9(C). (2) Order on a petition for revocation of release, MCL 710.29(10).SeeSection2.2. (3)Orderonamotiontowithdrawconsenttoadoption, MCL710.51(3).SeeSection2.6. (4)Orderonamotiontodetermineifthewithholdingof consent was arbitrary and capricious, MCL 710.45(2). SeeSection7.2. (5) Order on a petition for a hearing to identify the fatheranddetermineandterminatehisrightspursuant totheAdoptionCode,MCL710.36(1).SeeSection3.4. (6) Order following a review of a finding of unsuitability of prospective adoptive parents pursuant toMCL710.23f(8).SeeSection5.2(B)(3). (7)Orderresolvingacustodydisputeafteratemporary placement,MCL710.23d.SeeSection5.5. (8) Order placing an adoptee, MCL 710.51. See Section 6.1. (9)Orderofadoption,MCL710.56.SeeSection6.4(C)(1). (10) Order denying adoption, MCL 710.62. See Section 6.4(C)(2). (11)Orderonarehearing,MCL710.64.SeeSection7.1.
1.2
Step One of Adoption ProcessIndian Child

The first step is to determine whether an Indian child is involved. Whetheraparentsparentalrightsarebeingvoluntarilyorinvoluntarily terminated, the court must follow the mandates of the Indian Child WelfareAct(ICWA). However,regardlessof whenthe courtdiscovers an Indian childis the subject of the adoption, it must adhere to the ICWA requirements. See
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Section1.3
Chapter 11 for a detailed discussion of the ICWAs substantive and proceduralmandates.
1.3
Step Two of Adoption ProcessVoluntary or Involuntary

Thenextstepistodeterminewhetheraparentsparentalrightsarebeing voluntarily or involuntarily terminated. There are different standards thatapplytovoluntaryandinvoluntaryterminations.
A. Voluntary Termination
Aparentmayvoluntarilyrelinquishhisorherparentalrightsoverhis orherchildunder: (1)Areleaseofparentalrights; (2) During the course of a child protective proceeding; or (3)Consenttoachildsadoption.
1. Release of Parental Rights

AparentmayonlyreleaseachildtotheDepartmentofHuman Services(DHS)orachildplacingagency.SeeSections2.12.3for adetaileddiscussiononreleases. After a release is executed, the court must issue an order terminating that parents parental rights. However, the court cannot commit the child to the DHS or a child placing agency until both parents parental rights are terminated. Once one parentsparentalrightsarereleased,theotherparentsparental rights must be released, voluntarily terminated under the JuvenileCode,orinvoluntarilyterminated.SeeSections2.12.3 (releases), Section 2.4 (voluntary termination during child protective proceedings), and Sections 2.92.10 (involuntary termination). Ifneedbe,achildsmothermaypetitionthecourttoidentifya putativefather.SeeSection3.4(C). OnceachildiscommittedtotheDHSorachildplacingagency, the DHS or the child placing agency may formally place the child. See Chapter 6 for a detailed discussion of formal placements.However,aparentmayfileapetitionforrehearing within21daysofentryoftheterminationorder.Inaddition,a parent may petition for revocation of the release at any time
Section1.3
prior to the childs placement if the DHS or the child placing agency joins or acquiesces in the petition for revocation. See Section2.2foradetaileddiscussiononsettingasidereleases.
2. Voluntary Termination During Child Protective Proceedings

A parent may voluntarily terminate his or her parental rights during a child protective proceeding by doing one of the following: Executingareleaseandterminationofparentalrightsunderthe AdoptionCode.SeeSections2.12.3. Note:Ifaparentelectstoreleasehisorherparental rights under the Adoption Code, a new case is openedundertheAdoptionCodeandtheneglect andabusecasecontinuesasaseparateproceeding. Admittingtoagroundforterminationorenteranocontestplea undertheJuvenileCode.SeeSection2.4. Note:Thecourtmuststillfindthatthetermination ofparentalrightsisinthechildsbestinterests.See MCL712A.19b(5).
3. Consent to Adoption
A parent may voluntarily relinquish his or her parental rights and consent to the childs placement with a specific adoptive parent.SeeSections2.52.8foradetaileddiscussionofconsent adoptions. Under a consent to adopt, a parent may consent to a direct placement adoption, a stepparent adoption, or a relative adoption.
a.
Direct Placement Adoption

A direct placement adoption occurs when the biological parent or guardian selects an adoptive parent and transfers his or her physical custody of the child to the prospective adoptive parent. See Section 8.1. Once one parent consents to an adoption, the other parents parental rights must be voluntarily terminated under a consent to adopt, voluntarily terminated under the Juvenile Code, or involuntarily terminated. See Sections 2.52.8 (consent adoptions), Section 2.4 (voluntary
Page16
Section1.3
termination during child protective proceedings), and Sections2.92.10(involuntarytermination). If need be, a childs mother may petition the court to identifyaputativefather.SeeSection3.4(C). After the adoptive parent is selected, the parent or guardian may directly place the child temporarily or formallywiththeadoptiveparent. Temporary placement. The child is temporarily placed when the placement occurs before court approval. See Chapter 5 for a detailed discussion of temporary placements. Within 30 days of a temporary placement, the adoptive parentmustfileanadoptionpetitionrequestingparental termination and formal placement, or the child must be returned to the person or agency having legal custody over the child. After a parent or guardian temporarily placesthechild,theparentorguardianmayfileapetition for revocation of the temporary placement and for the childsreturn,ormayfileapetitiontowithdrawhisorher consent to adopt. See Section 5.5 (revoking temporary placement),andSection2.6(withdrawingconsent). Formalplacement.Thechildisformallyplacedoncethe courtapprovestheplacementandbothparentsparental rights are terminated.1 See Chapter 6 for a detailed discussionofformalplacements. In a formal placement, the adoptive parent must file an adoption petition to adopt the child. See Section 6.3. However, a parent may withdraw his or her consent up until the parental rights are terminated or may file a petition for rehearing within 21 days of entry of the terminationorder.SeeSection2.6(withdrawingconsent), andSection7.1(rehearings).
b.
Stepparent Adoption
Astepparentadoptionoccurswhenthecustodialparent marries and his or her spouse petitions to adopt the custodial parents child and terminate the noncustodial parentsparentalrights.SeeSection8.2.
1Althoughaformalplacementneednotbeprecededbyatemporaryplacement,atemporaryplacement
becomes a formal placement once parental rights have been terminated and the court approves the placement.
Page17
Section1.3
The noncustodial parent may consent to the stepparent adoption and voluntarily relinquish his or her parental rightstothechild.(Thecustodialparentsparentalrights arenotterminatedinastepparentadoption.)SeeSection 8.2(A). The court may formally place the child once the noncustodialparentsparentalrightsareterminated.See Chapter 6 for information on formal placements. However, the noncustodial parent may withdraw his or her consent up until his or her parental rights are terminatedormayfileapetitionforrehearingwithin21 days of entry of the termination order. See Section 2.6 (withdrawingconsent),andSection7.1(rehearings).
c.
Relative Adoption
A relative adoption occurs when a custodial parent formallyplacesthechildwitharelative.SeeSection8.3. Once one parent consents to an adoption, the other parents parental rights must be voluntarily terminated under a consent to adopt, voluntarily terminated under the Juvenile Code, or involuntarily terminated. See Sections 2.52.8 (consent adoptions), Section 2.4 (voluntary termination during child protective proceedings), and Sections 2.92.10 (involuntary termination). If need be, a childs mother may petition the court to identifyaputativefather.SeeSection3.4(C). Thechildisformallyplacedoncethecourtapprovesthe placement and the parents parental rights are terminated. See Chapter 6 for information on formal placements. The relative must file an adoption petition to adopt the child. See Section 6.3. However, a parent may withdraw his or her consent up until the parental rights are terminatedormayfileapetitionforrehearingwithin21 days of entry of the termination order. See Section 2.6 (withdrawingconsent),andSection7.1(rehearings).
B. Involuntary Termination
The court may involuntarily terminate a parents parental rights undertheAdoptionCodeortheJuvenileCode.SeeSections2.92.10 foradetaileddiscussionofinvoluntarytermination.
Page18 MichiganJudicialInstitute2012
Section1.3
Because the procedures for involuntary termination of a putative fathers parental rights differ from the procedures followed for involuntary termination of a legal fathers parental rights, it is importanttoestablishthetypeoffatherinvolved.SeeSection3.1fora detaileddiscussionofthetypesoffathers. Alegalfathersparentalrightsmayonlybeinvoluntarilyterminated under a stepparent adoption pursuant to the Adoption Code or duringchildprotectiveproceedingspursuanttotheJuvenileCode. Whereas,involuntarilyterminatingaputativefathersparentalrights undertheAdoptionCodewilldependonwhethertheputativefather is an interested or uninterested parent. Under the Juvenile Code, a putative father cannot participate in child protective proceedings where a legal father exists, unless the court determines that a child has no legal father and takes the necessary steps to determine the childs putative father and establish paternity. See Section 3.5 for a detaileddiscussionofputativefatherhearingsduringchildprotective proceedings.
1. Adoption Code
Thecourtmayinvoluntarilyterminateaparentsparentalrights under MCL 710.37 (uninterested putative fathers), MCL 710.39 (interested putative fathers), and MCL 710.51(6) (stepparent adoptions).SeeSection2.9.
a.
Uninterested Putative FathersMCL 710.37

Known putative fatherMCL 710.37(1). When a putativefathersidentityorwhereaboutsareknown,his parentalrightsmaybeterminatedif: (1)Theputativefatherwas: (a) served with a notice of intent to releaseorconsent,or (b) served with or waived the notice of hearingtoidentifythefather;AND (2)Theputativefather: (a) verified paternity and denied his interestincustodyofthechild,or (b)filedadisclaimerofpaternity,or (c)wasservedwithanoticeofintentto releaseorconsentatleast30daysbefore the expected date of confinement but
Page19
Section1.3
failedtofileanintenttoclaimpaternity beforetheexpecteddateofconfinement orthechildsbirth,or (d) received proper notice of hearing to identify the father and either failed to appear at the hearing or appeared and denied his interest in custody of the child.SeeSection2.9(A)(1). Unknown putative fatherMCL 710.37(2). When a putative fathers identity or whereabouts are unknown, hisparentalrightsmaybeterminatedif: (1) The putative father remains unidentified afterreasonableeffortsweremadetoidentify him, and he has not provided for the childs care and did not support the mother during herpregnancyorconfinement;OR (2)Theputativefathersidentityisknownbut hiswhereaboutsareunknown,andhehasnot shown any interestinthechildor made any provisions for the childs care for at least 90 days preceding the termination hearing. See Section2.9(A)(2).
b.
Interested Putative FathersMCL 710.39

Do nothing father request for custodyMCL 710.39(1).Adonothingfatherisaputativefatherwhohas notestablishedacustodialrelationshipwiththechildor provided substantial and regular support or care to the mother orthe child. If a do nothing fatherappears at the termination hearing to request custody of his child, the courtmustinquireintohisfitnessandabilitytoproperly careforthechild. Ifthecourtfindsthatitisnotinthechildsbestintereststo grant the putative father custody, the court must terminatehisparentalrights.However,ifthecourtfinds thatitisinthechildsbestintereststogranttheputative father custody, the court may deny the petition to terminate the putative fathers parental rights and grant custody to the putative father (if the mothers parental rights have already been terminated). See Section 2.9(B)(1). Do something fatherMCL 710.39(2). When a father hasanestablishedcustodialrelationshipwiththechildor
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Section1.4
has provided regular support or care to the mother duringherpregnancyorforeitherthemotherorchildat least 90 days before a termination hearing, his parental rightsmayonlybeinvoluntarilyterminatedduringchild protective proceedings under the Juvenile Code or throughastepparentadoption.SeeSection2.9(B)(2).
c.
Stepparent AdoptionsMCL 710.51(6)

A parents parental rights may be involuntarily terminated in the course of a stepparent adoption. See Section2.9(C). Astepparentadoptionoccurswhenthecustodialparent marries and his or her spouse petitions to adopt the custodial parents child and terminate the noncustodial parents parental rights. See Section 8.2. If the noncustodial parent does not consent to the adoption, a noncustodial parents parental rights may be involuntarily terminated if the court finds that the noncustodial parent failed to provide support and maintaincontactwiththechild.
2. Juvenile Code
Thecourtmayinvoluntarilyterminateaparentsparentalrights as a result of child protective proceedings under the Juvenile Code. A discussion of the involuntary termination of parental rights undertheJuvenileCodeisoutsidethescopeofthisbenchbook. See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Child Protective Proceedings Benchbook.
1.4
Childs Best Interest Factors

The court must keep the childs best interests in mind when making decisionsonbehalfofthechildinordertoensurepermanency.Toensure permanency,thecourtmustconsider[],evaluate[],anddetermine[]the followingbestinterestfactors: (i) The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the adopting individual or individuals and the
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Section1.4
adopteeor,inthecaseofahearingunder[MCL710.39],2the putativefatherandtheadoptee. (ii)Thecapacityanddispositionoftheadoptingindividual or individuals or, in the case of a hearing under [MCL 710.39],theputativefathertogivetheadopteelove,affection, andguidance,andtoeducateandcreateamilieuthatfosters thereligion,racialidentity,andcultureoftheadoptee. (iii)Thecapacityanddispositionoftheadoptingindividual or individuals or, in the case of a hearing under [MCL 710.39],theputativefather,toprovidetheadopteewithfood, clothing, education, permanence, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of thisstateinplaceofmedicalcare,andothermaterialneeds. (iv) The length of time the adoptee has lived in a stable, satisfactoryenvironment,andthedesirabilityofmaintaining continuity. (v) The permanence as a family unit of the proposed adoptive home, or, in the case of a hearing under [MCL 710.39],thehomeoftheputativefather. (vi) The moral fitness of the adopting individual or individuals,orinthecaseofahearingunder[MCL710.39], oftheputativefather. (vii) The mental and physical health of the adopting individual or individuals or, in the case of a hearing under [MCL710.39],oftheputativefather,andoftheadoptee. (viii) The home, school, and community record of the adoptee. (ix)Thereasonablepreferenceoftheadoptee,iftheadoptee is 14 years of age or less and if the court considers the adopteetobeofsufficientagetoexpressapreference.3 (x)Theabilityandwillingnessoftheadoptingindividualor individualstoadopttheadopteessiblings. (xi)Anyotherfactorconsideredbythecourttoberelevant toaparticularadoptionproceeding,ortoaputativefathers
2 MCL 710.39 governs hearings for termination of an interested putative fathers parental rights. See
Section2.9(B).
3 Iftheadopteeisover14yearsofage,theadopteemustconsenttotheadoption.MCL710.43(2).See
Section2.5(A)(3).
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Section1.5
request for child custody. MCL 710.22(g)(i)MCL 710.22(g)(xi).
1.5
Definitions
A. Adoptee
Adopteemeanstheindividualwhoistobeadopted,regardlessof whethertheindividualisachildoranadult.MCL710.22(a).
B. Adoption Attorney
Adoption attorney means an attorney acting as counsel in an adoptionproceedingorcase.MCL710.22(b).
C. Adult Former Sibling

Adultformersiblingmeansanindividualwhois18yearsofageor olderandisrelatedtoanadultadopteeeitherbiologicallyorthrough adoption by at least 1 common parent, regardless of whether the adult former sibling ever lived in the same household as the adult adoptee.MCL710.22(c).
D. Agency Placement
Agency placement means a placement in which a child placing agency,thedepartment,oracourtselectstheadoptiveparentforthe child and transfers physical custody of the child to the prospective adoptiveparent.MCL710.22(d).
E. Child Protective Proceeding

Child protective proceeding means a proceeding concerning an offenseagainstachild.MCR3.903(A)(2).
F. Central Adoption Registry

Central adoption registry means the registry established by the [DepartmentofHumanServices]under[MCL710.27b]tocontrolthe releaseofidentifyingadoptioninformation.MCL710.22(i). Note:TheSecretaryoftheInteriorservesasthecentral registryfortheadoptionrecordsofIndianchildren.25 USC1951(a);25CFR23.71(b).
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Section1.5
G. Child
Child means an individual less than 18 years of age. MCL 710.22(j).
H. Child Placing Agency

Childplacingagencymeansaprivateorganizationlicensedunder 1973PA116,MCL722.111to722.128,toplacechildrenforadoption. MCL710.22(k).
I. Consent
Consent means a document in which all parental rights over a specificchildarevoluntarilyrelinquishedtothecourtforplacement withaspecificadoptiveparent.MCL710.22(l).
J. Court
Courtmeansthefamilydivisionofcircuitcourtofthisstate,orif the context requires, the court having jurisdiction over adoption in anotherstateorcountry.MCL710.22(m).
K. Department
MCL 710.22(n) defines department as the Family Independence Agency.MCL400.226(A)renamedtheFamilyIndependenceAgency as the Department of Human Services (DHS). This benchbook will useDHSasthedepartmentreferredtothroughoutthetext.
L. Direct Placement
Directplacementmeansaplacementinwhichaparentorguardian selects an adoptive parent for a child, other than a stepparent or an individual related to the child within the fifth degree by marriage, blood,oradoption,andtransfersphysicalcustodyofthechildtothe prospectiveadoptiveparent.MCL710.22(o).
M. Equitable Father
Anequitablefatherisamantowhomthecourtgrantedfatherstatus eventhoughheisnotthechildsbiologicalorlegalfather.Atkinsonv Atkinson,160MichApp601,610611(1987).Specifically, [A]husbandwhoisnotthebiologicalfatherofachild born or conceived during the marriage may be consideredthenaturalfatherofthatchildwhere(1)the
Section1.5
husband and the child mutually acknowledge a relationship as father and child, or the mother of the child has cooperated in the development of such a relationship overaperiodoftime prior to thefiling of the complaint for divorce, (2) the husband desires to havetherightsaffordedtoaparent,and(3)thehusband is willing to take on the responsibility of paying child support.Atkinson,160MichAppat608609.
N. Formal Placement
Formalplacementmeansaplacementthatisapprovedbythecourt under [MCL 710.51] after the parents parental rights have been terminated.MCL710.22(p).
O. Indian Child/Tribe
Indian child means any unmarried person who is under age eighteenandiseither(a)amemberofanIndiantribeor(b)iseligible for membership in an Indian tribe and is the biological child of a memberofanIndiantribe.25USC1903(4).SeealsoMCR3.002(5). Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organizedgrouporcommunityofIndiansrecognizedaseligiblefor the services provided to Indians by the Secretary [of the Interior] because of their status as Indians[.] 25 USC 1903(8). See also MCR 3.002(9).
P. LawyerGuardian Ad Litem
Alawyerguardianadlitemisanattorneyappointedtorepresentthe interestsofachild.MCL712A.13a(1)(g);MCL712A.17d(1).
Q. Legal Father
A legal father is a man whom the law has presumed to be a childs fatheroramanwhomthecourthasdeterminedtobeachildsfather. SeeMCR3.903(A)(7). Specifically,alegalfatherisoneofthefollowing: (a) A man married to the mother at any time from a minors conception to the minors birth, unless a court has determined, after notice and a hearing, that the minorwasconceivedorbornduringthemarriage,but isnottheissueofthemarriage; (b)Amanwholegallyadoptstheminor;
Section1.5
(c)Amanwhobyorderoffiliationorbyjudgmentof paternityisjudiciallydeterminedtobethefatherofthe minor; (d) A man judicially determined to have parental rights;or (e) A man whose paternity is established by the completion and filing of an acknowledgment of parentage in accordance with the provisions of the Acknowledgment of Parentage Act, MCL 722.1001 et seq., or a previously applicable procedure. MCR 3.903(A)(7).
R. Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses

Nonrecurringadoptionexpensesmeansreasonableandnecessary adoptionfees,courtcosts,attorneyfees,andotherexpensesthatare directly related to the legal adoption of a child with special needs. MCL400.115f(p).
S. Placement
Placementortoplacemeansselectionofanadoptiveparentfora child and transfer of physical custody of the child to a prospective adoptiveparentaccordingto[theAdoptionCode].MCL710.22(s).
T. Putative Father
Putative father means a man who is alleged to be the biological fatherofachildwhohasno[legal]father[.]MCR3.903(A)(24).
U. Relative
Relativemeansanindividualwhoisrelatedtothechildwithinthe fifthdegreebymarriage,blood,oradoption.MCL710.22(t).
V. Release
Release means a document in which all parental rights over a specificchildarevoluntarilyrelinquishedtothe[DHS]ortoachild placingagency.MCL710.22(u).
W. Rescission Petition
Rescissionpetitionmeansapetitionfiledbyanadultadopteeand his or her parent whose rights have been terminated to rescind the
Section1.6
adoption in which a stepparent acquired parental rights and to restore parental rights of that parent according to [MCL 710.66]. MCL710.22(v).
X. Temporary Placement
Temporaryplacementmeansaplacementthatoccursbeforecourt approval under [MCL 710.51] and that meets the requirements of [MCL710.23d].MCL710.22(x).
Y. Tribal Court
[T]ribal court means a court with jurisdiction over child custody proceedings and which is either a Court of Indian Offenses, a court establishedandoperatedunderthecodeorcustomofanIndiantribe, or any other administrative body of a tribe which is vested with authorityoverchildcustodyproceedings.25USC1903(12).Seealso MCR3.002(13).
Z. Within the Fifth Degree By Marriage, Blood, or Adoption

Withinthefifthdegreebymarriage,blood,oradoptionmeansany ofthefollowingrelationships:parent,stepparent,grandparent,step grandparent, brother, stepbrother, sister, stepsister, uncle, step uncle,aunt,stepaunt,firstcousin,stepfirstcousin,greataunt,step greataunt,greatuncle,stepgreatuncle,greatgrandparent,stepgreat grandparent, first cousin once removed, stepfirst cousin once removed,greatgreatgrandparent,stepgreatgreatgrandparent,great greatuncle,stepgreatgreatuncle,greatgreataunt,stepgreatgreat aunt, great great great grandparent, or stepgreat great great grandparent.MCL710.22(y).
1.6
Legal Advice
Partiesinanadoptionproceedingarenotalwaysrepresentedbycounsel, and it is important to remember that court clerks cannot provide legal advice. However, clerks have a wealth of knowledge about the court systemandcanprovideinformation. A brief discussion on serving the selfrepresented without providing legal advice is contained in this section. For a detailed discussion, see http://courts.michigan.gov/mji/wbt/selfrepresented/ssr.htm.
A. Information Clerks May Provide

Courtclerkscanprovidethefollowinginformation:
Section1.6
(1) Legal definitions. (MCL 710.22 contains the legal definitions for many terms contained in the Adoption Code.) (2) Procedural definitions. (The clerk can explain what happensataspecifichearing.) (3) Citations of statutes, court rules, and ordinances. (The statutory provisions of the Michigan Adoption CodeareMCL710.21throughMCL710.70.However,a clerkmaynotprovidelegalresearch.) (4) Public case information. (Adoption files are not public;theyareconfidential4andcannotbesharedwith thepublic.However,ifaskedaboutaconfidentialfile,a clerkmayconfirmitsexistencebutcannotprovideany otherinformation.) (5) General information on court operations. (A clerk mayindicategenerallywhenhearingswillbescheduled andatwhichhearinganadoptionmaybefinalized.) (6)Options. (7)Access.Mostpeoplearenotfamiliarwiththecourt system. They often cannot describe their problem in legal terms. Court clerks are the gatekeepers to the system.Itistheirjobtoensurethatthecourtsystemis accessible. The information that is presented, and the manner in which it is presented, can affect how accessible the system is. (If someone misstates a legal term, the clerk should correct that person, and direct them appropriately. A clerk should not deny someone accessbecauseheorshedoesnotknowthecorrectlegal terminology.) (8) General referrals. (If someone is looking for an adoption agency, an appropriate referral would be a generalreferraltotheyellowpages.) (9) Forms and instructions on how to complete the forms.
B. Information Clerks Must Not Provide

Theclerkmustnotdoanyofthefollowing:
4SeeSection9.1forinformationontheconfidentialityofadoptionfiles.
Page118
Section1.7
(1)Providelegalinterpretations. (2)Provideproceduraladvice. (3) Provide research of statutes, court rules, and ordinances. (4)Provideconfidentialcaseinformation.SeeChapter9 for information on recordkeeping and release of information. (5) Provide confidential or restricted information on courtoperations. (6)Provideopinions. (7) Deny access, discourage access, or encourage litigation. (8)Providesubjectiveorbiasedreferrals. Note:Theclerkmaynotreferapartytoaspecific attorneyoradoptionagency. (9)Filloutformsforaparty. Note:Theclerkmayfilloutformsforapartywhen therearelanguagebarriersorphysicalhandicaps. However,thisshouldonlybedonewhennoother optionsareavailable.
1.7
Flowcharts of Adoption Processes

(Seenextpage.)
Page119
1.STEPSINTHEADOPTIONPROCESS:VoluntaryTerminationofParentalRights
Section1.7
START HERE:
IsanIndianchildinvolved? no Istheterminationvoluntary? yes
yes no
ICWAapplies.SeeChapter11. InvoluntaryTermination.SeeInvoluntaryTerminationflowchart.
Consenttoadoptionplacementwithspecificadoptiveparent. (SeeSections2.52.8)Whatkindofadoption?
VoluntaryTermination.
Releaseorconsent?
CONSENT.
RELEASE.
DirectPlacementAdoption. (SeeSection8.1) VoluntarilyTerminate DuringChild Protective Proceedings. ReleaseUnderAdoptionCode. Releaseofparentalrightsmay onlybegiventoDHSorchild placingagency. (SeeSections2.12.3) Releaseexecuted.(SeeSection2.1) Admittoa groundfor termination/ enterno contestplea under Juvenile Code.(See Section2.4) Execute releaseand termination orderunder Adoption Code.(See Sections 2.12.3) Terminationorderissuedfor parentreleasinghis/herparental rights. Otherparentsparentalrights mustbereleased,voluntarily underJuvenileCode,or involuntarilyterminated. Bothparentsparentalrights areterminatedandchildis committedtoDHSorchild placingagency. DHSoragencyformallyplaces child.(SeeChapter6) UNLESS: Custodialparentspecificallyse lectsprospectiveadoptiveparent. Childdirectlyplacedtemporarilyor formallywithadoptiveparent. RelativeAdoption. (SeeSection8.3) Custodialparentspecifi callyselectsrelativefor formalplacement. Relativefilesadoption petition,requestingtermi nationofparentalrights andformalplacement. (SeeChapter6) StepparentAdoption. (SeeSection8.2(A))
Custodialparentmar riesspouseandcustodi alparentfileadoption petition,requesting terminationandformal placement.
TemporaryPlacement (beforecourtap provalandparental termination).(See Chapter5) Childtemporarily placedwith prospective adoptiveparent.
FormalPlacement (aftercourtapprov alandparental termination).See Chapter6)
Noncustodialparent consentstoadoption. Courtformallyplaces childoncenoncustodial parentsrightsaretermi nated.(SeeChapter6) UNLESS:
Adoptiveparent filesadoption petition,request ingterminationof parentalrightsand formalplacement.
Petitionto Petitionfor revokere rehearingis leaseisfiled filed beforechild within21 OR daysofter isplacedand DHSor mination agencyjoins order.(See oracquiesces Section7.1) inpetition. (SeeSection 2.2)
Adoptiveparent filesadoption petition,request ingterminationof parentalrightsand formalplacement, UNLESSapetition torevoketempo raryplacementand requestchilds returnisfiled. (SeeSection5.5)
Courtformallyplaceschildafter bothparentsparentalrightsare terminated(afteroneparent consents,otherparentmust consent,voluntarilyterminatehis/ herparentalrightsunderJuvenile Code,orparentalrightsareinvol untarilyterminated),UNLESS
Petitionfor Petitionto rehearingis withdraw consentis OR filedwith in21days filedbe oftermina foretermi tionorder. nationof (SeeSection parental 7.1) rights.
Page120
2.STEPSINTHEADOPTIONPROCESS:InvoluntaryTerminationofParentalRights
Section1.7
START HERE:
IsanIndianchildinvolved? no Istheterminationvoluntary? no
yes yes
ICWAapplies.SeeChapter11. VoluntaryTermination.SeeVoluntaryTerminationflowchart. JuvenileCodeInvoluntaryterminationofparentalrightsasaresult ofchildprotectiveproceedings.MCL712A.19b.(SeeSection2.10)
InvoluntaryTerminationofParentalRights.
UnderAdoptionCodeorJuvenileCode?
AdoptionCodeInvoluntaryterminationofparentalrights. MCL710.37orMCL710.39orMCL710.51(6).
MCL710.37 UninterestedPutativeFather MCL710.39 InterestedPutativeFather StepparentAdoption MCL710.51(6). (SeeSection8.2(B)) Custodialparent marriesspouseand custodialparentfile adoptionpetition, requestingtermination andformalplacement. Noncustodialparent doesnotconsentto adoption. Noncustodialparents parentalrightsmaybe terminatedifcourtfinds noncustodialparent failedtoprovide supportandmaintain contactwithchild. (SeeSection2.9(C))
MCL710.37(1)KnownPutative Father.Putativefathersidentityor whereaboutsareknown. (SeeSection2.9(A)(1)) Parentalrightsmaybeterminated IF: Putativefatherservedwithanotice ofintenttoreleaseorconsent, ORputativefatherservedwithor waivednoticeofhearingtoidentify father,AND Putativefatherverifiedpaternity butdeniedinterestincustody. OR Putativefatherfileddisclaimerof paternity. OR Putativefatherservednoticeofin tentatleast30daysbeforeconfine mentbutfailedtofileintenttoclaim paternitybeforechildsbirth. OR Putativefatherreceivedproperno ticeofhearingtoidentifyfatherand failedtoappearorappearedandde niedinterestincustodyofchild.
MCL710.37(2)UnknownPutative Father.Putativefathersidentityor whereaboutsareunknown. (SeeSection2.9(A)(2)) Parentalrightsmaybeterminated IF:
MCL710.39(1)Do NothingFather. RequestingCustody. Putativefatherhasno custodialrelationship orhasnotprovided support.(SeeSection 2.9(B)(1))
MCL710.39(2)Do SomethingFather.Puta tivefatherhasestab lishedrelationshipor hasprovidedsupport. (SeeSection2.9(B)(2))
Reasonable effortswere madeand failedtoiden tifyputative fatherAND putativefa therhasnot providedfor childscare anddidnot support mother.
Identityis knownbut whereabouts arenotand OR putativefather hasshownno interestinchild ormade provisionsfor childscarefor atleast90days beforetermina tionhearing.
Terminationhearing filedandputativefather appearsathearing requestingcustodyof child. Courtmustinquireinto putativefathersfitness andabilitytoproperly careforchild.
OR Parental Parental rightsmay rightsmay betermi betermi nated nated under under Juvenile stepparent Code. adoption. (SeeSec (SeeSec tion2.10) tion2.9(C))
Ifcustodyis OR notinthe childsbest interests,court terminates putative fathers parental rights.
Ifcustodyisin thechildsbest interests,court maydenytermi nationrequest, andmaygrant custodyto putativefatherif mothersrights areterminated.
Page121
Section1.7
Page122
Chapter 2: Freeing a Child for Adoption
Part 1: Voluntary Termination Part 1ARelease

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 ReleaseofParentalRights.................................................................... 22 SettingAsideaRelease ...................................................................... 210 NoticeofIntenttoReleaseExpectedChild........................................ 212 VoluntaryTerminationDuringaChildProtectiveProceeding ........... 214 ConsenttoAdoption .......................................................................... 217 SettingAsideaConsent...................................................................... 225 WithholdingConsent ......................................................................... 227 NoticeofIntenttoConsenttoAdoptionofExpectedChild............... 227 TerminationPursuanttoAdoptionCode ........................................... 229
Part 1BChild Protective Proceedings Part 1CConsent Adoptions
Part 2: Involuntary Termination

2.10 TerminationPursuanttoJuvenileCode ............................................. 245 2.11 SpecialNoticeProvisionsforIncarceratedParties............................. 246
The first step in the adoption process is ensuring the child is freed for adoption.Freeingachildforadoptionisacomplexprocessthatdepends on numerous factors within each case. This chapter discusses how an adopteemaybereleasedforadoption,howconsenttoadoptionoccurs, andhowtoterminateparentalrightsinordertofreeachildforadoption. Infreeingachildforadoption,oneofthefirstmatterstobedeterminedis the identity of the childs father. Although this chapter discusses
Section2.1
terminating a fathers parental rights, it does not cover identifying a father. Chapter 3 focuses on identifying fathers. This chapter does not addressjurisdictionalissues.Anindepthdiscussionofjurisdictionand venue can be found in Chapter 4. This chapter also does not address cases involving an Indian child. An indepth discussion of the Indian ChildWelfareActcanbefoundinChapter11.
Part 1: Voluntary Termination Part 1ARelease

Aparentmayvoluntarilyrelinquishparentalrightsoverhisorherchild: (1)Byreleasinghisorherparentalrights; (2)Duringthecourseofachildprotectiveproceeding;or (3)Byconsentingtoachildsadoption.
2.1
Release of Parental Rights

Aparentmayvoluntarilyrelinquishhisorherparentalrightsthrougha release of parental rights. MCL 710.22(u); MCL 710.28(1)(a). After all parentalrightsoverachildarerelinquished,thechildisreleasedtothe Department of Human Services1 (DHS) or a child placing agency. See MCL710.22(u);MCL710.29(7). Note: Although parental rights constitute a fundamental liberty interest protected by the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, a release of parental rights under the Adoption Code does not violate the Due Process ClauseoftheFourteenthAmendment.InreMyers,131Mich App160,165166(1983). ItisimportanttonotethatthereleasemayonlybegiventotheDHSora childplacingagency.SeeMCL710.28(5).Aparentmaynotreleasehisor her parental rights to the court or to a third party but may consent to adoption by a third party. See Section 2.5 for a detailed discussion on consentadoptions.
1 MCL710.22(n)definesdepartmentastheFamilyIndependenceAgency.MCL400.226(A)changedthe
nameoftheFamilyIndependenceAgencytotheDepartmentofHumanServices(DHS).Thisbenchbook willuseDHSasthedepartmentenvisionedbythecode.
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A release must be a separate document executed before a judge or a juvenile court referee. MCL 710.29(1). However, a release may be executed and acknowledged before a person authorized by law to administeroathswhenthereleaseisrequiredfrom: (1)Apersoninthearmedservices; (2)Apersoninprison;or (3)Achildplacingagencythathasjurisdictionofthechildto beadopted,MCL710.29(2)MCL710.29(3). Averbatimrecordmustbemadeifthereleaseisacceptedbyajudgeor referee, but is not required when the person accepting the release is a person authorized by law to administer oaths. MCL 710.29(1)MCL 710.29(3). Note:SeeAppendixAfortwosamplechecklistsonreleasing a child for adoption from the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, Family Division, and the Oakland County Circuit Court,FamilyDivision.
A. Persons Authorized to Execute a Release 1. Parent

InorderforachildtobecommittedtotheDHSorachildplacing agency,eachparentmustreleasehisorherparentalrights,unless that parents parental rights were already terminated or a guardian was appointed for the child or parent.2 MCL 710.28(1)(a). Priortoaparentsrelease,theDHSmustinformtheparentwhat child placing agencies serve the county, and at the parents request, must refer the parent to one of the agencies. MCL 710.28(6).
a.
Minor Parent
If the parent is a minor and has not been emancipated, thentheminorparentsreleasemustalsobeaccompanied byareleasefromhisorherparent,guardian,orguardian adlitem.MCL710.28(2).
2 See SCAO form PCA 305, Release of Child by Parent, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/ adoptions/pca305.pdf.
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Before a release is executed, an adoption attorney or a child placing agency must provide an unrepresented minor parent an opportunity to meet with an attorney, unrelated to the adoption proceedings, to discuss the legalramifications.MCL710.55a(2).
b.
CourtAppointed Counsel
Aparentisnotentitledtocourtappointedcounselfora voluntaryreleaseofparentalrights.SeeInreBlankenship, 165MichApp706,713(1988);InreJackson,115MichApp 40,5052(1982).SeealsoInreKoroly,145MichApp79,88 (1985)(a putative fatheris notentitledtocounsel where hevoluntarilysignsadisclaimerofpaternityandadenial ofinterestincustody).
2. Guardian of Child or Parent

A guardian may release a child to a child placing agency or the DHSoncethecourtappointstheguardianandgivestheguardian authorization to execute the release.3 MCL 710.28(1)(d)MCL 710.28(1)(e),MCL710.28(3)MCL710.28(4).Ifaparentsguardian executesarelease,thereleasemusthavethesameeffectasifthe parent executed the release. MCL 710.28(4). However, the court cannotappointaguardianifthesolepurposeoftheappointment istodefeataparentsstatusasaninterestedparty.MCL710.24a(7). NoteofCaution:Itisgenerallyacceptedthataguardianhasthe authority to release a child for adoption as provided in MCL 710.28. However, there is a loophole in the Adoption Code. A guardianwithauthorityfromthecourtmayreleaseachildeven thoughnoorderterminatingparentalrightsiseverenteredforthe biologicalparents.Inpractice,somecourtshavedeterminedthat theadoptionordereffectivelyterminatestheparentalrightsofthe biologicalparents. To obtain authorization to execute a release, the guardian must petition the court where he or she received the guardianship appointment. See MCL 710.28(3)(4). The court may authorize a fullguardianorajuvenileguardiantoreleaseachildforadoption. See MCL 700.5215(e); MCL 712A.19a(8); MCL 712A.19c(7). However, a limited guardian is prohibited from executing a releaseforadoption.MCL700.5206(4).
3SeeSCAOformPCA305a,ReleaseofChildbyGuardian,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/ adoptions/pca305a.pdf.
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Note: The Adoption Code does not contain guidelines or procedures for conducting a hearing on a guardians motion for authority to release a child for adoption. The Advisory Committee recommendsthatthecourtconsiderthepurposesof theAdoptionCode.SeeSection1.1(A). A courts authorization to a guardian to consent to a childs adoption may also provide a guardian with the authority to release a child for adoption. See In re Spencer, 338 Mich 50, 52 (1953),wherethecourtpermittedaguardiantoreleaseachildtoa childplacing agency eventhoughtheguardiandidnothave the authorizationtoreleasethechild,butratherhadtheauthorization to consent to the childs adoption. See Section 2.5(A)(2) for a detaileddiscussiononaguardiansauthorizationtoconsent. Note: Although the consent and release provisions oftheAdoptionCodearesubstantiallysimilar,itis importanttonotethatunderareleaseforadoptiona child may only be released to the DHS or a child placing agency, and under a consent to adoption, a childisplacedwithaspecificadoptiveparent. Priorto aguardians release, the DHS mustinform the guardian whatchildplacingagenciesservethecounty,andattheguardians request, must refer the guardian to one of the agencies. MCL 710.28(6).
3. Child Placing Agency

A child placing agency may release a child to the DHS for adoption purposes4 and the DHS must accept the release. MCL 710.28(1)(b);MCL710.28(7). Note:MCL710.22(k)definesachildplacingagency as a private organization licensed under 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128, to place children for adoption. Achildplacingagencysauthoritytoreleaseachildforadoptionis derivedfromeither: (1) A court order committing the child to that agency;or
4SeeSCAOformPCA306,ReleaseofChildbyChildPlacingAgency,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca306.pdf.
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(2)Areleasebytheparentsorguardiancommitting thechildtothatagency.MCL710.28(1)(b)(c).
B. Required Supporting Documentation

Thefollowingdocumentationmustaccompanyarelease: (1) A parents or guardians verified accounting statement. (2) An itemized statement of money promised or received. (3)Documentationindicatingauthoritytorelease.
1. Parents or Guardians Verified Accounting Statement

A verified statement must be submitted with a parents or guardians release.5 MCL 710.29(5). See Section 10.4(D) for a detaileddiscussionofaparentsorguardiansverifiedstatement.
2. Itemized Statement of Money Promised or Received

Unless approved by the court, a person must not pay or give, offer to pay or give, or request, receive, or accept any money or other consideration or thing of value, directly or indirectly, in connection with obtaining a release. MCL 710.54(1)(c). See Section 10.2 for more information on compensation for adoption services. Aparentorguardianmustindicateintheverifiedstatementthat he or she has not received or been promised any money or anything of value for the release of the child, unless it is considered a lawful payment. MCL 710.29(5)(c). A parent or guardian receiving a lawful payment in connection with the releasemustcompleteanitemizationofallthemoneyorvaluables heorshewaspromisedorreceivedandsubmititwiththerelease. 6 Id. Inorderforthecourttoensurethatnomoneyorvaluableswere exchangedorpromisedinexchangeforarelease,theattorneyfor eachparentorguardianandthechildplacingagencyortheDHS
5 See SCAO form PCA 338, Statement to Accompany Release, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca338.pdf. 6 See SCAO form PCA 348, Parents or Guardians Verified Accounting for Adoption Release or Direct PlacementConsent,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca348.pdf.
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should sign and file a verified accounting statement with the court.SeeSection10.4.
3. Documentation Indicating Authority to Release

Documentationindicatingapartysauthoritytoreleaseachildfor adoption must accompany a release, when applicable. MCL 710.28(9).Thedocumentationmustbeby: (1)Proofofterminationofparentalrights; (2)Releaseofparentalrights; (3)Appointment;or (4)Commitment.SeeMCL710.28(9). A guardian must submit proof of his or her guardianship appointment and authorization to execute a release. See MCL 710.28(3)MCL 710.28(4). A child placing agency must file proof thattheparentsparentalrightswereterminatedorreleased.See MCL710.28(1)(a)MCL710.28(1)(c).
C. Interested Parties
Inareleaseproceeding,theinterestedpartiesare: (1)Theadoptee(ifovertheageoffive); (2) The DHS or child placing agency to which the adopteeisbeingreleased; (3)Thepersonexecutingtherelease;and (4) If the adoptee is an Indian child, in addition to the parties listed above, the childs tribe and Indian custodian (if applicable), or where the Indian childs parent, Indian custodian, or tribe is unknown, the Secretary of the Interior.7 MCL 710.24a(3); MCR 3.800(B)(1)MCR3.800(B)(2). Intheinterestofjustice,thecourtmayalsodeemothers tobeinterestedparties.MCL710.24a(6). If a party to the release is incarcerated, see Section 2.11 for informationregardingnoticetoanincarceratedparty.
SeeChapter11foradetaileddiscussionofadoptionproceedingsinvolvinganIndianchild.
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D. Release Hearing
Aparentsorguardiansreleasemustnotbeexecuteduntilafterallof thefollowingoccur: (1)Thecourtordersanyinvestigationsitdeemsproper. (2) The judge, referee, or authorized individual fully explainstotheparentorguardianhisorherlegalrights and that execution of a release will voluntarily relinquish that parents or guardians rights over the childpermanently. Note:Parentalrightstoachildincludetherightsto custody,control,services,earnings,andtherightto inheritfromtheminor.MCL722.2(StatusofMinors and Child Support Act); MCL 700.2103(b) (Estates andProtectedIndividualsCode). (3)Thecourtdeterminesthatexecutionofthereleaseis inthechildsbestinterests,ifthechildisovertheageof five. MCL 710.29(6). See Section 1.4 for the childs best interestfactors. It is in the courts discretion what investigation will be made, and failureofthe[courts]recordtodiscloseitsnatureandextent,ifany, cannot...besaidtobefataltotheproceedings.InreGonzales,330 Mich35,38(1951).SeealsoInreBlankenship,165MichApp706,714 (1988),wheretheCourt ofAppealsfoundthe courtsquestioningof the parties during the release procedure sufficient to satisfy the investigationrequirementofMCL710.29(6). Averbatimrecordmustbemadeofthetestimonywhenareleaseis executed before a judge or referee. MCL 710.29(1). However, a verbatimrecordisnotrequiredwhenthereleaseisexecutedbeforea person authorized to administer oaths. See MCL 710.29(2)MCL 710.29(3).
E. Court Determination
Whenachildisovertheageoffive,thecourtmustconsiderwhether thechildsbestinterestsareservedbyexecutionoftherelease.MCL 710.29(6). If the court finds that the release is in the childs best interests,thecourtmayaccepttherelease.SeeInreBuckingham,141 MichApp828,834835(1985).However,ifthecourtdoesnotfindthat the childs best interests are served by execution of the release, the courtcannotaccepttherelease.Id.
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Thereleasemustalsobevalidforthecourttoaccepttherelease.Inre Buckingham,141MichAppat834. If the court denies the petition for release, the court must state the reasonsforthedenialontherecordorinwriting.MCL710.63. Whenareleaseisexecutedinanotherstateorcountry,thecourtmust determine whethertherelease wasexecutedproperlyinaccordance withthelawsofthisstateorthatstateorcountrybeforeproceeding. MCL710.29(4).
F. Execution of Release
After a release is executed, the court must immediately terminate a parentsorguardiansrightsoverthechild8.MCL710.29(7).Thecourt must serve the parent or guardian with a copy of the termination order, an advice of rights, a pamphlet on release of adoption information,andaparentsconsent/denialtothereleaseofidentifying information.MCL710.27a(4).SeeChapter9foradetaileddiscussion ofreleasinginformation. Note:Thecourtmustinformeachparentthatunlesshe or she files a statement with the central adoption registry denying the release, there is a presumption of consenttoreleaseinformationspecifyingthebiological parents name at the time of parental termination and thebiologicalparentscurrentnameandaddress.MCL 710.27a(4). Onceoneparentsorguardiansrightsoverthechildarereleased,the other parents parental rights must be released or involuntarily terminatedinordertocommitthechildtotheDHSorachildplacing agency. See MCL 710.29(7); MCL 710.31. See Sections 2.92.10 for informationoninvoluntaryterminations. A childs mother may request that the court delay execution of her releaseuntilafterthecourtdeterminesthestatusofaputativefathers requestforcustody.MCL710.31(3).SeeSection2.9(B)(1)foradetailed discussionofputativefathersrequestingcustody. Oncetherightsofbothparents,thesurvivingparent,ortheguardian areterminated,thecourtmustissuetheordercommittingthechildto theDHSorachildplacingagency.MCL710.29(7).
8 See SCAO form PCA 318, Order Terminating Parental Rights After Release or Consent, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca318.pdf.
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Note: A child committed to the DHS becomes a state ward.MCL710.28(8).
G. Termination of Courts Jurisdiction

Entry of an order terminating the rights of both parents under the releaseprovisionsoftheAdoptionCodeterminatesthecircuitcourts jurisdiction over the child in any divorce or separate maintenance action.MCL710.29(9).
2.2
Setting Aside a Release

Aparentvoluntarilyreleasinghisorherparentalrightsmaypetitionthe courttosetasideareleasebyfilingeither: (1)ApetitionforrehearingunderMCL710.64(1);or (2) A petition for revocation of the release under MCL 710.29(10). Aparentfilingapetitionforrehearingmustfilehisorherpetitionwithin 21daysofentryoftheterminationorder.MCL710.64(1). However,aparentfilingapetitionforrevocationofthereleasemayfile hisorherpetitionatanytimepriortoachildsplacementiftheDHSorthe child placing agency joins or acquiesces in the petition for revocation. MCL710.29(10). Note:TheCourtofAppealsaddressedtheinterplaybetween MCL710.29(10)andMCL710.64(1)inInre DeBoer,76Mich App 641 (1977). The DeBoer Court found that the statutes shouldbereadtogether,whichwouldrequireapetitionfor revocationofreleasetobefiledwithintheMCL710.64(1)21 day requirement.9 Id. at 645. However, in In re Baby Girl Fletcher, 76 Mich App 219, 222223 (1977), the Court of Appeals found that the two statutes should be read independently and that where the court does not have jurisdiction under MCL 710.29(10) because the child placement agency does not join in a parents petition to revoke the release, the court may have jurisdiction under MCL710.64(1)whenthepetitionforrehearingisfiledwithin the21dayrequirement.
9 In In reDeBoer, the petition to revoke was filed within the 21day limit, but it is unclear whether the
petitionwasjointlyfiled;thecasewouldseemtorequirethatapetitiontorevokebejointlyfiledwithinthe 21daylimit.InreHole,102MichApp286,291(1980).
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TheMichiganCourtofAppealsresolvedtheconflictbetweentheDeBoer Court and the Baby Girl Fletcher Court in In re Hole, 102 Mich App 286, 291292(1980).TheHoleCourtheld: [I]fapetitiontorevokeareleaseisbroughtwithin[21]days ofentryofthecourtsorder,the[court]hasdiscretiontoset asidetherelease.The[court]alsohasdiscretionunder[MCL 710.29(10)10] to set aside a release at any time prior to placement for adoption when a petition requesting such relief has been filed by the parent or parents executing the releaseandthepetitionhasbeenacquiescedinbytheagency towhichthechildwasreleased.
A. Rehearing on a ReleaseMCL 710.64(1)

A parent voluntarily releasing his or her parental rights may file a motiontosetasidetheterminationorderwithin21daysofentryof theorder.MCL710.64(1).SeeSection7.1foradetaileddiscussionof rehearings.
B. Revocation of a ReleaseMCL 710.29(10)

Atanytimepriortoachildsplacement,aparentvoluntarilyreleasing his or her parental rights may file a petition for revocation of the releaseiftheDHSorthechildplacingagencyjoinsoracquiescesin thepetitionforrevocation.MCL710.29(10). However, a release may not be revoked once a child is placed for adoption, unless the placement is under a legal risk adoption. MCL 710.29(10). See Section 8.4 for a detailed discussion of legal risk adoptions.
1. Hearing
The court may grant a hearing to determine whether the release shouldberevoked.MCL710.29(10).Ifthecourtgrantsahearing,it mustmakeaverbatimrecordofthetestimony.Id. However,acourtmaynotgrantahearingiftheDHSorthechild placing agency does not join or acquiesce in the petition for revocation.InreBabyGirlFletcher,76MichApp219,222(1977).
10
FormerlyMCL710.29(9).
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2. Court Determination
After a parent releases his or her child for adoption, the parent does not have an absolute right to revoke the release. In re Blankenship,165MichApp706,713(1988).Rather,itiswithinthe courts discretion to revoke the release based on the childs best interests.Id.SeeSection1.4forthechildsbestinterestfactors. Where a parent knowingly and voluntarily releases his or her parentalrights,thecourtdoesnotabuseitsdiscretionbydenying a revocation based solely on a change of heart. In re DeBoer, 76 MichApp641,645646(1977).
C. Courts Jurisdiction to Set Aside a Release

If 21 days have elapsed since a parent has voluntarily executed a releaseandthechildhasbeenplacedforadoption,thecourtdoesnot havejurisdictiontosetasidethereleaseeveniftheDHSorthechild placing agency joins in the petition. See In re Myers, 131 Mich App 160,163164(1983). However, when a release is obtained through fraud, the court does havejurisdictiontosetasidetherelease.SeeInreKozak,92MichApp 579,583(1979).Althoughcourtsareextremelyreluctanttodisturban adoption,itmayoverturnoneifthereissignificantfraud.InreLeach, 373Mich148,152153(1964).
D. Appealing the Courts Denial

Ifacourt deniesaparentspetitiontosetasidearelease, theparent mayappealthedecisiontotheCourtofAppealswithin21daysofthe denialorder. MCL710.65.SeeSection7.4foradditionalinformation onappealingtotheCourtofAppeals. Thestandardofreviewforacourtsdenialofapetitiontosetasidea releaseisanabuseofdiscretion.InreBurns,236MichApp291,292 (1999); In re Curran, 196 Mich App 380, 381 (1992). See Section 7.3(C)(2).
2.3
Notice of Intent to Release Expected Child

Priortothebirthofachildoutofwedlock,amothermayfileanexparte petition seeking a notice of intent to release an expected child for adoption.11MCL710.34(1).
11
See SCAO form PCA 313, Petition to Issue Notice of Intent to Release or Consent, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca313.pdf.
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Note: The purpose of the notice of intent to release is to provideaputativefatherwiththeearliestpossiblenoticeand to facilitate the early placement of the child for adoption. MCL710.34(1).SeeSection3.4(C)foradetaileddiscussionof identifyingputativefathers. The ex parte petition must be verified and include all of the following information: (1) The approximate date and location of the childs conception. (2)Theexpecteddateofthemothersconfinement. (3)Thename(s)oftheallegedputativefatherorfathers. (4)Arequestthatthecourtinformtheputativefatherofhis right to file a notice of intent to claim paternity before the birthofthechild.MCL710.34(1). Anexpectantmotherwhofilesanexpartepetitionindicatesherintentto releaseherchildforadoption.MCL710.34(1). Aftertheexpartepetitionisfiled,thecourtmustissueanoticeofintent to release.12 MCL 710.34(1). The notice of intent must be served on the putativefather byanofficerorpersonauthorizedbythecourt toserve process. MCL 710.34(1); MCR 3.802(A)(1). A proof of service must be filedwiththecourtverifyingthattheputativefatherreceivedthenotice. MCL710.34(1). ThenoticeofintenttoreleaseformmustbeapprovedbytheStateCourt Administratorandcontainallofthefollowinginformation: (1) The approximate date and location of the childs conception. (2)Theexpecteddateofthemothersconfinement. (3)Theputativefathersrighttofileanoticeofintenttoclaim paternity. (4) The rights the putative father is entitled to if he files a noticeofintenttoclaimpaternity. (5)Noticethattheputativefathersfailuretofileanoticeof intent to claim paternity prior to the expected date of confinementorthechildsbirthwillresultin:
12 See SCAO form PCA 314, Notice of Intent to Release or Consent, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/
courtforms/adoptions/pca314.pdf.
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(a)Awaiverofhisrighttoreceivenotice; (b)Adenialofhisinterestincustodyofthechild;and (c) Termination of his parental rights over the child. MCL 710.34(2)MCL 710.34(3). See Section 3.4(B) for informationonnoticeofintenttoclaimpaternity. Iftheputativefatherisservedwithanoticeanddoesnotrespond,heis notentitledtoreceivenoticeoffurtherhearingsinvolvingthechild.MCL 710.34(2)(d).
Part 1BChild Protective Proceedings

2.4 Voluntary Termination During a Child Protective Proceeding
Whenthecourt hastakenjurisdiction over a childina child protective proceeding,thecourthastheauthoritytoconductahearingunderMCL 712A.19boftheJuvenileCodetodetermineifparentalrightsshouldbe involuntarily terminated. See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Child Protective ProceedingsBenchbook, for more information ontermination of parentalrightspursuanttotheJuvenileCode. Note: Once a court has jurisdiction over a child, it has the authority to conduct a termination hearing for each parent. See In re LE, 278 Mich App 1, 17 (2008) (because the court obtainedjurisdictionoverthechildafterthemotherpleaded nocontesttotheallegationsinthepetition,thecourtwasnot required to make an independent determination of its jurisdictionoverthechildbasedonthefathersconduct). However, the parent may elect to voluntarily terminate his or her parental rights. In voluntarily terminating his or her parental rights during a child protective proceeding, the parent may do one of the following: (1)Executeareleaseandterminationofparentalrightsunder theAdoptionCode.SeeSections2.12.3. Note: If a parent elects to release his or her parental rightsundertheAdoptionCode,anewcaseisopened under the Adoption Code and the neglect and abuse casecontinuesinaseparateproceeding.
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(2) Admit toa groundfortermination or enter ano contest pleaundertheJuvenileCode.InreToler,193MichApp474, 477 (1992). See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Child ProtectiveProceedingsBenchbook. Note: The court must still find that the termination of parental rights is in the childs best interests. See MCL 712A.19b(5). The courts failure to properly execute a release and termination of parental rights under the Adoption Code will invalidate a termination order. In re Buckingham, 141 Mich App 828, 837 (1985). In In re Buckingham, the Department of Social Services sought involuntary termination of the parents parental rights under the Juvenile Code. At thefirstpretrial,thecourtpresentedthechildsparentswiththeoptionof voluntarily releasing their parental rights in lieu of child protective proceedings.Atthehearing,thefatherorallyreleasedhisparentalrights. At the second hearing (and after the court appointed an attorney to represent the mother), the mother orally released her parental rights. After both parents released their parental rights, the court terminated each parents parental rights under the Juvenile Code. The mother petitionedforarehearing,andthecourt,afterareviewoftheevidence, denied the petition concluding the release was proper. On appeal, the CourtofAppealsfoundthatthemothersreleasedidnotcomplywiththe AdoptionCodeandreversedtheparentalterminationorderpursuantto aninvalidrelease.Accordingly,theCourtheld: The probate court received the oral release of respondent[ ]mother, then issued an order on a [J]uvenile [C]ode form indicating that the respondent[parents]13 had consented to the children becoming permanent wards of the court, committingthechildrentotheDepartmentofSocialServices, and terminating the parental rights of the respondent[ parents]. The order gave respondent[parents] 90 days to appeal,thetimeperiod(priortoamendment)forappealing involuntary terminations pursuant to the [J]uvenile [C]ode. MCL712A.21.Moreover,thecourtexpresslydeclinedtofind that the parental releases were in the best interests of the children,whowerebothoverfiveyearsofage,asrequiredby MCL710.29(5),apparentlybelievingthatsuchafindingwas onlyrequiredininvoluntaryterminationproceeding[s.] *** The absence of a duly executed release by respondent[ ]mother, the failure of the probate court to find that the
13
Thechildsfatherdidnotappealtheorderterminatinghisparentalrights.
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releasewouldbeinthebestinterestsofthechildren,andthe probate courts failure to distinguish the Adoption Code from the [J]uvenile [C]ode mandates a finding that the release of respondent[]mother was legally inadequate and therefore void. Thus, the order terminating respondent[ ]mothers parental rights pursuant to the invalid release is reversed. In re Buckingham, 141 Mich App at 836837. (Internalcitationsomitted.) Once the court properly executes a release and termination of parental rightsundertheAdoptionCode,itcannotterminatethosesameparental rightsundertheJuvenileCode.InreJones,286MichApp126,128(2009). In In re Jones, the Department of Human Services (DHS) sought involuntaryterminationoftheparentsparentalrightstotheirdaughter under the Juvenile Code after both parents, in lieu of child protective proceedings,hadalreadyvoluntarilyreleasedtheirparentalrightsunder the Adoption Code. The court terminated the parents parental rights pursuant to the Adoption Code and released the daughter to the DHS. Followingthetermination,thecourtattemptedtoterminatetheparental rights under the Juvenile Code. On appeal, the Court of Appeals held thatthecourtclearlyerredwhenitattemptedtoterminateparentalrights to the daughter under the Juvenile Code after it properly executed a release and termination of parental rights under the Adoption Code. Specifically, Thatattemptedterminationunderthe[J]uvenile[C]odewas withouteffectandwasclearlyimproper,becausetheparents no longer possessed any parental rights that could be terminated. Their parental rights had previously been terminated under the [A]doption [C]ode, a completely separatestatutoryproceedingfromaterminationunderthe [J]uvenile [C]ode. Once a parent voluntarily releases his or herchildtothe[DHS]ortoachildplacementagencyunder the [A]doption [C]ode, and the release is accepted by the court,andthecourtentersanorderterminatingthatparents rights to the child, that parent no longer has any parental rightssubjecttoterminationunderthe[J]uvenile[C]ode.In reJones,286MichAppat128. Note:InInreJones,theCourtofAppealsalsofoundthat thetrialcourterredwhenitterminatedtherespondent mothers parental rights to her son (her second child) underMCL712A.19b(3)(l).InreJones,286MichAppat 128.BecauseMCL712A.19b(3)(l)appliestoinvoluntary terminations under the Juvenile Code, the trial court shouldhaveterminatedtherespondentmothersrights to her son under MCL 712A.19b(3)(m), the statutory
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provisionthatappliestovoluntaryterminationsunder theAdoptionCode.InreJones,supraat129.
Part 1CConsent Adoptions

2.5 Consent to Adoption
Aparentmayvoluntarilyrelinquishhisorherparentalrightsthrougha consent to the childs adoption by a specific adoptive parent. MCL 710.22(l).However,aparentdoesnotneedtoconsenttotheadoptionof anadultadoptee.SeeMCL710.43(3). Note: A child over the ageof 14 must consent tohisor her adoption.MCL710.43(2). Under a consent to adopt, a parent may consent to a direct placement adoption,astepparentadoption,orarelativeadoption.SeeChapter8for a detailed discussion of direct placement adoptions, stepparent adoptions,andrelativeadoptions. A consent must be made by a separate instrument executed before a judgeorajuvenilecourtreferee.MCL710.44(1).However,aconsentmay be executed and acknowledged before a person authorized by law to administeroathswhentheconsentisrequiredfrom: (1)Apersoninthearmedservices; (2)Apersoninprison;or (3)Achildplacingagencythathasjurisdictionofthechildto beadopted.MCL710.44(2)MCL710.44(3). Averbatimrecordmustbemadeiftheconsentisacceptedbyajudgeor referee, but is not required when the person accepting the consent is a person authorized by law to administer oaths. MCL 710.44(1)MCL 710.44(3).
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A. Persons Authorized to Execute a Consent 1. Parent

A parent may consent to a childs placement for adoption,14 unless: (1) That parents parental rights were already terminated; (2)Thechildwasreleasedtoachildplacingagency ortheDHS;15 (3)Aguardianwasappointedforthechildorparent; or (4) The custodial parent is married to the petitioner.16 MCL 710.43(1)(a)(i)MCL 710.43(1)(a)(v). Minorparent.Iftheadopteesparentisanunemancipatedminor, the parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem must also consent to the childs adoption. MCL 710.43(4). Also, before a consent is executed, an adoption attorney or a child placing agency must provide an unrepresented minor parent an opportunity to meet with an attorney, unrelated to the adoption proceedings, to discussthelegalramifications.MCL710.55a(2).
2. Guardian of a Child or Parent

A guardian may consent to a childs adoption once the court appoints the guardian and gives the guardian authorization to execute the consent.17 MCL 710.43(1)(e)MCL 710.43(1)(f), MCL 710.43(5)MCL710.43(6).SeealsoInreRobins,153MichApp484, 487(1986). If a parents guardian executes a consent, the consent must have the same effect as if the parent executed the consent. MCL 710.43(6).However,thecourtcannotappointaguardianifthesole purposeofthe appointmentisto defeattheparents statusas an interestedparty.MCL710.24a(7).
14
See SCAO form PCA 308, Consent to Adoption by Parent, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca308.pdf.
15SeeSection2.1foradetaileddiscussionofreleases. 16SeeSection8.2foradetaileddiscussionofstepparentadoptions. 17 See SCAO form PCA 308a, Consent to Adoption by Guardian, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca308a.pdf.
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To obtain authorization to execute a consent, the guardian must petition the court where he or she received the guardianship appointment. See MCL 710.43(5)(6). The court may authorize a full guardian or a juvenile guardian to consent to a childs adoption. See MCL 700.5215(e); MCL 712A.19a(8); MCL 712A.19c(7). However, a limited guardian is prohibited from executingaconsentforadoption.MCL700.5206(4). Note: The Adoption Code does not contain guidelinesforconductingahearingonaguardians motionforauthoritytoconsenttoachildsadoption. The Advisory Committee recommends that the court consider the purposes of the Adoption Code. SeeSection1.1(A). A properly authorized guardian with whom a child has been placeddoesnothavethepowertoconsenttothechildsadoption withoutfirstobtainingconsentfromtheparentsortakingstepsto terminatetheparentsparentalrights.InreHandorf(HandorfI),285 Mich App 384, 387388 (2009). In In re Handorf (Handorf I), the petitioners, as guardians of a child they wanted to adopt, petitioned the court for authorization to consent to the childs adoption. The childs father consented to the adoption, but the childsmotherrefusedtoconsent.Thetrialcourtconcludeditwas not able to grant the petition without terminating the parents parentalrights.Inaffirmingthetrialcourt,theCourtofAppeals specificallyfound: We initially note that there is no published authority in Michigan directly on point, and the unpublishedopinionsfromthisCourtareinconflict. InInrePartello,unpublishedopinionpercuriamof the Court of Appeals, issued September 15, 1998 (Docket No. 202757), the petitioner, Christina Partello, gave birth to a child at the age of 16, consentedtohavinghermother,SandraWaukazoo, appointedasthechildsguardian,andproceededto generallyfailtoactasacompetentparent.Fiveyears later, Partello petitioned the probate court for an ordertoterminatetheguardianship,andWaukazoo petitioned the probate court for an order granting her the authority to consent to the childs adoption by another couple, the Smiths. The probate court denied the motion to terminate the guardianship. Afterobservingthattheordergrantingauthorityto consent to the adoption would have the effect of terminating Partellos parental rights, the probate court found that doing so was in the childs best interests and granted Waukazoos petition. A panel
Section2.5
of this Court affirmed, observing that the evidence clearlysupportedtheprobatecourtsdetermination that termination was appropriate. Conversely, however, in In re Blaylock, unpublished memorandum opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued December 28, 2001 (Docket No. 234755), anotherpanelofthisCourtheldthattheguardians didnothavethepowertoconsenttotheadoptionof their ward, nor could they carry out that adoption, without the consent of the parents or tak[ing] the steps necessary to obtain the termination of their parental rights. We agree with and adopt the holdingofBlaylock. Petitioners argue that guardians may consent to adoptionsoftheirwards.Thisassertionisgenerally correct,subjecttoauthorizationbythecourtandthe requirements of MCL 710.44 and MCL 710.51. See MCL710.43(1)(e)and(5).However,thefirststepin theadoptionprocessisensuringthechildisfreedfor adoption. Michigan Judicial Institute Adoption Proceedings Benchbook 20032008, p 22. Subject to exceptionsnotatissuehere, a childshall not be placed in a home for the purpose of adoption until an order terminating parental rights has been entered pursuant to [the Michigan Adoption Code, MCL 710.21 et seq.] or [the Michigan [J]uvenile[C]ode,MCL712A.1etseq.]andthe court has formally approved placement under[MCL710.51].[MCL710.41(1).] Unlessthereisparentalconsenttotheadoption,an adoption petition must be accompanied by, among other things, a copy of each release or order terminating parental rights over the child having a bearingupontheauthorityofapersontoexecutethe consent to adoption. MCL 710.26(1)(a). In re Handorf(HandorfI),285MichAppat386387. Additionally, the Michigan Supreme Court clarified in In re Handorf (Handorf II), 485 Mich 1052 (2010), that the Court of Appealsdecision inInreHandorf(HandorfI),285 Mich App384 (2009),[doesnotstand]forthepropositionthatguardianscannot consenttoadoption.InHandorfII,theMichiganSupremeCourt specifiedthattheappointmentofaguardiandoesnotprovidethe guardian with authorization to unilaterally consent to a childs adoption in the absence of a termination of parental rights.
Section2.5
However,aguardianmayconsenttoachildsadoptiononcethe guardianobtainsauthorityfromthecourttoexecutetheconsent (MCL710.43(5))if: (1)theparentsrightshavealreadybeenterminated (MCL710.41(1)); (2) the parents consent to an adoption (MCL 710.26(1)(a));or (3)theparentshavereleasedtheirrightstothechild and do not intend to exercise any parental rights over that child (MCL710.44(6)). Handorf II, supra at 1053. The Court of Appeals decision [in Handorf I] does nothing to altertheauthorityofaguardian,actinginlocoparentis,toconsent toachildsadoptioninthesesituations.HandorfII,supraat1053.
3. Child Over 14 Years Old

Achildovertheageof14mustalsoconsenttohisorheradoption before the court may enter an adoption order.18 MCL 710.43(2). SeeSection6.4foradetaileddiscussionofadoptionorders.
4. Adult Adoptee
An adoptee 18 years of age or older must consent to his or her adoptionbeforethecourtmayenteranadoptionorder.19SeeMCL 710.43(3);MCL710.22(j).SeeSection6.6foradetaileddiscussion ofadultadoptions. However,aparentorguardianneednotconsenttotheadoption of an adult adoptee. MCL 710.43(3). See In re Munson, 210 Mich App 500, 503504 (1995), where the Court found that the mother did not need to consent to the adoption of her adult daughter when her exhusband petitioned the court to terminate the biologicalfathersparentalrights.
5. Court
Acourtortribalcourtwithpermanentcustodyoverachildmay consenttothechildsadoption.20MCL710.43(1)(c).
18 See SCAO form PCA 307, Consent to Adoption by Adoptee, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca307.pdf. 19
See SCAO form PCA 307, Consent to Adoption by Adoptee, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca307.pdf.
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6. The DHS or Child Placing Agency

Once a child is released or committed to the DHS or a child placingagency,theauthorizedrepresentativeoftheDHSorhisor herdesignee,orachildplacingagencymayconsenttothechilds adoption.21MCL710.43(1)(b),(d).SeeSection2.1forinformation onreleases. ThesuperintendentoftheMichiganChildrensInstitute(MCI)or hisorherdesigneeisauthorizedtoconsenttotheadoptionofany childwhohasbeencommittedtotheMCI.MCL400.209(1).
7. Child Placing Agency or Court in Another State or Country

A child placing agency or court in another state or country that hasauthoritytoconsenttoachildsadoptionmayconsenttothe childsadoption.MCL710.43(1)(g).
B. Interested Parties
Inaconsenttoachildsadoption,theinterestedpartiesconsistof: (1)Thepetitioner(s). (2)Theadoptee(ifovertheageof14). (3)Thebiologicalparents,unless: (a)Theparentalrightsareterminatedorreleased. (b) A guardian has been appointed with specific authoritytoconsenttoanadoption. (c)Theparentalreadyconsentedtotheadoption. Note: Only the parent whose parental rights must be terminated in order to grant the adoptionneedstoconsent.InreMunson,210 MichApp500,503(1995). (4)TheDHSorachildplacingagencytowhomthechild isorwillbereleasedorcommittedto.
20 See SCAO form PCA 309, Consent to Adoption by Agency/Court, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/
21 See SCAO form PCA 309, Consent to Adoption by Agency/Court, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/
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(5)Anunemancipatedminor parentsparent, guardian, orguardianadlitem. Note: Even if a guardian ad litem is appointed for a minor child, the guardian musthavespecificauthoritytoconsenttoan adoption to be an interested party under MCL710.24a(1).InreToth,227MichApp548, 555556(1998). (6)Acourtwithpermanentcustodyoftheadoptee. (7)A court with continuing jurisdiction over the adoptee. (8) Another states or countrys child placing agency withauthoritytoconsenttotheadoption. (9)Anyinterestedpartysguardianorguardianadlitem. (10)IftheadopteeisanIndianchild,inadditiontothe parties listed above, the childs tribe and Indian custodian (if applicable), or where the Indian childs parent, Indian custodian, or tribe is unknown, the Secretary of the Interior.22 MCL 710.24a(1)(a)MCL 710.24a(1)(i);MCR3.800(B)(1)MCR3.800(B)(2). In the interest of justice, the court may also deem others to be interestedparties.MCL710.24a(6). If a party to the consent is incarcerated, see Section 2.11 for informationregardingnoticetoanincarceratedparty.
C. Consent Hearing
Anadoptionpetitionmustbefiledbeforeaconsentcanbeheard.See MCR 3.804; MCL 710.46(1). Once an adoption petition is filed, the courtmustdirectanemployeeoragentofachildplacingagency,the DHS, or the court to conduct a full investigation. MCL 710.46(1). Within three months of the courtordered investigation, a written report must be filed, unless the court waived the full investigation andafosterfamilystudywascompletedorupdated.MCL710.46(2) MCL 710.46(3). See Section 5.3 for a detailed discussion of investigative reports and Section 6.3 for a detailed discussion of adoptionpetitions.
22
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Section2.5
Thecourtmustpromptlyscheduleaconsenthearingafteritexamines and approves the investigative report or foster family study. MCR 3.804.Ifaninterestedpartyrequestedaconsenthearing,thehearing must be held within seven days of an investigative report or foster familystudybeingfiled.Id.;MCL710.44(1). Note:SeeAppendixAforasamplechecklistforconsent hearings from the Oakland County Circuit Court, FamilyDivision. At the consent hearing, a parents, guardians, or adoptees consent mustnotbeexecuteduntilafterallofthefollowingoccur: (1)Thecourtordersanyinvestigationsitdeemsproper. (2) If applicable, the judge, referee, or authorized individualfullyexplainstotheparentorguardianthat execution of a consent will voluntarily relinquish the parentsorguardiansrightsoverthechildpermanently. Note:Parentalrightstoachildincludetherightsto custody,control,services,earnings,andtherightto inheritfromtheminor.MCL722.2(StatusofMinor and Child Support Act); MCL 700.2103(b) (Estates andProtectedIndividualsCode). (3)Ifapplicable,thejudgeorrefereefullyexplainstothe adoptee that he or she is consenting to the adoptive parentbecominghisorherlegalparent.MCL710.44(6) MCL710.44(7). Note: An adoptees consent is necessary when the adoptee is an adult or over the age of 14. MCL 710.43(2),(3). Averbatimrecordmustbemadeofthetestimonywhenaconsentis executed before a judge or referee, but is not required when the consent is executed before a person authorized to administer oaths. MCL710.44(1)MCL710.44(3).
D. Court Determination
Within 14 days of receiving the investigative report, the court must accepttheconsentifitfindsthat: (1)Theconsentisgenuine; (2) The person consenting has the authority to do so; and
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(3) It is in the childs best interests. MCL 710.51(1)(a) MCL 710.51(1)(b). See Section 1.4 for the childs best interestfactors. However,the14dayperiodmaybeextendedforgoodcauseshown or when a hearing is held prior to entering the termination order. MCL710.51(2). Ifthecourtdeniestheconsent,thecourtmuststatethereasonsforthe denialontherecordorinwriting.MCL710.63. Iftheconsentisexecutedinanotherstateorcountry,thecourtmust determinewhethertheconsentwasexecutedproperlyinaccordance withthelawsofthisstateorthatstateorcountrybeforeproceeding. MCL710.44(4).
E. Execution of Consent
Afteraconsentisexecuted,thecourtmustenteranorderterminating theparents,guardians,oragencysrightsoverthechildandapprove formalplacementofthechild.23MCL710.51(1). Note: The court must not enter a termination order againstacustodialparentmarriedtothepetitionerina stepparentadoption.MCL710.51(5).SeeSection8.2for adetaileddiscussionofstepparentadoptions. However,toformallyplacethechildinadirectplacementorrelative adoptionafteroneparentorguardianhasconsentedtotheadoption, theotherparentsorguardiansrightsoverthechildmustbe: (1)Voluntarilyterminatedunderaconsenttoadopt; (2)VoluntarilyterminatedundertheJuvenileCode,see Section2.4;or (3)Involuntarilyterminated,seeSections2.92.10.See MCL710.41(1);MCL710.31(1). The child will become a court ward once parental rights are terminated, unless it is a stepparent adoption or the child is being placed for adoption in Michigan by an agency of another state or country and the states or countrys law prohibits giving consent to adoptatthetimeofplacement.MCL710.51(3)MCL710.51(4).
23 See SCAO form PCA 318, Order Terminating Parental Rights After Release or Consent, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca318.pdf.
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F. Termination of Courts Jurisdiction

Entry of an order terminating the rights of both parents terminates thecircuitcourtsjurisdictionoverthechildinanydivorceorseparate maintenanceaction.MCL710.51(3).
2.6
Setting Aside a Consent

Aparentor guardian consentingtoachilds adoption may petition the courttosetasidetheconsentbyfilingeither: (1)Apetitionforrehearing;or (2)Apetitiontowithdrawconsent. Aparentfilingapetitionforrehearingmayfilehisorherpetitionwithin 21daysofentryoftheterminationorder.MCL710.64(1). However,aparentfilingapetitiontowithdrawconsentmayfilehisor herpetitionatanytimepriortoentryoftheterminationorder.SeeMCL 710.51(3).
A. Rehearing on a Consent
A parent consenting to the adoption of his or her child and voluntarilyrelinquishinghisorherparentalrightsmayfileamotion tosetasidetheparentalterminationorderwithin21daysofentryof theorder.MCL710.64(1).SeeSection7.1foradetaileddiscussionof rehearings.
B. Withdrawal of a Consent
A parent consenting to the adoption of his or her child and voluntarilyrelinquishinghisorherparentalrightsmayfileamotion to withdraw his or her consent at any time prior to entry of the termination order. See MCL 710.51(3). A consent cannot be withdrawn once the court enters an order terminating the rights of theparent,guardian,court,theDHS,orachildplacingagency.Id. Itiswithinthecourtsdiscretionwhethertopermitthewithdrawalof aconsent.Brownv DeWitt,320 Mich 156, 164165 (1948).24Even ifa parenttimelyfilesapetitionforwithdrawal,thecourtmaydenythe petitionifitfindsthatrevocationisnotinthechildsbestinterests.Id.
24BrownvDeWittpredatestheAdoptionCode.However,oneofthepurposesoftheAdoptionCodeisto
provideforthebestinterestsoftheadoptee.SeeSections1.1and1.4.
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Aparentschangeofheartcannotjustifyarevocationofconsentafter anadoptionwasfinalized.InreAllon,356Mich586,591(1959). However,aconsentinducedbyfraudmayconstitutesufficientcause to revoke a consent after an adoption was finalized. In re Nord, 149 MichApp817,820(1986).Inordertoestablishfraud,theparentmust proveallofthefollowing: (1)Theadoptiveparentmadeamaterialrepresentation; (2)Therepresentationwasfalse; (3) The adoptive parent knew the representation was false, or made the representation recklessly and as a positiveassertion,withoutanyknowledgeofitstruth; (4) The adoptive parent made the representation with theintentionthattheparentactonit; (5)Theparentactedinrelianceonit;and (6) The parent suffered an injury. In re Nord, 149 Mich Appat821.
2.7
Withholding Consent
Whenachildisreleasedtoachildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourt, it must consent to the childs adoption. MCL 710.43(1)(b)MCL 710.43(1)(d).Ifthechildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtwithholds its consent to the adoption, the adoptive parent may file a motion claimingthatconsentisarbitrarilyandcapriciouslybeingwithheld.MCL 710.45(2).SeeSection7.2foradetaileddiscussion.
2.8
Notice of Intent to Consent to Adoption of Expected Child

Priortothebirthofachildoutofwedlock,amothermayfileanexparte petition seeking a notice of intent to consent to the adoption of an expectedchild.25MCL710.34(1). Note: The purpose of the notice of intent to consent is to provideaputativefatherwiththeearliestpossiblenoticeand to facilitate the early placement of the child for adoption.
25
See SCAO form PCA 313, Petition to Issue Notice of Intent to Release or Consent, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca313.pdf.
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MCL710.34(1).SeeSection3.4(C)foradetaileddiscussionof identifyingputativefathers. The ex parte petition must be verified and include all of the following information: (1) The approximate date and location of the childs conception. (2)Theexpecteddateofthemothersconfinement. (3)Thename(s)oftheallegedputativefatherorfathers. (4)Arequestthatthecourtinformtheputativefatherofhis right to file a notice of intent to claim paternity before the birthofthechild.MCL710.34(1). Anexpectantmotherwhofilesanexpartepetitionindicatesherintentto consenttotheadoptionofherchild.MCL710.34(1). Aftertheexpartepetitionisfiled,thecourtmustissueanoticeofintent toconsent.26MCL710.34(1).Thenoticeofintentmustbeservedonthe putative fatherbyanofficerorpersonauthorizedbythecourt toserve process. MCL 710.34(1); MCR 3.802(A)(1). A proof of service must be filedwiththecourtverifyingthattheputativefatherreceivedthenotice. MCL710.34(1). ThenoticeofintenttoconsentformmustbeapprovedbytheStateCourt Administratorandcontainallofthefollowinginformation: (1) The approximate date and location of the childs conception. (2)Theexpecteddateofthemothersconfinement. (3)Theputativefathersrighttofileanoticeofintenttoclaim paternity. (4) The rights the putative father is entitled to if he files a noticeofintenttoclaimpaternity. (5)Noticethattheputativefathersfailuretofileanoticeof intent to claim paternity prior to the expected date of confinementorthechildsbirthwillresultin: (a)Awaiverofhisrighttoreceivenotice; (b)Adenialofhisinterestincustodyofthechild;and
26 See SCAO form PCA 314, Notice of Intent to Release or Consent, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/
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(c) Termination of his parental rights over the child. MCL 710.34(2)MCL 710.34(3). See Section 3.4(B) for informationonnoticeofintenttoclaimpaternity. (d)Iftheputativefatherisservedwithanoticeanddoes not respond, he is not entitled to receive notice of furtherhearingsinvolvingthechild.MCL710.34(2)(d).
Part 2: Involuntary Termination

The court may involuntarily terminate a parents parental rights over a childunder: (1)TheAdoptionCode;or (2)TheJuvenileCode. Becausetheproceduresforinvoluntaryterminationofaputativefathers parental rights differ from the procedures followed for involuntary terminationofalegalfathersparentalrights,itisimportanttoestablish thetypeoffatherinvolved.Briefly,thetypesoffathersare: (1)Alegalfather. (2)Aputativefather. (3)Anequitablefather.SeeSection3.1. Note: An equitable father is a man to whom the court grants legal father status. See Atkinson v Atkinson, 160 MichApp601,610611(1987). A legal fathers parental rights may only be involuntarily terminated undera stepparentadoptionpursuanttotheAdoption Code or during child protective proceedings pursuant to the Juvenile Code. See MCL 710.51(6);MCR3.903(C)(10). Involuntarily terminating a putative fathers parental rights under the Adoption Code will depend on whether the putative father is an interestedoruninterestedparent.SeeMCL710.37,MCL710.39,andMCL 710.51(6). UndertheJuvenileCode,aputativefatherisnotpermittedtoparticipate inchildprotectiveproceedingswherealegalfatherexists.InreKH,469 Mich621,624,635n29(2004),overrulingInreMontgomery,185MichApp 341 (1990). However, if the court determines that a child has no legal
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father, the court may take the necessary steps to determine the childs putativefatherandestablishpaternity.SeeSection3.5.
2.9
Termination Pursuant to Adoption Code

The court may involuntarily terminate a parents parental rights under MCL 710.37 (uninterested putative fathers), MCL 710.39 (interested putativefathers),orMCL710.51(6)(stepparentadoptions). Note:Aputativefatherhasadueprocessrighttonoticeand a hearing before his parental rights are terminated. In re Kozak,92MichApp579,581584(1979). Whenaputativefatherappearsataterminationhearing,hemusteither request custody per MCL 710.39(1) or deny his interest in custody per MCL710.37(1)(a).InreTMK,242MichApp302,305(2000).InInreTMK, theputativefatherobjectedtotheterminationofhisparentalrightsbut didnotrequestcustodyofthechild.Id.TheCourtofAppealsconcluded thataputativefathersfailuretorequestcustodywhenobjectingtothe terminationofhisrightshas,ineffect,deniedhisinterestincustody,and thecourtispermittedtoterminatehisparentalrights.Id. If an order for termination of parental rights was entered pursuant to MCL 710.37(2), res judicata will not prevent a putative father from a hearingunderMCL710.39wherethemotherfraudulentlyliedaboutnot knowing the biological fathers identity. In re Kozak, 92 Mich App 579 (1979). In In re Kozak, the court terminated a putative fathers parental rightsunderthebeliefthatthechildsmotherdidnotknowthenatural fathers identity. Approximately three months after the order of terminationwasentered,thefatherfiledforahearing.Heclaimedthathe didnotreceiveanynoticeofthecourtproceedings,andthatthechilds motherliedaboutnotknowingthathewasthefather.Thecourtdenied the putative father a hearing because res judicata prevented relitigating theterminationorder.TheCourtofAppealsoverturnedthelowercourts decisiontodenyahearingandremandedthecaseforahearingpursuant to MCL 710.39. The Court explained that res judicata requires that the former adjudication be between the same parties, and since the father was not a party to the original hearing and he claimed that the release wasobtainedthroughfraud,hewasnotbarredfromlitigatingtheissue oftermination.InreKozak,92MichAppat581584.
A. Uninterested Putative Father 1. Identity/Whereabouts Are Known

If the putative fathers identity and whereabouts are known, his parentalrightsmaybeterminatedif:
Section2.9
(1)Theputativefatherwas (a)Servedwithanoticeofintenttoreleaseor consent,or Note: Once the court issues a notice of intenttoreleaseorconsent,thenoticeof intent must be served on the putative father. MCL 710.34(1). See Sections 2.3 and2.8. (b) Served with or waived the notice of hearingtoidentifythefather;AND Note:Oncethemotherfilesapetitionto identify a putative father and the court determines a hearing will be held, the petition and notice of hearing must be served on the putative father. MCR 3.802(A)(2).SeeSection3.4(C). (2)Theputativefather (a) Verified paternity and denied his interest incustodyofthechild,or (b)Filedadisclaimerofpaternity,or (c)Was served with a notice of intent to releaseorconsentatleast 30daysbeforethe expecteddateofconfinementbutfailedtofile an intent to claim paternity before the expected date of confinement or the childs birth,or (d) Received proper notice of a hearing to identifythefatherandeitherfailedtoappear at the hearing or appeared and denied his interest in custody of the child. MCL 710.37(1).SeeSections2.3,2.8,and3.4. Ifthecourtdeniestheterminationpetition,thecourtmustindicate thereasonsforthedenialontherecordorinwriting.MCL710.63.
2. Identity/Whereabouts Are Unknown

When a childs mother cannot identify or locate the putative fathers identity or whereabouts after a diligent search, she may file an affidavit or declaration with the court indicating her inability to identify or locate the father.27 MCR 3.802(B)(1). See Section3.4(C)(3).
Section2.9
Uponreceiptofanaffidavitordeclarationofinabilitytoidentify orlocateaputativefather,thecourtmusttakeevidenceregarding themothersattempttoidentifyorlocatetheputativefather.MCR 3.802(B)(2);MCL710.37(2). Ifthecourtfindsthatareasonableattemptwasmadetoidentifyor locatetheputativefather,thecourtmustproceedtoterminatehis parental rights. MCR 3.802(B)(2). The court may terminate the putative fathers parental rights if any of the following circumstancesexist: (1) The putative father remains unidentified after reasonableeffortsweremadetoidentifyhim,andhe has not provided for the childs care and did not support the mother during her pregnancy or confinement;or (2) The putative fathers identity is known but his whereabouts are unknown, and he has not shown anyinterestinthechildormadeanyprovisionsfor the childs care for at least 90 days preceding the terminationhearing.MCL710.37(2). However,ifthecourtfindsthatthechildsmotherdidnotmakea reasonableattempttoidentifyorlocatetheputativefather,acourt mustadjournthehearingandorderoneofthefollowing: (1) The childs mother to diligently attempt to identify or locate the putative father and properly servehim. (2)Thechildsmothertoservetheputativefatherin an alternative manner. MCR 3.802(B)(2)(a)MCR 3.802(B)(2)(b);MCL710.36(7). Note:Thealternativemannerofservicemust notbebypublication.MCR3.802(B)(2)(b). Ifthecourtdeniestheterminationpetition,thecourtmustindicate thereasonsforthedenialontherecordorinwriting.MCL710.63.
B. Interested Putative Fathers

MCL710.39canbebrokenupintotwocategories:
27 See SCAO form PCA 315, Declaration of Inability to Identify/Locate Father, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca315.pdf.
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(1)Thedonothingfatherwhoexpressesaninterestin thechildbuthasnotestablishedacustodialrelationship with the child or provided substantial and regular supportorcaretothemotherorthechild. (2) The do something father who has established a custodialand/orsupportrelationshipwiththechild.See MCL710.39(1)MCL710.39(2);InreBabyBoyBarlow,404 Mich216,229(1978). The custodial relationship is an established relationship between a parent and his or her child whereby the parent exercises responsibilityforthecare,supervision,andupbringingofthechild. InreLang,236MichApp129,138(1999). Afatherwithanestablishedcustodialrelationshipwithhischildhas ahigherconstitutionalprotectionthanafatherwhofailstotakethe necessarystepsofestablishingarelationshipwithhischildbeyonda merebiologicallink.LehrvRobertson,463US248,261,266268(1983). Note: Even where a mother deceives a putative father about her pregnancy, the father must have provided substantialandregularcareandsupporttothemother during pregnancy or to the mother or child after the childs birth in order to merit the greater protections afforded putative fathers with an established relationship. In re RFF, 242 Mich App 188, 199201 (2000).InInreRFF,theCourtofAppealsfoundthatthe Legislaturedidnotcreateadeceivedfatherexceptionto the substantial and regular care and support requirementinMCL710.39(2). MCL 710.39 does not violate the equal protection rights of unwed fathers by placing them intocategories ordistinguishingthemfrom motherswhendeterminingwhichstandardtoapplyforterminating parentalrights.InreRFF,242MichApp188,208211(2000).However, applyingagenderbaseddistinctionbetweenan unwedmother and an unwed father in all circumstances where adoption of a child is at issue, will violate the fathers equal protection rights. Caban v Mohammed,441US380,392393,394(1979).
1. Do Nothing Father Requests Custody

Adonothingfatherisaputativefatherwhohasnotestablished acustodialrelationshipwiththechildorprovidedsubstantialand regularsupportorcaretothemotherorthechild.SeeInreBaby BoyBarlow,404Mich216,229(1978).
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If a do nothing father appears at the termination hearing to requestcustodyofhischild,thecourtmustinquireintohisfitness andabilitytoproperlycareforthechild.SeeMCL710.39(1).The courtmustdeterminewhetherthechildsbestinterestsareserved by granting him custody. Id. See Section 1.4 for the childs best interest factors. When determining whether it would be in the childs best interests to grant a putative father custody, MCL 710.39(1)clearlyrequiresthecourttoexaminetheputativefathers fitnessandabilitytocareforthechildwithoutregardtothefitness or ability of any prospective adoptive parents. In re Dawson, 232 MichApp690,698699(1998). Note: Automatically denying an unwed father a hearing regarding his fitness as a parent before removingthechildfromhiscareisaviolationofhis equalprotectionrights.StanleyvIllinois,405US645, 649650(1972). When the court finds that it is not in the childs best interests to grant the putative father custody, the court must terminate his parentalrights.MCL710.39(1). However,ifthecourtfindsthatitisinthechildsbestintereststo granttheputativefathercustody,thecourtmaydenythepetition to terminate the putative fathers parental rights. See MCL 710.39(1),(3).Thecourtmayalsoawardcustodyofthechildtothe putative father and issue an order legitimating the child if the mothersparentalrightshavebeenterminatedMCL710.39(3). Note:Ifthecourtdeniestheterminationpetition,the courtmustindicatethereasonsforthedenialonthe recordorinwriting.MCL710.63. However,theremaybeothersituationsinwhichaputativefather may be awarded custody of a child after the court has denied a petition to terminate his parental rights. In re Zimmerman, 277 Mich App 470, 489490 (2008), affd in part, vacated in part 480 Mich 1143 (2008). In In re Zimmerman, the Court addressed the issue of custody when the petition to terminate the putative fathers parental rights was denied but the mothers parental rightswerenotterminated.Specifically,theCourtconcluded: [MCL710.39(3)]mandatesthatcustodybegranted toafatherifitsconditionsaresatisfied,butthatdoes not mean that the subsection prohibits an order grantingcustodytothefatherinothersituations. ...Whilenotexplicitlydirectingthecourttogrant custodytoafatherwhoisdeterminedtobefitand abletoproperlycareforachildwhosebestinterest
Section2.9
would be served by such a placement, [MCL 710.39(1)] implies that granting custody in thissituation is appropriate. In re Zimmerman, 277 MichAppat489.
a.
Case Law on Courts Evaluation of Best Interest Factors

InreBabyBoyBarlow,404Mich216(1978) The mother gave birth to a child out of wedlock and placed the child with an adoption agency for eventual adoption. The father was notified of the proceedings, admittedpaternity,andsoughtcustodyofthechild.The trial court terminated the fathers parental rights to the child pursuant to MCL 710.39(1) after finding that it would not be in the best interests of the child to award custodytothefather.Thecourtalsofoundthatthefather could not properly care for the child, no emotional ties haddevelopedbetweenthechildandhisfather,thefather wasnotinclinedtoraisethechildinthemothersreligion, and it would be in the best interests of the child to be adopted by thefoster parents.InreBabyBoyBarlow,404 Michat225226. TheMichigan Supreme Court reversed the lower courts finding that termination was in the childs best interests andprovidedthefollowinginstruction: (1) A fathers youth or marital status is not evidence of an inability or an unwillingness toassurethatthechildwillreceiveadequate careandsupervision.Id.at231. (2)Terminatingtherightsofafatherinfavor of an unknown, unidentified, hypothetical thirdpartyshouldnotbedoneintheabsence ofevidenceindicatingthatthefathershome wouldnot be agood oneforthechild. Id.at 233. (3)Itisunfairtorequireafathertoprovethat hishomewouldbebetterforthechildthana fosterparentshome.Id.at234. (4) The religious preference of a childs mother is not a controlling factor in determiningwhethertoterminatethefathers rights.Id.at239.
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Section2.9
InreZimmerman,277MichApp470(2008)
InInreZimmerman,28themotherwantedtoputherchild upforadoptionandpetitionedtoterminatetheparental rights of the putative father. The trial court weighed the bestinterestfactorsanddeniedthepetitiontoterminate theputativefathersparentalrights.Accordingtothetrial court, it was not a close case because the fathers employment stability, parenting history, and plans for a more stable future outweighed his casual drug use, unstablerelationships,anddependency.InreZimmerman, 277MichAppat485,489.AlthoughtheCourtofAppeals affirmedthetrialcourt,itdisagreedthatitwasnotaclose case. Specifically, the Court of Appeals found that the trialcourtclearlyerredinfindingthatthepermanence offamilyunitfactorfavored[theputativefather]when his pattern of intimate relationships reflected poorly on his judgment and stability. The Court of Appeals noted with concern that [t]he trial court either failed to acknowledge the significance of [the putative fathers] engagement, or it implicitly assumed, without evidence, that [his] fianc appreciated the gravity of becoming [a] stepmother to three young children with two different biological mothers. Id. at 482483. Notwithstanding the Courts uncertainty about the outcome, the Court of Appealsconcludedthatthetrialcourtdidnotclearlyerr in finding that several best interest factors favored the putative father and affirmed the trial courts decision to temporarily place the child with him. In doing so, the Court explained that the strong deference that is afforded to the trial courts weighing of evidence precludestheconclusionthatthetrialcourtclearlyerred indecidingthisquestion.Id.at485. InreBKD,246MichApp212(2001)
MCL 710.39(1) does not require that each best interest factor be addressed individually when determining whetheritisinthechildsbestintereststograntcustody to the putative father. A fathers parental rights were terminated pursuant to MCL 710.39(1), and he claimed that the court erred in terminating his parental rights because the court failed to articulate the considerations for each best interest factor. The father indicated that pursuant to MCL 722.23 of the Child Custody Act, and DanielsvDaniels,165MichApp726(1988),thecourtmust
28
Affdinpart,vacatedinpart480Mich1143(2008).
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Section2.9
makespecificfindingsoffactregardingeachbestinterest factor.TheCourtofAppealsdisagreedandindicatedthat the Child Custody Act and Daniels did not apply to termination proceedings under the Adoption Code. Further,theCourtofAppealsnotedthatthelowercourt had discussed all but one factor, and even if it had consideredthatfactor,theoutcomeofthecasewouldnot havebeendifferent.InreBKD,246MichAppat218221.
b.
Case Law on Due Process and Equal Protection Rights of Putative Fathers
InreBKD,246MichApp212(2001)
A putative fathers due process and equal protection rights were not violated when his parental rights were terminated under the less stringent standards of MCL 710.39 because he failed to establish a custodial or supportive relationship with his child. The father appealed the termination and claimed that it was impossibleforhimtoestablishacustodialorsupportive relationshipwiththechildbecauseimmediatelyafterthe childsbirththechildwasplacedwithanadoptivefamily. Hefurtherclaimedthathedidnotrequestcustodyafter the childs birth because he doubted his paternity. The Court of Appeals found that MCL 710.39 did not deny dueprocessorequalprotectiontofatherswho,becauseof extenuatingcircumstances,failtoestablishacustodialor supportiverelationshipwiththeirchild.TheCourtstated thatpaternityisofteninquestionwhenachildisplaced foradoptionbutafathersuncertaintyabouthispaternity does not prevent him from establishing a relationship with the child or providing support for the child. A putative father can protect his rights by supporting the mother during her pregnancy, or supporting the mother orchildafterthechildisborn.InreBKD,246MichAppat 221226.
2. Do Something Father
When a father has an established custodial relationship with the childorhasprovidedregularsupportorcaretothemotherduring her pregnancy or for either the mother or child at least 90 days before a termination hearing, his parental rights may only be involuntarily terminated during child protective proceedings undertheJuvenileCodeorthroughastepparentadoption.29MCL 710.39(2).
Section2.9
Filing a notice of intent to claim paternity does not constitute supportorcare.InreDawson,232MichApp690,695(1998). However, courtordered support deducted from a fathers paycheckisconsideredsupportforpurposesofMCL710.39(2).In reSchnell,214MichApp304(1995).InInreSchnell,afatherpaid child support under a mandated income withholding order but did not have a custodial relationship with the child. After receivingnoticeofahearingforterminationofhisparentalrights, he petitioned the court for custody. The lower court found that courtordered support was not voluntary and not the type of supportandcareenvisionedunderMCL710.39(2)andterminated the fathers parental rights. The Court of Appeals disagreed and concluded thatcourtordered support fellwithin the meaningof MCL 710.39(2) because the nature of the support was irrelevant when nothing in MCL 710.39(2) indicated that a specific kind or qualityofsupportisrequired. Equalprotectiondoesnotrequirethatanunwedfatherreceivethe same authority as a separated or divorced father to prevent the adoption of his illegitimate child. Quilloin v Walcott, 434 US 246 (1978).InQuilloin,theCourtstated: Although [the putative father] was subject, for the yearspriortothe[stepparentadoption]proceedings, toessentiallythesamechildsupportobligationasa married father would have had, . . . he has never exercisedactualorlegalcustodyoverhischild,and thus has never shouldered any significant responsibilitywithrespecttothedailysupervision, education, protection, or care of the child. [The putativefather]doesnotcomplainofhisexemption fromtheseresponsibilitiesand,indeed,hedoesnot evennowseekcustodyofhischild.Incontrast,legal custodyofchildrenis,ofcourse,acentralaspectof the marital relationship, and even a father whose marriage has broken apart will have borne full responsibility for therearingofhis children during theperiodofthemarriage.Quilloin,434USat256.
C. Stepparent Adoption
A parents parental rights may be involuntarily terminated in the course of a stepparent adoption. See Section 8.2 for additional informationonstepparentadoptions.
29 See Section 2.9(C) for a detailed discussion of termination pursuant to stepparent adoptions, and
Section2.10foradetaileddiscussionofterminationpursuanttotheJuvenileCode.
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Astepparentadoptionoccurswhenthecustodialparentmarriesand hisor herspousepetitionstoadoptthe custodial parents child and terminatethenoncustodialparentsparentalrights.30MCL710.51(6). Thenoncustodialparentmaybeanyoneofthefollowing: (1)Adivorcedparent; (2) A father that has acknowledged paternity, see Section3.3;or (3) A putative father who has an established custodial relationship with his child or has provided regular support or care to the mother or child, see Section 2.9(B)(2).MCL710.51(6). The court may terminate the noncustodial parents parental rights31 whenallofthefollowingapply: (1)Fortwoormoreyearspriortotheadoptionpetition being filed, the noncustodial parent failed to provide regularsupportorcareforthechilddespitehavingthe abilitytodosoorfailedtosubstantiallycomplywitha supportorder. (2)Fortwoormoreyearspriortotheadoptionpetition being filed, the noncustodial parent failed to regularly visit, contact, or communicate with the child despite havingtheabilitytodoso.MCL710.51(6). Thereisnoincarceratedparentexceptiontothetwoyearperiod.Inre Caldwell,228MichApp116,119122(1998).TheCaldwellCourtnoted that, an incarcerated parent may still retain the ability to comply withthesupportandcontactrequirementsof[MCL710.51(6)].Inre Caldwell,supraat121.
1. Right to Jury Trial

Inastepparentadoption,thereisnorighttoajuryfortermination ofaparentsparentalrights.InreColon,144MichApp805,816819 (1985).
30
See SCAO form PCA 301, Petition for Adoption, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/ adoptions/pca301.pdf.
31 See SCAO form PCA 304, Order Terminating Rights of Noncustodial Parent, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca304.pdf.
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2. CourtAppointed Counsel
Thecourthasdiscretionaryauthoritytoappointcounseltoassista nonconsentingnoncustodialparentincontestingaterminationof parentalrights.InreSanchez,422Mich758,770(1985).TheSanchez Courtexplainedthatwhenexercisingitsdiscretion, the trial court will be guided by the principle of assuring the nonconsenting parent the ability to present a case properly, measured in the particular case by factors such as the relative strength of the adversaries and the presence or absence of legal, factual,procedural,orevidentiarycomplexity.Inre Sanchez,422Michat770771.
3. Service Requirements and Interested Parties

Inapetitiontoterminatetherightsofanoncustodialparent,the interestedpartiesare: (1)Thepetitioner; (2)Theadoptee(ifover14yearsofage); (3)Thenoncustodialparent;and (4)IftheadopteeisanIndianchild,thechildstribe and Indian custodian (if applicable), or where the Indian childs parent, Indian custodian, or tribe is unknown, the Secretary of the Interior.32 MCR 3.800(B)(3). Notice of a petition to terminate the parental rights of a noncustodial parent must be personally served on the noncustodial parent or his or her attorney. MCR 3.802(A)(2). See MCR 5.105(B)(1)(a)MCR 5.105(B)(1)(b) for information on personalservice. If the noncustodial parent is incarcerated, see Section 2.11 for informationregardingnoticetoanincarceratedparty. When a noncustodial parent cannot be located after a diligent search,thepetitionermayfileanaffidavitordeclarationwiththe court indicating his or her inability to locate the noncustodial parent.33 MCR 3.802(C). Upon receipt of an affidavit or
32SeeChapter11foradetaileddiscussionofadoptionproceedingsinvolvinganIndianchild. 33 See SCAO form PCA 315, Declaration of Inability to Identify/Locate Father, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca315.pdf.
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declaration of inability to locate a noncustodial parent, the court must review the affidavit or declaration and determine whether reasonableeffortsweremadetolocatethenoncustodialparent.Id. Ifthecourtfindsthatreasonableeffortsweremade,thecourtmay permit the petitioner to serve the noncustodial parent in an alternativemanner(includingservicebypublication).Id. Note:Theaffidavitordeclarationmaybeverifiedby a partys oath or affirmation, someone that has knowledge of the facts, or a signed and dated declarationindicatingIdeclarethatthestatements above are true to the best of my information, knowledge,andbelief.MCR2.114(B)(2).
Because MCL 710.51(6) permits, but does not require, the terminationofaparentsparentalrights,acourtmayexerciseits discretion when ruling on a termination petition. In re Hill, 221 MichApp683,696(1997). Ifthecourtdeniestheterminationpetition,thecourtmustindicate thereasonsforthedenialontherecordorinwriting.MCL710.63.
a.
Failure to Support ChildMCL 710.51(6)(a)

InreColon,144MichApp805(1985)
Inastepparentadoption,thepetitionerdoesnothaveto prove that a noncustodial parent had the ability to pay courtordered child support. A parents ability to pay is taken into consideration when a court issues a support order or a modification. MCL 710.51(6)(a) only requires proofthatthenoncustodialparentfailedtosubstantially comply with the support order for two or more years before the adoption petition was filed. The Court of Appealsexplained: In Michigan a parent who cannot comply with a child support provision in a divorce decree may petition the circuit court for a modification. . . . In fashioning a support order or a modification, the court must consider a number of factors, including the noncustodial parents income and ability to pay. Thus, ability to pay is already factored into a child support order, and it would be redundant to require a petitioner under the Adoption Code to prove the natural parents
Section2.9
ability to pay as well as that parents noncompliance with a support order. In re Colon, 144 Mich App at 811812 (internal citationsomitted). InreMartyn,161MichApp474(1987)
MCL 710.51(6) permits, but does not require, a court to terminate a parents parental rights if the conditions in both(6)(a)(failuretosupport)and(6)(b)(failuretovisit) aremet.Becausethelanguageispermissive,acourtmay consideraparentsreasonsforsubstantialnoncompliance with a support order before terminating that parents parental rights.However,nothingrequiresacourttodo so. A court is free to disregard the reasons given by a parent for violating a support order. In re Martyn, 161 MichAppat479480. InreSMNE,264MichApp49(2004)
Aprovisioninadivorcejudgmentreservingtheissue of child support and stating no monetary amount does not constitute a support order for purposes of MCL 710.51(6)(a), and in cases where no support order has been issued, a court may properly inquire into a partys abilitytopaysupport.TheCourtofAppealsexplained: When a court reserves the issue of child supportinadivorcejudgment,itmeansthat one parent is at that point not ordered to pay support; it does not extinguish a parents obligationtosupportherchild.Furthermore,a courts ruling to reserve child support in a divorce case should not foreclose in another, later proceeding the determination that a noncustodialparenthasorhadtheabilityto pay support. In re SMNE, 264 Mich App at 56. InreKaiser,222MichApp619(1997) Whendeterminingwhetheraparenthastheabilitytopay supportforthepurposesofMCL710.51(6)(a),atrialcourt isnotlimitedtoanexaminationoftheparentsincomeas it is defined in MCL 552.602(c). In In re Kaiser, the trial court properly concluded that the respondent had the ability to support her children based on her wages and other sources of revenue. The Court of Appeals explained:
Section2.9
Although respondents receipt of a legal settlement, rental income, and money from her parents may not constitute income, . . . those receipts, combined with the wages she earned at various jobs, nevertheless show an abilitytocontributetoherchildrenssupport. The adoption statute focuses on ability to pay, and not merely on income as narrowly definedinthe incomewithholdingstatutes. InreKaiser,222MichAppat621.
b.
Lack of Contact With Child

InreALZ,247MichApp264(2001)
Amothercannotrefuseaputativefathercontactwithhis childandthenusethefatherslackofcontactagainsthim to support a petition for stepparent adoption. In In re ALZ,threeweeksafterthebirthoftheirchild,themother broke up with the putative father after he confessed to molesting two young girls when he was a teenager. The motherdidnotallowthefatherunsupervisedvisitswith thechildandsheaskedthatpaternitynotbeestablished becauseshedidnotbelievecontactwiththefatherwasin thechildsbestinterests.Atherrequest,thefatherdidnot pursuecontactwiththechildforthreeyearsandthenhe mailedalettertothemotherindicatinghisdesiretovisit with his child again. The mother claimed that contact withherfatheratsuchayoungagewasnotinthechilds best interests and asked him not to initiate contact until the child was older and more capable of understanding the situation. The father then filed a paternity action, claiming he was the father of the child and requesting parenting time. Two months after the court issued the order of filiation, the mother filed a petition for stepparent adoption. The lower court found that the putative fathers letter to the mother and the complaint forpaternitywereongoingrequests for contactandthat the mothers resistance to the requests prevented the fatherfromhavingcontactwiththechild.Consequently, the lower court held that the mother failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the father had the abilitytocontact,visit,orcommunicatewiththechildfor the two years immediately before the petition for stepparent adoption was filed. The Court of Appeals agreed and pointed out that the putative father had no legal right to visit with his child until paternity was established and that he properly responded to the
Section2.9
mothers refusal by filing a complaint and seeking an orderoffiliation.Therefore,theCourtofAppealsupheld thelowercourtsholdingthatthemothercouldnotrefuse the fathersrequestfor contactwith their childand then usethefatherslackofcontactagainsthimtosupporther petitionforstepparentadoption.AccordingtotheCourt ofAppeals, Toallowterminationoftheparentalrightsof a noncustodial parent who has attempted, although somewhat late in the game, to involve himself with the child and has been consistently rebuffed by the custodial parent would not be consistent with [the] purpose [of fostering stepparent adoptions]. In re ALZ,247MichAppat277. InreSMNE,264MichApp49(2004)
The noncustodial parent failed to show she was prevented from having regular and substantial contact with her child where she failed to seek the courts assistance in enforcing the visitation rights to which she was entitled under a divorce judgment. The Court of Appeals upheld the termination of the noncustodial parentsparentalrightsanddistinguishedthiscasefrom In re ALZ, 247 Mich App 264 (2001), because, unlike the parentinInreALZ,theparentinthiscasehadvisitation rights ordered in the divorce decree and did not seek assistance from the Friend of the Court or the divorce courttoenforcethoserights.InreSMNE,264MichAppat 51. InreKaiser,222MichApp619(1997)
Theremustexistmeaningfulevidentiarysupportfora courtsconclusionthatanoncustodialparentwasableto contact a child before the parent can be said to have substantiallyfailedtovisit,contact,orcommunicatewith a child for purposes of MCL 710.51(6)(b). In In re Kaiser, thenoncustodialmotherlostherparentingtimewhenshe wasaccusedofsexuallymolestingherchildren.Shewas acquitted of the charges, but the court ordered that her parenting time would not resume until she received a psychologicalevaluation.Themothermadeagoodfaith effort to reestablish parenting time by attending court orderedcounselingandwasseeingacounselorwhenthe fatherandhisnewwifefiledforstepparentadoption.The lower court terminated the mothers parental rights,
Section2.9
findingthatthemothercouldhavemadecontactwithher children to satisfy MCL 710.51(6)(b) if she had received the psychological evaluation. On appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the lower court, concluding that termination was not proper where the record did not establish that the mother had the ability to maintain contactwithherchildrenandfailedtodoso.InreKaiser, 222MichAppat623625. InreMartyn,161MichApp474(1987)
A noncustodial parent who made two visits and one phonecalltohischildwithinatwoyearperiod,andwho did not visit his child once during the last 20months of thetwoyearperiod,substantiallyfailedtovisit,contact, or communicate with the child for purposes of MCL 710.51(6)(b). Upholding the lower courts decision to terminate the noncustodial parents parental rights, the CourtofAppealsreasoned: We acknowledge that the phrase substantiallyfailedhasnotbeenpreviously construed. We also express some doubt that the phrase can be reduced to a specific numberofvisitswithintwoyears.Wewould, for instance, be less likely to consider a specificnumber of visits late in thetwoyear period to be substantial failure. We would also be less likely to consider a specific number of visits substantial failure if they required the respondent to overcome significant legal, physical or geographic obstacles.Here,however,respondenthadnot visited [his child] at all for the last twenty monthsofthetwoyearperiod.Furthermore, although respondent claimed that he had no transportation,heacknowledgedanabilityto attend regular Jaycee meetings by hitchhiking. In fact, respondent testified that hehadbeenintheCityofPontiac,wherethe [child] resided, once every three to four months in the 198385 period. Furthermore, respondentcouldoffernoreasonforfailingto call[hisson]otherthanthefactthatitwould have been a toll call. Finally, we note that respondent suffered no legal obstacles to more frequent visitation. Under these circumstances,webelievethattwovisitsand one phone call in two years is a substantial
Section2.10
failuretovisit,contactorcommunicatewitha child.InreMartyn,161MichAppat482. InreSimon,171MichApp443(1988)
A noncustodial parent cannot rely on a court order denyingvisitationtoprovehewasunable to contacthis childforpurposesofavoidingterminationofhisparental rights when he never requested visitation and did nothing to show that visitation was in his childs best interests.InreSimon,171MichAppat449.
5. Grandparent Visitation
During the pendency of a stepparent adoption proceeding, grandparents of the adoptee may seek an order for grandparenting time pursuant to MCL 722.27b of the Child Custody Act. MCL 710.60(3). See Section 8.2(D) for a detailed discussionofgrandparentvisitation.
2.10 Termination Pursuant to Juvenile Code

The court may involuntarily terminate a parents parental rights as a result of child protective proceedings under the Juvenile Code. MCL 712A.19b(3). Note:Afterthecourtobtainsjurisdictionoverachild,ithas the authority to conduct a termination hearing for each parent.SeeInreLE,278MichApp1,17(2008)(becausethe court obtained jurisdiction over the child after the mother pleadednocontesttotheallegationsinthepetition,thecourt was not required to make an independent determination of itsjurisdictionoverthechildbasedonthefathersconduct). Adiscussionoftheinvoluntaryterminationofparentalrightsunderthe JuvenileCodeisoutsidethescopeofthisbenchbook.SeetheMichigan JudicialInstitutesChildProtectiveProceedingsBenchbook.
2.11 Special Notice Provisions for Incarcerated Parties

Where a party is incarcerated under the jurisdiction of the Michigan DepartmentofCorrections,specificrequirementsmustbemetinorderto providepropernoticetotheparty.SeeMCR2.004.SeealsoInreBAD,264 MichApp66,7576(2004),wheretheCourtfoundthattheDepartment ofCorrectionsreferredonlytotheMichiganDepartmentofCorrections and did not include departments of corrections in other states and jurisdictions.
Section2.11
Specifically,MCR2.004appliesto: (1)Domesticrelationcasesthatinvolveminorchildren; (2)Casesinvolvingcustody,guardianship,neglect,orfoster careplacementsofminorchildren;and (3)Casesinvolvingtheterminationofparentalrights.MCR 2.004(A)(1)MCR2.004(A)(2).
A. Petitioners Responsibility
Apetitionermust: (1) Contact the Department of Corrections to confirm thatthepartyisindeedincarcerated; (2) Obtain the incarcerated partys prison number and location; (3)Servetheincarceratedparty; (4) File proof of service with the court verifying the incarceratedpartysreceiptofservice; (5)Filethepetitionormotionwiththecourtstatingthat thepartyisincarcerated; (6) Provide the court with the incarcerated partys prisonnumberandlocation;and (7) Ensure that the petitions or motions caption states that a telephonic hearing is required[.] MCR 2.004(B)(1)MCR2.004(B)(3).
B. Courts Responsibility
The court must issue an order requesting the Department of Corrections to permit the incarcerated party to participate in a hearingbywayof anoncollect and unmonitoredtelephone call[.] MCR2.004(C).Thecourtsordermustincludethedateandtimeofthe hearing and the incarcerated partys name and prison number, and mustbeservedonthepartiesandthewardenorsupervisorofthe facilitywheretheincarceratedpartyresides.Id. The purpose behind the telephonic hearing is to determine the following:
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(1) whether the incarcerated party has received adequate notice of the proceedings and has had an opportunitytorespondandtoparticipate, (2) whether counsel is necessary in matters allowing for the appointment of counsel to assure that the incarceratedpartysaccesstothecourtisprotected, (3) whether the incarcerated party is capable of self representation,ifthatisthepartyschoice, (4)howtheincarceratedpartycancommunicatewith thecourtorthefriendofthecourtduringthependency of the action, and whether the party needs special assistance for such communication, including participationinadditionaltelephonecalls,and (5)theschedulingandnatureoffutureproceedings,to the extent practicable, and the manner in which the incarceratedpartymayparticipate.MCR2.004(E).
C. Documentation and Correspondence to Incarcerated Party

All court documents or correspondence mailed to an incarcerated partymustincludetheincarceratedpartysnameandprisonnumber ontheenvelope.MCR2.004(D).
D. Denial of Relief
IftherequirementsofMCR2.004arenotsatisfied,thecourtmaynot grant the relief requested by the moving party. MCR 2.004(F). However, a court may take immediate action it deems necessary to temporarilyprotectaminorchild.Id. Anincarceratedpartymustbeofferedtheopportunitytoparticipate in the proceedings. See MCR 2.004(F). The opportunity must be offeredforeachproceeding,andparticipationthroughatelephone callduringoneproceedingwillnotsufficetoallowthecourttoenter anorderatanotherproceedingforwhichthe[incarceratedparty]was notofferedtheopportunitytoparticipate.InreMason,486Mich142, 154155(2010). [E]xcluding a[n incarcerated party from the opportunity to participate] for a prolonged period of the proceedings can[not] be consideredharmlesserror.InreDMK,289MichApp246,255(2010).
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E. Sanctions
Thecourtmayimposesanctionsifitfindsthatanattemptwasmade to prevent an incarcerated party from obtaining information on the caseinordertodenytheincarceratedpartyaccesstothecourt.MCR 2.004(G).
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Chapter 3: Identifying the Father
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7
TypesofFathers ................................................................................... 32 ThePaternityAct.................................................................................. 34 AcknowledgmentofParentage......................................................... 321 IdentifyingthePutativeFather .......................................................... 328 PutativeFatherHearingChildProtectiveProceedings.................. 333 AdjudicationofPaternityinAnotherState ........................................ 336 TheUniformInterstateFamilySupportAct(UIFSA) .......................... 337
Oneofthemostimportantstepsintheadoptionprocessisidentifyinga childs father or determining he cannot be found. In identifying the father,itisimportanttonotethetypeoffatherinvolvedbecausethetype offatherinvolvedwilldictatewhichprocedurethecourtmustfollowto properlyproceedwithanadoption.Thischapteraddressesthedifferent typesoffathersfoundinthelaw. Thischapteralsoprovidesanoverviewofestablishingpaternitythrough the Paternity Act and the Acknowledgment of Parentage Act. The chapterdiscussestheproceduresusedtoidentifyaputativefatherunder theAdoptionCodeandthroughchildprotectiveproceedings. This chapter also briefly introduces the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). This chapter does not, however, discuss child support, confinement expenses, or attorney fees in relation to establishingalegalfather.
Section3.1
3.1
Types of Fathers
Itisimportanttoestablishthetypeoffatherinvolvedbecausethetypeof father will dictate which procedures the court must follow to properly proceedwithanadoption.Theproceduresforterminationofaputative fathers parental rights differ from the procedures followed for terminationofalegalfathersparentalrights. This section contains key definitions of the different types of fathers foundinthelaw. Thedifferenttypesoffathersare: (1)Alegalfather. (2)Aputativefather. (3)Anequitablefather.
A. Legal Father
A legal father is a man who the law has presumed to be a childs fatheroramanwhothecourthasdeterminedtobeachildsfather. See MCR 3.903(A)(7). Specifically, a legal father is one of the following: (1) A man married to the childs mother at any time from the childs conception to the childs birth, unless thecourtdeterminesthatthechildisnotanissueofthe marriage. Note: If the parties are married at the time of conceptionorbirth,thenthechildispresumedtobe anissueofthemarriage,withthehusbandbeingthe legal father to the child. Serafin v Serafin, 401 Mich 629,636(1977). (2)Amanwholegallyadoptsachild. (3)Amandeterminedtobethechildsfatherthroughan order of filiation or a paternity judgment. See Section 3.2. (4)Amanjudiciallydeterminedtohaveparentalrights. (5) A man who established paternity under an acknowledgment of parentage. MCR 3.903(A)(7). See Section3.3.
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Oncealegalfatherisdetermined,hehastherightstocare,custody, control, and earnings of the child, and the right to inherit from the child.MCL722.2;MCL700.2103(b). Note:Abiologicalfatherisnotalwaysthelegalfather. InreKH,469Mich621,635(2004).
B. Putative Father
Aputativefatherisanallegedbiologicalfatherofachildwhohasno legalfather.MCR3.903(A)(24).Onceachildhasalegalfather,there cannotbeaputativefather.SeeInreKH,469Mich621,635637(2004). Specifically,aputativefatherisoneofthefollowing: (1)Amanclaimingtobethebiologicalfatherofachild bornoutofwedlock.SeeSection3.4(B). (2)Amanwhoachildsmotherclaimsisthebiological fathertoachildbornoutofwedlock.SeeSection3.4(C). (3)Amanclaimingtobethebiologicalfathertoachild borntoamarriedmanandwoman,butnotanissueof themarriage.SeeSection3.4(D).
C. Equitable Father
Anequitablefatherisamantowhomthecourtgrantedlegalfather status even though he is not the childs biological or legal father. AtkinsonvAtkinson,160MichApp601,610611(1987).Inorderfora mantobeanequitablefather,hemustestablishallofthefollowing: (1)Heismarriedtothechildsmother. (2)Heisnotthechildsbiologicalfather. (3) Both he and the child mutually acknowledge a relationship as father and child, or the childs mother has cooperated in the development of a fatherchild relationship over a period of time prior to a filing for divorce. (4)Hedesirestohaveparentalrightsoverthechild. (5) He is willing to pay child support. Atkinson, 160 MichAppat608609. Oncethecourtrecognizesamanasanequitablefather,thatstatusisa permanent status and he possesses all of the rights and responsibilitiesofalegalparent.YorkvMorofsky,225MichApp333,
Section3.2
337(1997).However,onlyamanmarriedtothechildsmotheratthe time the child was born or conceived may be recognized as an equitable parent. See Van v Zahorik, 460 Mich 320, 331334 (1999), wheretheCourtrefusedtoextendthedoctrinetounmarriedpersons. SeealsoKillingbeckvKillingbeck,269MichApp132,142(2005),where theCourtrefusedtoextendthedoctrinetoanallegedfatherwhodid notmarrythechildsmotheruntilthreeyearsafterthechildsbirth. Identification of a childs equitable father precludes any later determinationthatthechildwasbornoutofwedlock;consequently, the childs mother has no standing to pursue a paternity action againstanyothermanconcerningthatchild.CoblevGreen,271Mich App 382, 388389 (2006) (a legal malpractice action involving the biologicalfatherofthechildatissueinYorkvMorofsky,225MichApp 333(1997)). Note: The Coble case arose when the equitable father named in the York case (Morofsky) failed to pay child support.Coble,271MichAppat384.Thechildsmother initiatedapaternityactionagainstthechildsbiological father(Coble)andthetrialcourtorderedCobletopay child support. Id. In disposing of Cobles malpractice actionagainsttheattorneywhorepresentedhiminthe paternityaction,theCourtreiteratedthepermanentand exclusive status of an individual determined to be the equitableparentofthechild: Because a court determination that a man is the equitable father of a child is mutually exclusive of a determination that the child was born out of wedlock, anequitableparentageorderprecludesthemotherfrom having standing to assert a paternity action regarding thatchild.Id.at383.
3.2
The Paternity Act

Aman who fathersa childout of wedlockmaybe considered a childs legalfatherunderanorderoffiliation.MCR3.903(A)(7)(c).ThePaternity Act, MCL 722.711 et seq., sets forth procedures for establishing the paternityofchildrenbornoutofwedlock. Note:Paternityproceedingsaregovernedbythecourtrules generallyapplicableincivilproceedings,unlessmodifiedby MCR3.217andthePaternityAct.LarrabeevSachs,201Mich App107,108(1993).SeeMCR3.217(A);MCL722.714(1). Despite the contention that paternity proceedings are quasicriminal in natureandthatthosedefendingpaternityproceedingsshouldreceivethe
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same constitutional protections afforded to criminal defendants, paternity actions are fundamentally civil in nature. Bowerman v MacDonald,431Mich1,16(1988).SeealsoLarrabeevSachs,201MichApp 107(1993). However,anactionunderthePaternityActcannotberaisedifafather has already acknowledged paternity through an acknowledgment of parentageoranadjudicationofpaternityhasalreadyoccurredinanother state. MCL 722.714(2). See Section 3.3 for a detailed discussion of acknowledgmentofparentage,andSection3.6foradetaileddiscussion ofpaternityadjudicationinanotherstate. Note: Even when DNA evidence shows that a man other thanthemanwhosignedtheacknowledgmentofparentage is a childs biological father, an order of filiation cannot be entered under the Paternity Act as long as the acknowledgment of parentage was properly executed and remains valid. Sinicropi v Mazurek, 273 Mich App 149, 165 (2006).
A. Child Born Out of Wedlock

In orderto have standingto seekrelief under the Paternity Act, the party filing the complaint must plead and prove that the child was born out of wedlock. Altman v Nelson, 197 Mich App 467, 475476 (1992).Whendeterminingwhetherachildwasbornoutofwedlock,a trial court may view the evidence in light of its own general knowledgeandexperience.HintermanvStine,55MichApp282,285 (1974). MCL 722.711(a) defines a child born out of wedlock as a child begotten and born to a woman who was not married from the conceptiontothedateofbirthofthechild,orachildthatthecourthas determinedtobeachildbornorconceivedduringamarriagebutnot theissueofthatmarriage.
1. Child Born to an Unmarried Woman

Merely alleging in a complaint that a child was born to an unmarried woman, without providing any evidence of the womansmaritalstatusfromthetimeofconceptiontothechilds birth, was insufficient to prove that a child was born out of wedlock.SquiresvRoberts,41MichApp96,9798(1972). Additionally, a childs mother must remain unmarried from the time of conception to the childs birth in order for a child to be bornoutofwedlock.SpielmakervLee,205MichApp51,55(1994). InSpielmaker,twomonthsbeforethechildsbirth,achildsmother
Section3.2
marriedsomeoneotherthanthebiologicalfather.TheCourtfound that as a result of the mother being married at the time of the childs birth, the child was not born out of wedlock. Specifically, theCourtconcluded: [F]orachildtobedeemedbornoutofwedlock... it is necessary that the mother have been not married for the entire gestation, or from the conceptiontothedateofbirthofthechild.Because inthecaseatbar[thechildsmother]wasnot,infact, not married for the entire gestational period, or fromtheconceptiontothedateofbirthofthechild, the child was not born out of wedlock. Spielmaker, 205MichAppat58. Despite a biological father filing a paternity action before the childsmothermarriedanotherman,thechildwasnotbornoutof wedlockwhenthechildsmothermarriedbeforethechildsbirth. NumerickvKrull,265MichApp232,235(2005).
2. Child Not the Issue of a Marriage

Whereachildisborntoamarriedmanandwoman,acourtmust have already determined that the child was not an issue of that marriage before a paternity action can be filed. Girard v Wagenmaker, 437 Mich 231, 235 (1991); Dept of Social Services v Baayoun,204MichApp170,175(1994). A defaultjudgmentof divorceindicating therewere nochildren born or expected during the marriage, a birth certificate, or an affidavit of parentage are not court determinations sufficient to establish that a child is not an issue of a marriage. Barnes v Jeudevine,475Mich696,706707(2006).Rather,inorderforacourt determinationtosufficientlyestablishthatachildisnotanissueof a marriage, there must be an affirmative finding regarding the childs paternity in a prior legal proceeding that settle[s] the controversybetweenthemotherandthelegalfather.Id.at705. A putative father lacks standing to seek paternity under the Paternity Act where there [is] no paternity determination made in legal proceedings involving [the husband and wife] that establishe[s that the husband is] not the father of the child[.] Pecoraro v RostagnoWallat, 291 Mich App 303, 306, 312 (2011) (a NewYorkorderoffiliationdeterminingthatthechildwasnotan issue of the marriage and the putative father was the childs biological father did not constitute a prior court determination that the child was not the issue of the defendants marriage because the legal father could not be forced to participate in the proceedings,andtherefore,theydidnotsettle[]thecontroversy
Section3.2
betweenthemotherandthelegalfather[]asrequiredtosatisfy theMichiganPaternityAct)(citationomitted).1 Apriorcourtdeterminationthatachildwasbornoutofwedlock maybesatisfiedthroughadivorceproceeding.AfsharvZamarron, 209MichApp86,9192(1995).However,thedivorceproceedings must deliberately consider whether the child is an issue of the marriage.Id.InAfshar,theCourtspecificallyconcluded: In[DeptofSocialServicesvBaayoun,204MichApp 170 (1994)], the plaintiffs argued that the default judgment of divorce determined that the child was not an issue of the marriage. In rejecting the plaintiffs argument, this Court noted that, because [the husband] was not aware that [the childs mother] was pregnant at the time of the divorce action, a divorce judgment that was silent with regardtothequestionofpaternityandchildsupport cannot be deemed to have determined the issue of paternity. Incontrast,adivorcejudgmentthatisspecificwith regardtothequestionofcustodyandsupportofone minor child of the marriage and that is silent with regard to another child may, under appropriate circumstances, be deemed to have determined the issue of paternity. The present case presents an example of such circumstances. [The husband] alleged in his complaint [for divorce] that he could not be [the childs] biological father and submitted blood test results in support of the allegation. [The childs mother] admitted the allegation. In a recorded divorce settlement, the parties acknowledged that there was only one minor child of the marriage. The judgment of divorce provides forthecustodyandsupportof[one]childbutnotfor [theotherchild].Althoughthejudgmentofdivorce makes no specific finding with regard to [the other childs] paternity, the determination that [the other child] is not issue of the marriage is implicit in the judgmentofdivorce.Afshar,209MichAppat9192.
[B]ecause the New York court concluded that it lacked personal jurisdiction over [the husband], a necessarypartytothepaternityproceedings,[theCourtofAppeals]h[e]ldthattheFullFaithandCredit ClauseoftheUnitedStatesConstitutiond[id]notrequire[theMichigancourts]togiveeffecttotheNew Yorkorderoffiliation.Pecoraro,291MichAppat306.
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Apriorcourtdeterminationthatachildwasbornoutofwedlock may be satisfied through a postjudgment divorce proceeding. OplandvKiesgan,234MichApp352,359360(1999).InOpland,the Court found that the childs mother properly returned to the divorcecourtforadeterminationthatthechildwasnotanissueof themarriage.Id.at358.TheCourtfurthernotedthat: [B]oth parties to the divorce, in securing an amendment to the divorce judgment, disavowed their original representations regarding the paternity of [the child] and stipulated that [the husband]wasnot[the]father.Hackley[vHackley,426 Mich 582 (1986)] and Hawkins [v Murphy, 222 Mich App 664 (1997)] did not involve this kind of agreement between the mother and the putative father. In Hackley, the putative father, over the protestations of his former wife and almost nine years after the divorce decree establishing his paternity had been entered, sought to disavow a child born during the marriage. The opposite situation was presented in Hawkins, where the mothercontestedtheputativefatherspaternityand sought,overhisobjections,toamendajudgmentof divorce and set aside an order of filiation that had establishedthatpaternity.HackleyandHawkinsthus applied res judicata principles to protect a party from amendment of a judgment over that partys objections.Theseprecedentsareinapplicabletothis case, where both parties are in agreement that the original divorce judgment was based on false information and both parties acquiesce to a modification of that judgment to reflect the true facts. Opland, 234 Mich App at 360361. (Internal citationsomitted).
B. Courts Jurisdiction
The Family Division of the Circuit Court has sole and exclusive subject matter jurisdiction in paternity cases commenced after January 1, 1998. MCL 600.1021(1)(h). A partys failure to plead or provesufficientfactstosupporthisorherstandingtofileapaternity actiondoesnotdepriveacourtofitsjurisdiction.AltmanvNelson,197 MichApp467,476(1992). Thecourthascontinuingjurisdictionoverpaternityproceedingsafter theorderoffiliationisenteredtoincreaseordecreasetheamountof supportandtoprovide,enforce,orchangetheprovisionsrelatingto custody,support,orparentingtimewithachild.MCL722.720.
Section3.2
C. Standing to File a Paternity Action

Apersonhasstandingtofileapaternityactionwhenthechildisborn outofwedlockandtheactionisfiledbyanyoneofthefollowing: (1)Thechildsmother.SeeMCL722.711(c). (2) The childs father. See Section 3.1 for a detailed discussionofthedifferenttypesoffathers. Note: A man outside of a marriage does not have standing to pursue a paternity action involving a childbornwithinthemarriage,evenwheregenetic testingprovesthatheisthechildsbiologicalfather. HauservReilly,212MichApp184,188189(1995). (3)Thechild. Note:ThePaternityActpermitsachildobtainingthe ageof18betweenAugust15,1984,throughJune2, 1986, to bring a paternity action. MCL 722.714(1). However, the Court in Opland v Kiesgan, 234 Mich App352,367368(1999),foundthatevenifthechild did not fit the age classification requirement under thePaternityAct,achildbornoutofwedlockhasa constitutionalrighttobeginapaternityaction. (4) The Department of Human Services (DHS) on a childs behalf when the child is supported by public assistance.MCL722.714(1).SeeMCL722.714(10). InordertohavestandingtoseekreliefunderthePaternityAct,the partyfilingthecomplaintmustpleadandprovethatthechildwas bornoutofwedlock.AltmanvNelson,197MichApp467,475476 (1992).Aputativefatherhasstandingtopursueapaternityaction afterhischildwasbornwhilethemotherwasmarriedtoanother manonlyafterthecourthasalreadydeterminedthatthechildis notanissueofthemarriage.GirardvWagenmaker,437Mich231, 235(1991).Aputativefatherlacksstandingtoseekpaternityunder the Paternity Act where there [is] no paternity determination madeinlegalproceedingsinvolving[thehusbandandwife]that establishe[s that the husband is] not the father of the child[.] Pecoraro v RostagnoWallat, 291 Mich App 303, 306, 312 (2011) (a NewYorkorderoffiliationdeterminingthatthechildwasnotan issue of the marriage and the putative father was the childs biological father did not constitute a prior court determination that the child was not the issue of the defendants marriage because the legal father could not be forced to participate in the proceedings,andtherefore,theydidnotsettle[]thecontroversy
Section3.2
betweenthemotherandthelegalfather[]asrequiredtosatisfy theMichiganPaternityAct)(citationomitted).2 SeeSection3.2(A)foradetaileddiscussionofchildrenbornoutof wedlock. Note:Sinceachildborntoamarriedmanandwomanis presumedtobeanissueofthatmarriage,themotheror legal father must rebut the presumption. Serafin v Serafin,401Mich629,636(1977);InreKH,469Mich621, 635 (2004). However, rebutting the presumption of legitimacyislimitedtoamotherandlegalfather.Inre KH,469Michat635. Aputativefathersequalprotectionrightswerenotviolatedwhenhe didnothavestandingtofileapaternityactionafterhischildwasborn whilethemotherwasmarriedtoanothermanandtherewasnoprior court determination indicating the child was not an issue of the marriage.HauservReilly,212MichApp184,190(1995).Specifically, theCourtconcluded: In this case, [the biological father] and [the biological mother] are not persons under similar circumstances. [Thebiologicalfather]isanunwedfatherwhohasnever hadlegalcustodyofthechildandhasnevershouldered anyresponsibilitywithrespecttothedailysupervision, education,protection,orcareofthechild.Ontheother hand, once the child was born, [the biological mother] immediately became responsible for the child and reinforced her commitment to the child on a daily basis.Hauser,212MichAppat190. However, even where the biological father has an established relationship with the child, the biological father does not have standingtopursueapaternityactionwherethechildwasbornwhen themotherwasmarriedtoanothermanandtherehasbeennoprior court determination indicating the child was not an issue of the marriage.McHonevSosnowski,239MichApp674,678680(2000).See alsoKaiservSchreiber,469Mich944(2003),reversingKaiservSchreiber, 258MichApp357(2003),wheretheSupremeCourtfoundthataman who admitted to paternity of a child (and to whose paternity the childs mother admitted) born to a mother who was married to anothermanatthetimeofthechildsconceptionandbirthdidnot havestandingundertheChildCustodyAct,MCL722.21etseq.,and
[B]ecause the New York court concluded that it lacked personal jurisdiction over [the husband], a necessarypartytothepaternityproceedings,[theCourtofAppeals]h[e]ldthattheFullFaithandCredit ClauseoftheUnitedStatesConstitutiond[id]notrequire[theMichigancourts]togiveeffecttotheNew Yorkorderoffiliation.Pecoraro,291MichAppat306.
2
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would not have standing under the Paternity Act, MCL 722.711 et seq.
D. Filing Paternity Action

To initiate a paternity action, a complaint may be filed during a motherspregnancyoratanytimepriortothechildreachingtheage of18.MCL722.714(3). Note: When a complaint is filed during a mothers pregnancyandthechildisnotbornbythetimesetfor trial,thedefendingparentmustagreetoproceedorthe casemaynotbecommenceduntilafterthechildisborn. MCL722.715(2). Theprosecutingattorneyisrequiredtoinitiatepaternityproceedings whenanyofthefollowingoccur: (1) [T]he county [DHS] of the county in which the mother or alleged father resides first determines that she or he has physical possession of the child and is eligible for public assistance or without means to employanattorney[.] (2)TheDHSisthecomplainant. (3) The childs mother, the child, or the alleged father receives services under Title IV child support and establishmentofpaternityfunding.MCL722.714(4).See 42USC651. However, the prosecuting attorney is not required to represent any partyinadisputeovercustodyorparentingtime.MCL722.717b.
1. Complaint Requirements
Thecomplaintmustbeverifiedbyoathoraffirmationandcontain allofthefollowinginformation: (1)Theallegedfathersname. (2)Anapproximatetimethechildwasconceived. (3) An approximate location where the child was conceived.MCL722.714(4)MCL722.714(5). WhentheDHSfilesacomplaintonthechildsbehalf,the childs motherorallegedfathermustbeaddedasaplaintiffandthefacts statedmustbebasedoninformationandbelief.MCL722.714(5),
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(10). The DHS Director, the County DHS, or a designated representativemustverifythecomplaint.MCL722.714(10). A person who falsely identifies a man as a childs father in a complaint is guilty of a misdemeanor, unless the person is an authorized representative of the DHS who identified the man in goodfaith.MCL722.722.
2. Filing Requirements
The complaint must be filed in the county where the mother or child resides. MCL 722.714(1). If the mother and child reside outside of Michigan, then the complaint must be filed in the countywheretheputativefatherresidesorisfound.Id.However, the DHS must file its complaint in the county where the child resides.MCL722.714(10). Note:Evenwhenachildsconceptionorbirthoccurs outsideofMichigan,apartyisnotbarredfromfiling a complaint against a putative father in Michigan. MCL722.714(1).
3. Summons
Onceacomplaintisfiled,thecourtmustissueasummonsagainst the named defendant. MCL 722.714(6). If the DHS files the complaint, the childs mother or alleged father, being made a plaintiff to the proceedings, must receive a summons notifying himorherofthepaternityactionhearing.MCL722.714(10). The summons mustcontain notification that thepaternity action maydetermineapersonschildsupportobligations,andcustody and parenting timerights. MCL722.714a(1). Aform advising an alleged father of his right to an attorney and the procedures for requestingappointmentofanattorneymustbeincludedwiththe summons.MCR3.217(C)(1). Note:Anindigentdefendantinapaternitycasehas the right to appointed counsel. Artibee v Cheboygan CircuitJudge,397Mich54,56(1976);LarrabeevSachs, 201 Mich App 107, 109 (1993). However, court appointed counsel is not required to represent any party in disputes over custody or parenting time. MCL722.717b.
4. Service Requirements
Thecomplaintandsummonsmustbeservedonthedefendantin anyoneofthefollowingways:
Section3.2
(A) Individuals. Process may be served on a residentornonresidentindividualby (1)deliveringasummonsandacopyofthe complainttothedefendantpersonally;or (2) sending a summons and a copy of the complaint by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, and delivery restricted to the addressee. Service is made whenthedefendantacknowledgesreceiptof themail.Acopyofthereturnreceiptsigned by the defendant must be attached to proof showingserviceundersubrule(A)(2). (B) Individuals; Substituted Service. Service of processmaybemade (1)onanonresidentindividual,by (a) serving a summons and a copy of the complaint in Michigan on an agent, employee, representative, sales representative, or servant of the defendant,and (b) sending a summons and a copy of the complaint by registered mail addressedtothedefendantathisorher lastknownaddress; (2)onaminor,byservingasummonsanda copyofthecomplaintonapersonhavingcare and control of the minor and with whom he orsheresides; (3) on a defendant for whom a guardian or conservatorhasbeenappointedandisacting, by serving a summons and a copy of the complaintontheguardianorconservator[.] MCR2.105;MCL722.714(3). Upon a showing that service of process cannot reasonably be made, the court may permit alternative service to the defendant inanyothermannerreasonablycalculatedtogivethedefendant actualnoticeoftheproceedingsandanopportunitytobeheard. MCR2.105(I)(1). If one of the parties to a paternity action is incarcerated, see Section2.11forthenoticerequirementsforincarceratedparties.
Section3.2
5. Responsive Pleading
After the defendant is personally served with a complaint and summons,heorshemustfilearesponsetothecomplaintwithin 21days.MCL722.714(6);MCR2.108(A)(1).Ifanameddefendant fails to file and serve a responsive pleading within the 21day period,thecourtmayenteradefaultjudgmentwithouttakingany testimony.Id. If the defendant resides outside of Michigan or is served by registered mail, he or she must file a response to the complaint within28days.MCR2.108(A)(2).
E. Genetic Testing
On its own motion or pursuant to a partys request, a court must orderamother,child,andallegedfathertosubmittogenetictesting3. MCL722.714(7);MCL722.716.However,atrialcourtisundernoduty to compel genetic testing when it is not requested by the parties. KennervWatha,115MichApp521,524(1982). Note:Whenaverifiedcomplaintisfiledinaccordance withthePaternityAct,neitherasearchwarrantnoran evidentiary hearing is required prior to the court ordering blood tests. Bowerman v MacDonald, 431 Mich 1,3(1988). Genetic testing must be conducted by a person accredited for paternity determination through a nationally recognized scientific organization(accreditedexpert).MCL722.716(2).Thetestingconsists ofbloodortissuetypingdeterminations,whichmayinclude,butare not limited to, determinations of red cell antigens, red cell isoenzymes, human leukocyte antigens, serum proteins, or DNA identification profiling, to determine whether the alleged father is likelytobe,orisnot,thefatherofthechild.MCL722.716(1). Note:Ascientificdiscussionofgenetictestingisoutside thescopeofthisbenchbook.
1. Requesting Genetic Testing

A request for genetic testing must be made before the pretrial conference,orifapretrialconferenceisnotheld,withinthetime specified by the court. MCR 3.217(B). Failure to timely request
3SeeSCAOformCCFD04,OrderforBloodorTissueTypingorDNAProfile,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/ SCAO/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd04.pdf.
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genetictestingwaivestherighttosuchtesting,unlessthecourtin theinterestsofjusticepermitssuchtestingatalatertime.Id.
a.
DHS
Ifachildsmotherandallegedfatherfailtoconsenttoan order of filiation within 21 days4 of the defendants receiptofthecomplaintandservice,theDHSmaynotify the childs mother, the child, and the alleged father that they are required to appear for genetic testing. MCL 722.714(7);MCR2.108(A)(1). Thenoticemustincludeallofthefollowingexplanations: (1)Thegenetictesttobeperformed. (2) The purpose and potential uses of the genetictest. (3)Howthetestresultsareusedtoascertain paternity. (4)Howthetestresultsareprovided. (5)Theconfidentialityofthetestresults.MCL 722.714a(2)(a)MCL722.714a(2)(e). Ifthechildsmother,thechild,ortheallegedfatherfailsto appear for genetic testing, the DHS may request a court ordercompellinggenetictesting.MCL722.714(8).
b.
Partys Request
Thechildsmotherorallegedfathermayfilearequestfor genetictesting.MCL722.716(1).Oncethecourtreceivesa partys request, the court must order the childs mother, the child, and the alleged father to submit to genetic testing.Id. Denying an indigent respondent genetic testing based solelyonhisorherinabilitytopayforthetestingviolates dueprocess.LittlevStreater,452US1,1617(1981).
4 Within 28 days if the defendant resides outside of Michigan or is served by registered mail. MCR 2.108(A)(2).
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c.
Courts Request
On its own motion, the court may order the childs mother, the child, and the alleged father to submit to genetictesting.MCL722.716(1).
2. CourtOrdered Testing
Ifthecourtordersgenetictestingandapartyrefusestosubmitto thetesting,thecourtmaydoanyofthefollowing: (1) Enter a default judgment (at the appropriate partysrequest). (2)Attrial,permitdisclosureofthepartysrefusalto submit to the genetic testing (unless the refusing party shows good cause not to disclose his or her refusal). (3)Orderanyotherremediesthecourthasavailable. MCL722.716(1). Note:BecausetheDHSsinitialrequesttothe parties for genetic testing is not enforceable bythecourt,theseremediesdonotapply.See MCL722.714(7)MCL722.714(8).However,if the parties fail to comply with the DHSs request and the DHSs request for court ordered testing is granted, then these remedies become applicable. See MCL 722.714(8);MCL722.716(1).
3. Genetic Testing Results

Oncegenetictestingiscompleted,thechildsmotherandalleged fathermustreceivetheresultofbloodortissuetypingoraDNA identificationprofileandthesummaryreport[.]MCL722.716(4). Thesummaryreportmustbefiledwiththecourt.Id. The childs mother or alleged father may object to the DNA identificationprofileorsummaryreport.MCL722.716(4).Within 14 days of receiving the DNA identification profile or summary report, the childs mother or alleged father must indicate in writing his or her reason for objecting. Id. If the objection is not filedwithinthe14dayperiod,itisdeemedwaived.Id. Thecourtmustscheduleapaternitytrialafterthe14dayobjection period expires. MCL 722.716(4). If a childs mother or alleged fatherdoesnotfileanobjection,thecourtmustadmittheblood
Section3.2
or tissue typing or the DNA identification profile and the summaryreportwithoutrequiringfoundationtestimonyorother proofofauthenticityoraccuracy.Id.However,ifanobjectionis filed within the 14day period, the court must hold a hearing to determine whether the DNA identification profile or summary reportisadmissible.Id. Note: Through the use of an accredited expert, the objectingpartyhastheburdentoprovebyclearand convincing evidence that admission of the DNA identification profile or summary report requires foundation or other proof of authenticity or accuracy.MCL722.716(2),(4). Once the presumption of paternity is established, a party may move for summary disposition. MCL 722.716(6). See MCR 2.116(C)(10).Paternityispresumedwhen: (1)Anaccreditedexpertconductsthebloodortissue typing or DNA identification profiling and determines the probability of paternity is 99% or higher;and (2) The DNA identification profile and summary reportareadmissible.MCL722.716(5). Note:Ifthegenetictestinganalysisindicatesa probability of paternity greater than 99% for two or more alleged fathers, the testing laboratory must conduct additional genetic testinguntilallbutoneoftheallegedfathers has been eliminated (unless the dispute involves two or more alleged fathers with identicalDNA).MCL722.716(5).
4. Genetic Paternity Testing Disclosure and Retention a. Disclosure

Unless authorized to do so, a person must not disclose informationobtainedfromthegeneticpaternitytestingor sell, transfer, or offer any genetic testing material. MCL 722.716a(1),(4). The testing laboratory, the DHS, and any other entity involved with the genetic testing must protect the confidentiality of the genetic testing material, unless the informationisrequiredforpaternitydetermination.MCL 722.716a(3).NeitherthecourtnortheDHSispermittedto
Section3.2
useordisclosethegenetictestingmaterialforanyreason outsideofthepaternitydetermination.Id. Apersonorentitywhodisclosesinformationormaterial obtained from genetic paternity testing without having the authority to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor. MCL 722.716a(6).Specifically,MCL722.716a(6)states: A violation of [MCL 722.716a] is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not morethan$5,000.00.Asecondorsubsequent violation of [MCL 722.716a(6)] is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment fornotmorethan1yearorafineofnotmore than$10,000.00,orboth.
b.
PhysicianPatient Privilege
Testresults obtainedasaresultofcourtorderedgenetic testing are not protected by physicianpatient privilege. Osborn v Fabatz, 105 Mich App 450, 455457 (1981). In Osborn, the Court found that [a] communication between a person and a physician which is for the purposeofalawsuit,andnotfortreatmentoradviceasto treatment, is not protected by the physicianpatient privilege.Id.at455456.
c.
Retention
If an alleged father is found to be the childs biological father, the testing laboratory must retain the genetic testing material of the childs mother, the child, and the alleged father for no longer than the period of years prescribed by the national standards under which the laboratoryisaccredited.MCL722.716a(2). However,ifanallegedfatherisfoundnottobethechilds biological father,thetestinglaboratorymust destroy the mansgenetictestingmaterialoncethepaternityactionis complete.MCL722.716a(2).
F. Paternity Proceedings
A childs mother and alleged father are both competent to testify during paternity proceedings, and if either chooses to testify, he or sheissubjecttocrossexamination.MCL722.715(1). Note: The constitutional protection against self incriminationdoesnotentitleaputativefathertorefuse
Section3.2
to give any testimony in a paternity action where the putative father cannot show the testimony sought wouldincriminatehim.LarrabeevSachs,201MichApp 107,110(1993). Thegenetictestingresultsmaybeadmittedintoevidenceduringthe proceedingswithoutrequiringfoundationtestimonyorotherproof ofauthenticityoraccuracy.MCL722.716(4).SeeSection3.2(E)(3).A trial court may also admit lay opinion testimony to identify resemblances between a child and a putative father as long as the testimonyislimitedtoindividualfeaturesandspecifictraits.Schigur v Keck, 93 Mich App 763, 768769 (1979); Burnside v Green, 171 Mich App421,423424(1988). Atthecourtsdiscretion,itmayexcludethegeneralpublicfromthe proceedingsandadmitonlythosepersonsdirectlyinvolvedwiththe case.MCL722.715(1). The plaintiff in a paternity proceeding has the burden to prove paternitybyapreponderanceoftheevidence.HugginsvRahfeldt,83 Mich App 740, 743 (1978); Smith v Robbins, 91 Mich App 284, 292 (1979).SeealsoRiveravMinnich,483US574,576577(1987),wherethe United States Supreme Court held that the preponderance of the evidencestandardforpaternitycaseswasconstitutional.
1. CourtAppointed Counsel
An indigent defendant in a paternity case has the right to appointedcounsel.ArtibeevCheboyganCircuitJudge,397Mich54, 56(1976);LarrabeevSachs,201MichApp107,109(1993).However, courtappointedcounselisnotrequiredtorepresentanypartyin disputesovercustodyorparentingtime.MCL722.717b. Aformadvisinganallegedfatherofhisrighttoanattorneyand theproceduresforrequestingappointmentofanattorneymustbe includedwiththesummons.MCR3.217(C)(1).SeeSection3.2(D). Once an alleged father appears in court after being served a complaint and summons, the court must personally inform the allegedfatherofhisentitlementtotheassistanceofcounsel,and that courtappointed counsel is available if he cannot afford an attorney.MCR3.217(C)(2). Iftheallegedfatherdesirestoproceedwithoutanattorney,then the record must affirmatively reflect that the alleged father was advisedofhisrighttoanattorneyandthathewaivedthatright. MCR 3.217(C)(3). However, if the alleged father fails to appear afterbeingservedacomplaintandsummons,thecourtmayenter adefaultjudgment.MCL722.714(6);MCR3.217(C)(4).
Section3.2
2. Special Considerations for Minors

Achildbornoutofwedlockhasaconstitutionalrighttobringa paternity action. Opland v Kiesgan, 234 Mich App 352, 367368 (1999).SeeSection3.2(C)foradetaileddiscussionofstandingto fileapaternityaction. During paternity proceedings, a child may prosecute or defend inthesamemannerandwiththesameeffectasifheorshewere of legal age. MCL 722.714(9). However, it is left to the courts discretionwhethertoappointanextfriendorguardianadlitem forthechild.Id.
G. Order of Filiation
Thecourtmustissueanorderoffiliationdeclaringpaternityifoneor moreofthefollowingoccur: (1) The court determines that the alleged father is the childsbiologicalfather. (2)Theallegedfatherorallyacknowledgespaternityto thecourtorfilesanacknowledgmentofparentage.See Section3.3foradetaileddiscussionofacknowledgment ofparentage. (3) The court enters a default judgment. MCL 722.717(1)(a)MCL722.717(1)(c). If the court issues an order of filiation, the contents of the order of filiationmustincludeallofthefollowing: (1)Theamountofchildsupporttobepaid. (2)Paymentofcostsassociatedwiththepregnancyand thechildsbirth. (3) Payment of funeral expenses if the child has died. MCL722.717(2). Regardlessofwhetheritisthechildsmother,theallegedfather,the child,ortheDHSthatinitiatesthepaternityaction,entryoftheorder offiliationhasthesameeffect,issubjecttothesameprovisions,and isenforcedinthesamemanner[.]MCL722.714(12). Oncethecourtsignsanorderoffiliation,thepartiesmustbeserved withacopyoftheorderandaproofofservicemustbefiledwiththe court.MCL722.717(6).
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Thecourtsclerkmustcollecta$49.00feefromthedefendantafterthe orderoffiliationisentered.MCL722.717(4);MCL333.2891(9)(a).The court mustretain$9.00ofthe feeandforwardthe remaining $40.00 with a written copy of the order of filiation to the Department of Health.MCL722.717(4);MCL333.2891(9)(a).
3.3
Acknowledgment of Parentage
A man who fathers a child out of wedlock may be considered a legal father to the child if he joins the childs mother in acknowledging the childashisown.MCL722.1003(1).Anacknowledgmentproperlysigned andfiledwiththecourtwillestablishachildspaternity.MCL722.1004. The child must bear the same relationship to the mother and acknowledgingfatherasachildbornorconceivedtoamarriedmother andfatherandmusthaveidenticalstatus,rights,anddutiesofachild borninlawfulwedlock[.]MCL722.1004. Note:TheAcknowledgmentofParentageActdoesnotimpact anyacknowledgmentssignedpriortoitseffectivedate,June 1,1997.MCL722.1012.However,therevocationprocedures undertheActimpactallacknowledgments,includingthose signedbeforetheJune1,1997,effectivedate.Id. Once the acknowledgment of parentage has been filed, a legal fathers parental rights may only be involuntarily terminated pursuant to a stepparent adoption or pursuant to the Juvenile Code. MCL 710.39(2). See Sections 2.92.10 for a detailed discussion of terminating parental rights. Becauseanacknowledgmentofparentagelegallyestablishe[s]paternity andconfer[s]thestatusofnaturalandlegalfatheronthemanexecuting theacknowledgment,anorderoffiliationcannotbeenteredunderthe PaternityActaslongastheacknowledgmentofparentageremainsvalid and has not been revoked. Sinicropi v Mazurek, 273 Mich App 149, 152 (2006).AccordingtotheCourt, If an acknowledgment of parentage has been properly executed,subsequentrecognitionofapersonasthefatherin anorderoffiliationbywayofapaternityactioncannotoccur unlesstheacknowledgmenthasbeenrevoked.Id.at165.

For purposes of the Acknowledgment of Parentage Act, MCL 722.1002(b) defines a child as a child conceived and born to a womanwhowasnotmarriedatthetimeofconceptionorthedateof
Section3.3
birthofthechild,orachildthatthecircuitcourtdetermineswasborn orconceivedduringamarriagebutisnottheissueofthatmarriage. Note: This definition differs slightly from the definitions provided by the Paternity Act and the Adoption Code. The Paternity Act and the Adoption Codeindicatethatthemotherwasnotmarriedfromthe time of conception to the date of birth. See MCL 722.711(a); MCL 710.22(h). However, the AcknowledgmentofParentageActindicatesthemother wasnotmarriedatthetimeofconceptionorthedateof birth.SeeMCL722.1002(b). Adefaultjudgmentofdivorceindicatingtherewerenochildrenborn orexpectedduringthemarriage,abirthcertificate,oranaffidavitof parentage are not court determinations sufficient to establish that a childisnottheissueofamarriage.BarnesvJeudevine,475Mich696, 706707 (2006). Rather, in order for a court determination to sufficientlyestablishthatachildisnottheissueofamarriage,there mustbe anaffirmative finding regarding thechilds paternityina prior legal proceeding that settle[s] the controversy between the mother and the legal father. Barnes, supra at 705. See Pecoraro v RostagnoWallat, 291 Mich App 303, 312 (2011) quoting Barnes v Jeudevine, supra at 705, in which a New York order of filiation determiningthatthechildwasnotanissueofthemarriageandthe putative father was the childs biological father did not constitute a prior court determination that the child was not the issue of the defendantsmarriagebecausethelegalfathercouldnotbeforcedto participate in the proceedings, and therefore, they did not settle[] the controversy between the mother and the legal father[] as requiredtosatisfytheMichiganPaternityAct.5
B. Acknowledgment of Parentage Form

An acknowledgment properly signed and filed with the court will establishachildspaternity.MCL722.1004. It is the state registrars responsibility to prepare or approve an acknowledgment of parentage form, and make the approved form availabletothepublicthroughtheDHS,prosecutingattorneys,and hospitals.MCL722.1008.
[B]ecause the New York court concluded that it lacked personal jurisdiction over [the husband], a necessarypartytothepaternityproceedings,[theCourtofAppeals]h[e]ldthattheFullFaithandCredit ClauseoftheUnitedStatesConstitution[did]notrequire[theMichigancourts]togiveeffecttotheNew Yorkorderoffiliation.Pecoraro,291MichAppat306.
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Theacknowledgmentofparentageform6mustincludeatleastallof thefollowingwrittennotices: (a) The acknowledgment of parentage is a legal document. (b)Completionoftheacknowledgmentisvoluntary. (c)Themotherhasinitialcustodyofthechild,without prejudice to the determination of either parents custodial rights, until otherwise determined by the court or agreed by the parties in writing and acknowledgedbythecourt.Thisgrantofinitialcustody to the mother shall not, by itself, affect the rights of either parent in a proceeding to seek a court order for custodyorparentingtime. (d) Either parent may assert a claim in court for parentingtimeorcustody. (e) The parents have a right to notice and a hearing regardingtheadoptionofthechild. (f)Bothparentshavetheresponsibilitytosupportthe child and to comply with a court or administrative orderforthechildssupport. (g)Noticethatsigningtheacknowledgmentwaivesthe following: (i)Bloodorgeneticteststodetermineifthemanis thebiologicalfatherofthechild. (ii) Any right to an attorney, including the prosecuting attorney or an attorney appointed by thecourtinthecaseofindigency,torepresenteither partyinacourtactiontodetermineifthemanisthe biologicalfatherofthechild. (iii)Atrialtodetermineifthemanisthebiological fatherofthechild. (h) That in order to revoke an acknowledgment of parentage, anindividualmustfile a claim as provided under [MCL 722.1011]. MCL 722.1007(a)MCL 722.1007(h).
6 See the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) form, Affidavit of Parentage, at http:// michigan.gov/documents/Parentage_10872_7.pdf.
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Once the mother and father sign an acknowledgment of parentage form and have their signatures notarized by an authorized notary public,theacknowledgmentisvalidandeffective.MCL722.1003(2). A mother and father may sign the acknowledgment at any time duringachildslifetime.Id. Note:Ifeitherparentisaminor,heorshemaysignan acknowledgment of parentage, and the signature has the same effect as if the minor were an adult. MCL 722.1009. The court may appoint a next friend or guardianadlitemtorepresenttheminorparentduring theacknowledgmentofparentageproceedings.Id. Afteramotherandfathersignanacknowledgmentofparentage,the completed original must be filed with the state registrar. MCL 722.1005(1). On receipt of an acknowledgment, the registrar must reviewtheacknowledgmenttoensurethatitwasproperlycompleted andnotarized.Id. Thestateregistrarmustfileaproperlycompletedacknowledgmentin a parentage registry office and maintain the acknowledgment as a permanentrecord.MCL722.1005(1). Acopyofthecompletedacknowledgmentmustbeprovidedtoboth parentsatthetimetheacknowledgmentissigned.MCL722.1003(3).
C. Birth Certificate
Once a completed acknowledgment of parentage has been filed, a new birth certificate may be prepared. MCL 722.1005(3); MCL 333.2831(b).
D. Courts Jurisdiction
Acircuitcourthasgeneral,personaljurisdictionoverchildsupport, custody,andparentingtimeissuesafteramotherandfathersignand fileanacknowledgmentofparentage.MCL722.1010.
E. Custody Determination
Whenamotherandfathersignanacknowledgmentofparentage,the mother has initial custody over the minor child until the court determines or the parties agree otherwise. MCL 722.1006. If the partiesagreeotherwise,itmustbeinwritingandacknowledgedby thecourt.Id.
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Granting a mother initial custody of a child does not, on its own, impact either parents custodial or parenting time rights. MCL 722.1006.
F. Invalidation of Acknowledgment of Parentage

An acknowledging father cannot execute a valid affidavit of parentagewhenachildwasconceivedandborntoamarriedmother and father, and there has been no judicial determination indicating the child is not an issue of the marriage. Aichele v Hodge, 259 Mich App146,156(2003).InAichele,thechildsmotherwasmarriedatthe timesheboreachildwithanotherman.Afterpaternitytestsrevealed the other man was indeed the childs biological father, the childs motherandbiologicalfatherfiledanacknowledgmentofparentage. The trial court properly invalidated the acknowledgment of parentagewhenitconcludedthatthechildsmotherwasmarriedto anothermanatthetimeofthechildsconceptionandbirth,andthere wasnojudicialdeterminationindicatingthechildwasnotanissueof themarriage. Aputativefatherdoesnothaveadueprocessrighttoestablishand maintainarelationshipwithhischildwhenthemothergavebirthto the child while married to another man and there is no court determinationofpaternity.MichaelHvGeraldD,491US110,111112 (1989);Aichele,259MichAppat167168.
G. Revocation of Acknowledgment of Parentage

Unlessanacknowledgmentofparentagehasbeenproperlyrevoked, anorderoffiliationunderthePaternityActmaynotbeenteredeven thoughDNAevidencehasdeterminedthatamanotherthantheman whosignedtheacknowledgmentofparentageisthechildsbiological parent.SinicropivMazurek,273MichApp149,165(2006). The childs mother, the acknowledging father, the child, or a prosecuting attorney may file a claim for revocation of an acknowledgmentofparentage.MCL722.1011(1). Note: Although MCL 722.1011(1) did not permit the childs biological father to file for revocation where an acknowledgmentofparentagealreadyexisted,nothing intheAcknowledgmentofParentageActpreventedthe prosecuting attorney from filing on the biological fathers behalf, irrespective of motive. People v Nugent, 276MichApp183,188189(2007).[Based]onthebasis oftheplainlanguageofMCL722.1011,[theprosecuting attorney]hadauthoritytoinitiatethisactiononbehalf
Section3.3
of [the biological father], and the motive for doing so wasirrelevant.Nugent,276MichAppat189. Aclaimforrevocationmaybefiled,eveniftheacknowledgmentwas signedpriortotheAcknowledgmentofParentageActseffectivedate ofJune1,1997.MCL722.1012. Theprosecutororacountyappointedorcourtappointedattorneyis not required to represent any party under a revocation claim. MCL 722.1011(5).
1. Claim of Revocation
Theclaimofrevocationmustbesupportedbyanaffidavitsetting forthanyoneofthefollowingfactsandsignedbytheclaimant: (a)Mistakeoffact. Note: A mistake of fact was made when an acknowledging father signed an affidavit of parentage under the belief he was the biological father, but DNA test results later proved he was not the childs biological father.PeoplevNugent,276MichApp183,190 (2007). (b) Newly discovered evidence that by due diligence could not have been found before the acknowledgmentwassigned. (c)Fraud. (d)Misrepresentationormisconduct. (e) Duress in signing the acknowledgment. MCL 722.1011(2). If filed as an original action, the claim for revocation and the supportingaffidavitmustbefiledinthecountywherethechilds mother or acknowledging father reside. MCL 722.1011(1). However,whenneitherthechildsmothernortheacknowledging fatherlivesinMichigan,theclaimforrevocationmustbefiledin thecountywherethechildresides.Id. Note:Whenanactionforchildsupport,custody,or parentingtimeexists,aclaimforrevocationandthe supporting affidavit may be filed in the county wherethatactionispending.MCL722.1011(1).
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Ifthecourtfindsthatthesupportingaffidavitissufficient,itmay order blood or genetic testing at the claimants expense or take other action the court deems appropriate. MCL 722.1011(3). See Section3.2(E)foradiscussionofgenetictesting. Theclaimantbearstheburdenofproving,byclearandconvincing evidence, that the acknowledging father is not the childs biological father, and that considering the equities of the case, revokingtheacknowledgmentisproper.MCL722.1011(3). Even when genetic testing proves that an acknowledging father wasnotthechildsbiologicalfather,atrialcourtmuststillfindthat revocationiswarrantedundertheequitiesofthecase.Killingbeckv Killingbeck, 269 Mich App 132, 145156 (2005). In Killingbeck, a monthafterachildsbirth,thechildsmotherandacknowledging father signed an acknowledgment of parentage. Although the couple married three years after the childs birth, the childs motherfiledfordivorceshortlythereafter.Uponfilingfordivorce, the childs mother initiated genetic testing to determine who the father was. Once the genetic testing revealed that the acknowledging father was not the biological father, the childs mother petitioned the court for revocation of the acknowledgment.Thetrialcourtrevokedtheacknowledgmenton the basis that the genetic testing proved that the acknowledging father was not the biological father, but continued the acknowledging fathers right to parenting time. The Court of Appeals vacated the trial courts revocation of acknowledgment because the revocation of acknowledgment would preclude the acknowledging father from having legally recognized parenting time.Specifically,theCourtheld: Here,thetrialcourtapparentlymisunderstoodthe legal basis for revoking the acknowledge[]ment of parentage while also granting [the acknowledging father]parentingtimeasadefactofather,resulting inanincorrectconclusionthatwasviolativeoflogic. ... Vacation of the order revoking the acknowledge[]mentofparentageonthebasisofthis principle is especially appropriate here. Revocation ofanacknowledge[]mentofparentage,evenincases where there is clear and convincing evidence . . . thatthemanisnotthefather,mustbewarrantedby the equities of the case. MCL 722.1011(3). The record here evidences the trial courts conclusion that, notwithstanding the repeated protestations of
Section3.4
[the childs mother] and [the biological father], the equities of this case justified [the acknowledging fathers] continuing right to parenting time. At the very least, the trial court might well have weighed the equities of this case differently in determining the motion to revoke [the acknowledging fathers] acknowledge[]mentofparentagehaditrealizedthat [theacknowledgingfathers]righttoseekparenting timewasatissue.Killingbeck,269MichAppat144 145.(Internalcitationsomitted). Note:SeePeoplevNugent,276MichApp183, 190191 (2007), where the Court concluded that even though the fathers acknowledgment of parentage clearly resultedfromamistakeoffact,revocationof the acknowledgment still required an assessmentoftheequitiesofthecase.
3. Revocation Order
Onceacourtentersarevocationorder,theclerkmustsendacopy oftheordertothestateregistrar.MCL722.1011(4). Uponreceiptofarevocationorder,thestateregistrarmustvacate the acknowledgment and may amend the birth certificate as prescribedbytherevocationorder.MCL722.1011(4).
3.4
Identifying the Putative Father

Mostadoptioncasesinvolveputativefathers.TheAdoptionCode,MCL 710.21etseq.,setsforthproceduresforidentifyingputativefathers. However, a putative father can only exist where a child has no legal father.InreKH,469Mich621,635637(2004).

A man may not be identified as a putative father until the child is determinedtohavebeenbornoutofwedlock.InreKH,469Mich621, 630(2004). MCL 710.22(h) defines a child born out of wedlock as a child conceived and born to a woman who was not married from the conceptiontothedateofbirthofthechild,orachildwhomthecourt hasdeterminedtobeachildbornduringamarriagebutnottheissue ofthatmarriage.
Section3.4
B. Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity

Priortothebirthofachildbornoutofwedlock,amanclaimingtobe thechildsfathermayfileaverifiednoticeofintenttoclaimpaternity with the court in any county within Michigan. MCL 710.33(1). The notice must be made under oath and contain the putative fathers address.Id. Note: See Appendix B for the Department of Public Healths (MDCH) approved forms, Request for Verification of Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity for AdoptionPurposesandNoticeofIntenttoClaimPaternity. SeeMCL710.33(1). Amanfilinganoticeofintenttoclaimpaternityispresumedtobethe childs father, unless the childs mother denies that the man is the childs father. MCL 710.33(2). The man filing a notice also creates a rebuttable presumption that the man is the childs father in child protectiveproceedingsundertheJuvenileCode.Id. Amanwhotimelyfilesanoticeofintenttoclaimpaternityisentitled tonoticeofanyhearingthatinvolvesdeterminingthefathersidentity or parental rights termination involving that child. MCL 710.33(3). See Section 3.4(C). The notice is also admissible in paternity proceedings.MCL710.33(2).SeeSection3.2foradetaileddiscussion ofpaternityproceedings. Uponreceiptofthenotice,thecourtmustforwardthenoticeofintent to claim paternity to the vital records division of the MDCH by the next business day. MCL 710.33(1). Once the vital records division receivesthenotice,itmustsendacopyofthenoticebyfirstclassmail tothechildsmother(ifheraddressisindicatedonthenotice).Id. Note: MCL 710.33 is silent on how the vital records divisionistohandleanoticethatdoesnotindicatethe mothersaddress.
C. Petition to Identify the Putative Father

Priortothebirthofachildoutofwedlock,amothermayfileanex parte petition seeking a notice of intent to consent or release the expectedchildforadoption.MCL710.34(1).SeeSections2.3and2.8. Achildsmothermayalsofileaconsentorreleaseafterachildisborn outof wedlock.MCL710.28(1)(a);MCL710.31(2);MCL710.43(1)(a). SeeSection2.1(A)(1)forinformationonreleases,andSection2.5(A)(1) forinformationonconsentadoptions.
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However,achildbornoutofwedlockmaynotbeplacedforadoption untiltheconsentorreleaseofthechildsbiologicalfatherisobtained orthecourtterminatesthefathersparentalrights.MCL710.31(1).See Sections2.92.10forinformationoninvoluntarytermination. Note:Aputativefatherhasadueprocessrighttonotice andahearingbeforehisparentalrightsareterminated. InreKozak,92MichApp579,581584(1979). Achildsmothermayfileapetitiontoidentifyaputativefather.7See MCR3.802(A)(2).Uponreceiptofthepetition,thecourtmustholda hearingif: (1)thechildwasallegedlybornoutofwedlock; (2)thechildsmotherexecutedorproposestoexecutea release or consent relinquishing her parental rights or the mother and her husband are petitioning the court forastepparentadoption;and (3) the biological fathers consent or release cannot be obtained.MCL710.36(1).
1. Contents of Notice
Anoticeofhearingmustinformtheputativefatherthathisfailure toappearatthehearingwillconstituteadenialofhisinterestto custody of the child and such denial will result in the court terminatinghisparentalrightstothechild.MCL710.36(4).
2. Service Requirements
The petition and notice of hearing to identify the father must be servedonallofthefollowing: (1) A putative father who timely filed a notice of intenttoclaimpaternity.SeeSection3.4(B). (2)Aputativefatherwhowasnotservedanoticeof intent to release or consent within 30 days of the childs anticipated birth date (as indicated on the notice of intent to consent or release). See Sections 2.3and2.8. Note:Iftheputativefatherwasservedwitha noticeofintenttoreleaseorconsent,thecourt
7SeeSCAOformPCA311,NoticeofHearingtoIdentifyFatherandDetermineorTerminateHisRights,at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca311.pdf.
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mustreceiveproofofthatserviceoraverified acknowledgment from the putative father indicating receipt of that notice. MCL 710.36(2). (3)Anyotherpotentialfather: (a) who was not served a notice of intent to consent or release within 30 days of the anticipateddateofconfinement(asindicated onthenoticeofintent toconsentorrelease); and (b)whothecourthasreasontobelievecould bethechildsfather.MCL710.36(3). Note: The court must request the vital records division to send copies of any notices of intent to claim paternity received by the MDCH concerning that particularchild.MCL710.36(2). Thepetition and noticeof hearing must be personally served on theputativefatherorputativefathersattorney.MCR3.802(A)(2). See MCR 5.105(B)(1)(a)MCR 5.105(B)(1)(b) for information on personalservice. Iftheputativefatherisincarcerated,seeSection2.11forthenotice requirementsforincarceratedparties. The childs mother must file a proof of service with the court verifying that the putative father received the notice of hearing. MCL 710.36(5). The putative father filing a verified acknowledgment of service will satisfy the proof of service requirement.Id.Theproofofservicerequirementmaybewaived iftheputativefatherwaiveshisrighttothenoticeofhearingorthe putativefatherappearsatthehearing.Id.
3. Putative Fathers Identity or Location Unknown

If a childs mother cannot identify or locate the putative father afteradiligentsearch,shemayfileanaffidavitordeclarationwith the courtindicatingherinabilitytoidentifyorlocate thefather.8 MCR3.802(B)(1).Theaffidavitordeclarationmaybeverifiedby: (a) oath or affirmation of the party or of someone havingknowledgeofthefactsstated;or
8SeeSCAOformPCA315,DeclarationofInabilitytoIdentify/LocateFather,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/ scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca315.pdf.
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(b)exceptastoanaffidavit,includingthefollowing signed and dated declaration: I declare that the statements above are true to the best of my information, knowledge, and belief. MCR 2.114(B)(2). After the childs mother files with the court a declaration of her diligentattempttoidentifyorlocatetheputativefather,nofurther serviceisnecessary.MCR3.802(B)(1).
4. Court Determination a. Putative Fathers Identity or Location Unknown

Uponreceiptofanaffidavitordeclarationofinabilityto identify or locate a putative father, the court must take evidence regarding the mothers attempt to identify or locate the putative father. MCR 3.802(B)(2). If the court finds that a reasonable attempt was made to identify or locate the putative father, the court must proceed to terminatehisparentalrights.Id.SeeSection2.9(A)(2)fora detailed discussion of parental rights termination under theAdoptionCode. However,ifthecourtfindsthatthechildsmotherdidnot make a reasonable attempt to identify or locate the putative father, the court must adjourn the hearing and orderoneofthefollowing: (1) The childs mother must make a further attempt to identify or locate the putative fatherandproperlyservehim. (2)Thechildsmothermayservetheputative father in an alternative manner. MCR 3.802(B)(2)(a)MCR 3.802(B)(2)(b); MCL 710.36(7). Note: The alternative manner of service may not be by publication. MCR 3.802(B)(2)(b).
b.
Putative Father Served

Upon receipt of a mothers petition to identify a childs putativefather,thecourtmustholdahearingto: (1)Determinewhetherthechildwasbornout ofwedlock,
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(2)Determinethefathersidentity,and (3) Determine or terminate the fathers parental rights. MCL 710.36(1). See Section 2.9(A)(1). At the hearing, the court must take evidence regarding theidentityofthechildsfather.MCL710.36(6).Basedon thatevidence, thecourtmusteitherfind thatthemanis thechildsbiologicalfatherordeclarethattheidentityof thechildsfathercannotbedetermined.MCL710.36(6). If the court finds that the childs father is someone who did not receive a timely notice of the mothers intent to releaseorconsentorwhodidnotreceiveanoticeofthe hearing to identify the father (and the father did not waivehisrighttoanoticeofthehearinganddidnotshow up at the hearing), the court must adjourn the hearing until the father is served with a notice of the hearing. MCL710.36(7).
D. Rebutting Presumption of Legitimacy

Aputativefathercanonlyexistwhereachildhasnolegalfather.Inre KH,469Mich621,635637(2004).Sinceachildborntoamarriedman andwomanispresumedtobeanissueofthatmarriage,themotheror legal father may only rebut the presumption. Serafin v Serafin, 401 Mich629,636(1977);InreKH,469Michat635.Ifthemotherorlegal father does not take any steps to formally rebut this presumption, then at the time of the adoption hearings the man married to the mother at the time of conception or birth is the legal father of the child.SeeInreKH,469Michat635.Inordertorebutthepresumption, clearandconvincingevidencemustbepresented.Serafin,401Michat 636. Note: Rebutting the presumption of legitimacy is limitedtoamotherorlegalfather.InreKH,469Michat 635. Abiologicalfatherdoesnothaveadueprocessrighttoestablishand maintainarelationshipwithhischildwhenthemothergavebirthto thechildwhilemarriedtoanotherman.MichaelHvGeraldD,491US 110,111112(1989);AichelevHodge,259MichApp146,167168(2003).
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3.5
Putative Father Hearing Child Protective Proceedings

A putative father is not permitted to participate in child protective proceedingswherealegalfatherexists.InreKH,469Mich621,624,635n 29 (2004), overruling In re Montgomery, 185 Mich App 341 (1990). However, the court may determine at any time during child protective proceedingsthatthechildhasnolegalfather.MCR3.921(D).SeeSection 3.1(A)foradetaileddiscussionoflegalfathers. TerminationofalegalfathersparentalrightsundertheJuvenileCodeis not determinative that a child has no legal father. In re CAW, 469 Mich 192,199(2003).Specifically,theMichiganSupremeCourtheld: Inthiscase,[thechild]hadamarriedmotherandfather... during the gestation period. Moreover, no finding was ever madebythe[trial]courtthat[thechild]wasnottheissueof the marriage. The termination of [the husbands] parental rights was not a determination that [the child] was not the issue of the marriage and, thus, that [the husband] was no longer[thechilds]father;rather,itwasonlyadetermination that [the husbands] legal rights were terminated. Thus, the requirementsofthecourtruletogive...aputativefather[] standingwerenotmet.InreCAW,supra. Note: A putative father does not have a procedural or substantive due process right to intervene in a childs protective proceedings when there is no substantial parentchild relationship between the putative father and the child. In re CAW (On Remand), 259 Mich App 181,183185(2003). At its discretion, the court may take testimony on an alleged putative fathersidentityandlocation.MCR3.921(D)(1). A man filing a notice of intent to claim paternity creates a rebuttable presumption in child protective proceedings that the man is the childs father.MCL710.33(2). Asausefultooltoguidethecourtthroughtheproceduresoffindingand notifyinganoncustodialparentduringachildprotectiveproceeding,the StateCourtAdministrativeOffice(SCAO)developedtheMichiganAbsent ParentProtocol:Identifying,Locating,andNotifyingAbsentParentsinChild Protective Proceedings. This protocol may be accessed at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/standards/APP.pdf.
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A. Notice
Ifthecourtfindsthatthereissufficientprobablecausetobelievethat anidentifiedmanmaybethechildsbiologicalfather,thecourtmust directthattheidentifiedmanreceivenoticeofthehearingtoidentify the childs father.9 MCR 3.921(D)(1). Notice may be served on the identifiedmaninanymannerreasonablycalculatedtoplacehimon noticeofthehearing.MCR3.921(D)(1)MCR3.921(D)(2). After a diligent inquiry, if the alleged putative fathers whereabouts are unknown, the court must direct that notice be given by publication.Anynoticebypublicationmustnotincludethenameof theputativefather.MCR3.921(D)(1).Thecourtmustalsodirectthat noticebegivenbypublicationifthecourtdeterminesthattheidentity oftheputativefatherisunknown.MCR3.921(D)(1). Note: If the putative father, whose whereabouts are unknown,failstoappearatthehearing,thecourtneed not give further notice by publication of subsequent hearings, unless it is a hearing for termination of parentalrights.MCR3.921(E). Ifthe allegedputativefatherisincarcerated,seeSection2.11 forthe noticerequirementsforincarceratedparties. Noticeofthehearingmustincludeallofthefollowinginformation: (1)Thechildsname(ifknown). (2)Themothersname(ifknown). (3)Childsbirthplaceanddate(ifknown). (4)Thatapetitiontoidentifythechildsfatherhasbeen filedwiththecourt. (5) The time and location of the hearing where the alleged putative father is to appear to express his interestinthechild. (6) A statement indicating that the putative fathers failuretoappearforthehearingwillresultin: (a) The putative fathers denial of interest in the child;
9SeeSCAOformPCA316,NoticetoPutativeFatherandCustodyStatement,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/
scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca316.pdf.
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(b) The putative father waiving his right to receive noticeofallsubsequenthearings;and (c) The putative father waiving his right to an attorney. (7) A statement indicating that the putative fathers failure to appear for the hearing may result in terminationofhisparentalrights.MCR3.921(D)(1)(a) MCR3.921(D)(1)(d).
B. Hearing
Thecourtmayconductahearingtoidentifyachildsfatherafterthe alleged putative father is provided notice of the hearing. MCR 3.921(D)(2). At the hearing, the court must determine, where appropriate, all of thefollowing: (1) The alleged putative father was properly served noticeofthehearingtoidentifythechildsfather. (2)Apreponderanceoftheevidenceestablishedthatthe alleged putative father is the childs biological father, and that the biological father is entitled to 14 days to establishpaternity. Note: The 14day period may be extended upon goodcauseshown.MCR3.921(D)(2)(b). (3) There is sufficient probable cause to believe that another identified man may be the childs biological father, and the other alleged putative father must receive notice of the hearing to identify the childs father. (4)Thebiologicalfathersidentitycannotbedetermined after a diligent search. MCR 3.921(D)(2)(a)MCR 3.921(D)(2)(d). Note: The court may proceed without giving the unidentified person further notice and without appointmentofanattorney.MCR3.921(D)(2)(d). Thecourtmayalsofindthatthebiologicalfatherwaivesallrightsto furthernotice,includingtherighttonoticeofterminationofparental rights and the right to an attorney, if the father fails to appear after proper notice or if thefather appearsbutfails to establish paternity
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within the time set by the court. MCR 3.921(D)(3). See Sections 2.9 2.10foradetaileddiscussionofterminationofparentalrights. Note: Unless good cause is shown, the court does not have to allow a putative father to perfect paternity outsideofthetimesetbythecourt.InreLE,278Mich App1,21(2008).
3.6
Adjudication of Paternity in Another State

The establishment of paternity in another state has the same effect in Michiganandmaybetreatedasifanacknowledgmentofpaternitywas filedoranorderoffiliationwasentered.MCL722.714b. Before a court is bound by a judgment rendered in another state, however,itmayinquireintoitsjurisdictionalbasis,andifeitherpersonal orsubjectmatterjurisdictionislacking,fullfaithandcreditisnotdue. PecorarovRostagnoWallat,291MichApp303,315(2011)(Michigancourts notrequiredtogiveeffecttoaNewYorkorderoffiliationdetermining that the putative father was the childs biological father under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution where the NewYorkcourtconcludedthatitlackedpersonaljurisdictionover[the legalfather],anecessarypartytothepaternityproceedings[]).
3.7
The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)

The primary purpose of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA),MCL552.1101etseq.,istoprovideameansforestablishingand collectingchildsupportacrossstatelines.UIFSAalsoprovidesameans forestablishingpaternity.MCL552.1701(1). UIFSA cases may be initiated in Michigan and transferred to another statefortheestablishmentofpaternityandsupportinthatstate,orthey may be initiated in another state and transferred to Michigan for the establishmentofpaternityandsupport.MCL552.1701(2);MCL552.1301. WhenacaseistransferredtoMichiganfortheestablishmentofpaternity, the Paternity Act, MCL 722.711 et seq., governs the proceedings. MCL 552.1701(2).SeeSection3.2foradetaileddiscussionofpaternityactions. A detailed discussion of the procedures and statutes governing UIFSA casesisbeyondthescopeofthisbenchbook.
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Chapter 4: Adoption Eligibility, Venue, Jurisdiction, LawyerGuardian Ad Litem
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
WhoMayAdoptaChild ....................................................................... 41 Venue ................................................................................................... 46 JurisdictioninAdoptionProceedings................................................... 47 LawyerGuardianAdLitem................................................................. 422
Thischapterdiscusseswhoisandisnoteligibletoadopt,andtheroleof lawyerguardian ad litems. It also includes a discussion on venue, and jurisdiction in intrastate, interstate, and international adoptions. However,itdoesnotcontainanexhaustivediscussiononjurisdictionin allcircumstances.SeeChapter7foradetaileddiscussionofjurisdiction overpostadoptionappeals,andChapter11foradetaileddiscussionof jurisdictionoverIndianchildren.
4.1
Who May Adopt a Child

A. Persons Eligible to Adopt
Personseligibletoadoptachildare: (1)Ahusbandandwife. (2)Asingleperson.MCL710.24(1). Statutoryauthoritylimitsthegroupofprospectiveadoptiveparents to single persons and married persons filing a joint petition for adoptionwithhisorherspouse.InreAdams,189MichApp540,547 (1991). An extension of this group must come from statutory authority,andnotfromthecourt.Id.
Section4.1
A biological mother was not required to jointly file an adoption petitionwithherexhusband,whowasfilingforadoptionofhisadult stepdaughter,whenthepetitionwasfiledafterthebiologicalmother and stepfather were divorced. In re Munson, 210 Mich App 500, 503 (1995).
B. Persons Not Eligible to Adopt

Personsnoteligibletoadoptachildare: (1) Persons convictedofchildabuse orcriminal sexual conduct. (2)Individualsmarriedtodifferentpeople. (3) Unrelated adults or unmarried partners (second parentadoptions).
1. Persons Convicted of Child Abuse or Criminal Sexual Conduct

Beforeanadoptiveparentmaybeapprovedforchildplacement,a criminalrecordcheckmustbeconducted.42USC671(a)(20)(A). Note: The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) requires Michigan to conduct a criminal record checkunder42USC671(a)(20)(A)inordertoreceive federal funding. See Section 10.8 for additional information. The prospective adoptive parent may not adopt a child if his or herrecordshowsthattheadoptiveparenthas beenconvictedof anyofthefollowingcrimes: (1)Accosting,enticing,orsolicitingachildwiththe intent to induce or force that child to commit a proscribed act, or encouraging a child to commit a proscribedact.SeeMCL750.145a. (2) Creating child sexually abusive material by knowinglypersuading,inducing,enticing,coercing, causing, or allowing a child to engage in child sexually abusive activity, or producing, making, or financing any child sexually abusive activity or material.SeeMCL750.145c(2). (3) Distributing, promoting, or financing the distribution or promotion of any child sexually abusivematerial.SeeMCL750.145c(3).
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(4)Possessionofchildsexuallyabusivematerial.See MCL750.145c(4). (5) Firstdegree criminal sexual conduct. See MCL 750.520b. (6)Seconddegreecriminalsexualconduct.SeeMCL 750.520c. (7) Thirddegree criminal sexual conduct. See MCL 750.520d. (8)Fourthdegreecriminalsexualconduct.SeeMCL 750.520e. (9)Asecondorsubsequentcriminalsexualconduct offense under MCL 750.520b,750.520c,or 750.520d, orunderanysimilarstatuteoftheUnitedStatesor other states for a criminal sexual offense including rape, carnal knowledge, indecent liberties, gross indecency,oranattempttocommitsuchanoffense. SeeMCL750.520f. (10) Assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conductinvolvingpenetration.SeeMCL750.520g. (11) Conduct under the law of another state substantiallysimilartooneoftheaboveenumerated crimes.SeeMCL710.22a(a)MCL710.22a(c).
2. Individuals Married to Different People

Even if all interested parties consent to an adoption, there is no statutory authority to permit two married individuals, not marriedtoeachother,toadopttheirbiologicalchild.InreAdams, 189 Mich App 540, 541542 (1991). In In re Adams, the biological fathers parental rights were terminated after the trial court granted a stepparent adoption. Sometime after the stepparent adoption,thebiologicalmotherdivorcedtheadoptivefatherand jointlyfiledanadoptionpetitionwiththebiologicalfather.(Atthe time the petition was filed, thebiological mother had remarried, and the biological father was already married to a new spouse.) Thetrialcourtproperlydismissedthepetitiononafindingthatit didnothaveanystatutoryauthoritytopermittheadoptionwhen the petitionerswerebothmarried todifferent people, despite all thepartiesconsentingtotheadoption.Id.at543.
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3. Unrelated Adults or Unmarried Partners (Second Parent Adoptions)

Although Michigan trial courts are seeing unrelated persons petitioningtoadoptachildoradult,thestatutoryauthorityholds firm to limiting the group of prospective adoptive parents to single persons and married persons filing a joint petition for adoption with his or her spouse. See In re Adams, 189 Mich App 540,547(1991). However,theCourtofAppealsinanunpublishedopinion1held that a second parent adoption entered in another State was recognized in Michigan under the United States Constitutions FullFaithandCreditClause.GiancasprovCongleton,unpublished opinionper curiamoftheCourtof Appeals,issuedFebruary19, 2009(DocketNo.283267).InGiancaspro,asingleadoptiveparent waspermittedtointernationallyadoptthreechildrenfromChina. Subsequently, an Illinois court permitted the adoptive parents partner to adopt the children under a second parent adoption. AfterthecouplemovedtoMichigan,therelationshipendedand the partner filed for child custody. The Michigan trial court dismissed thematteronafindingthattheIllinoiscourtssecond parentadoptionorderwasunenforceableunderMichigansChild Custody Act. The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed and remanded on a finding that the Illinois courts second parent adoption order was enforceable in Michigan under the United StatesConstitutionsFullFaithandCreditClause.Specifically,the Courtconcluded: Parent is defined as the natural or adoptive parentofachild.MCL722.22(h).Itisapparentthat thetrialcourtignoredthisdefinitionandconstrued the word parents in the Child Custody Act as requiring male and female adoptive parents. The Child Custody Act does not contain any such requirement, nor does it contain any preclusion against individuals who adopted children in other statesfrominvokingitsprovisions.... Thetrialcourtfurthererredinconsideringwhether the parties could have jointly adopted the minor children had they attempted to do so in Michigan, and it erred in considering whether the parties relationshipwitheachothercouldberecognizedin Michigan. The only relevant consideration in this matter is each individual partys established
1
Unpublishedopinionsarenotprecedentiallybindingundertheruleofstaredecisis.MCR7.215(C)(1).
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relationship as an adoptive parent with the children, nottheirrelationshipwitheachother.Asdiscussed, theFullFaithandCreditClausecompelsthecourts of this state to recognize, pursuant to the Illinois JudgmentofAdoption,thatbothpartiesareadoptive parents of the minor children. Therefore, the plain language of the Child Custody Act requires the conclusion that each of the parties is a parent; becausethatfactisbinding,thepartiesrelationship with each other simply does not matter. As a consequence,thisactionconstitutesachildcustody dispute between parents, under which the best interestsofthechildcontrol.
C. Considerations of Age, Race, National Origin, Religious Affiliation, Disability, or Income

A prospective adoptive parent may not be refused services based solelyonhisorherage,race,religiousaffiliation,disability,orincome level. MCL 722.957(1). However, religious affiliation may be consideredwhentheadoptionfacilitatorisaprivateplacingagency operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious institution or organization.MCL722.957(2). Inordertoreceivefederalfunding,Michiganmusthaveastateplan in place that prohibits the State or any other entity within the State fromdenyingapersontheopportunitytobecomeanadoptiveparent orhaveachildplacedforadoptionwithhimorheronthebasisofthe race,color,ornationaloriginoftheperson,orofthechildinvolved.In addition,thestatemustnotdelayordenytheplacementofachildfor adoption on the basis of the race, color, or national origin of the adoptive parent or the child. 42 USC 671(a)(18)(A)42 USC 671(a)(18)(B).SeeSection10.8. Further, it is a violation of the Civil Rights Act to delay or deny an adoptive or foster parent the opportunity of child placement on the basis of race, color, or national origin. 42 USC 1996b(1)42 USC 1996b(2). However, if the adoptee is of Indian heritage, the Indian Child WelfareAct(ICWA)mustbefollowed.SeeChapter11forinformation ontheICWA.
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4.2
Venue
A. Proper Venue
An adoptiveparent mustfile an adoptionpetition with the court in anyofthefollowingcounties: (1)Thecountywherethepetitionerresides. (2)Thecountywheretheadopteeisfound. (3) If both the petitioner and adoptee live out of state, the county where the parents parental rights were terminatedorarependingtermination. (4) If both parents parental rights were terminated at differenttimesandindifferentcourts,thecountywhere parentalrightswerefirstterminated.MCL710.24(1). When the child has already been temporarily placed, the adoptive parentmustfileapetitionwiththecourtthatreceivedthetemporary transfer report.2 MCL 710.23d(2). The report, and subsequently the petition,mustbefiledinoneofthefollowingcounties: (1) The county where the childs biological parents reside. (2)Thecountywherethechildsguardianresides. (3) The county where the prospective adoptive parent resides. (4)Thecountywherethechildisfound.MCL710.24(1); MCL710.23d(2). Ifthereismorethanoneapplicantforadoption,theadoptiveparent mustfilethepetitionwiththecourtinthecountywheretheparents parental rights were terminated or are pending termination. MCL 710.24(2).However,ifboth parentsparental rightswereterminated atdifferenttimesandindifferentcourts,theadoptiveparentmustfile the petition with the court in the county where the parental rights werefirstterminated.Id. Whenthepetitionforadoptionisfiledinacountyotherthanwhere thepetitionerresidesorwheretheadopteeisfound,thechiefjudge may,uponmotion,enteranordertransferringjurisdictiontothecourt in the county where the petitioner resides or the adoptee is found. MCL710.24(3).
SeeSection5.2(D)foradetaileddiscussionoftransferreports.
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SeeSection6.3foradetaileddiscussionofadoptionpetitions.
B. Change of Venue
Amotionforchangeofvenuemustbefiledbeforeoratthetimean answerisfiled.3MCR2.221(A).However,untimelinessisnotgrounds fordenyingamotionforchangeofvenuewhenthecourtfindsthat thefactsonwhichthemotionwasbasedwerenotandcouldnothave been known to the moving party more than 14 days prior to the motionbeingfiled.MCR2.221(B). Note: If an objection to venue is not raised within the abovetimelimits,itisdeemedwaived.MCR2.221(C). When venue is proper, the court may not change venue on its own initiative.MCR2.222(B).However,thecourtmaychangevenueona partysmotion.Id.Onceapartyfilesamotionforchangeofvenue,the court may grant the motion for the convenience of the parties and witnesses or when an impartial hearing cannot be had where the actionispending.MCR2.222(A). When venue is improper, the court may change venue on a partys motionoronitsowninitiative.MCR2.223(A)(1)MCR2.223(A)(2). Venue may only be transferred to a county where venue is proper. MCR2.223(A).
4.3
Jurisdiction in Adoption Proceedings

A. Exclusive Jurisdiction
The Family Division of the Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction overadoptioncases4.MCL600.1021(1)(b).
B. Concurrent Jurisdiction
In adoption proceedings, cases may arise where two courts have concurrent jurisdiction over a child. When one court retains jurisdiction over a minor, concurrent jurisdiction will arise if proceedings are then commenced in another Michigan court on separate jurisdictional grounds affecting that same minor. See MCR
3Venueinadoptionproceedingsisgovernedbythecourtrulesgenerallyapplicableincivilproceedings. MCR3.800(A). 4
PriortoJanuary1,1998,theprobatecourthadjurisdictionoveradoptionproceedings.
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3.205(A). MCR 3.205(A) does not require the subsequent court to exerciseawaiverortransferofjurisdiction.
1. Notice of Adoption Proceedings

Apartythatinitiatesasubsequentproceedinginvolvingthesame minormustmailwrittennoticeoftheproceedingtothecourtclerk orregister,andtheappropriateofficial.MCR3.205(B)(2)(a)MCR 3.205(B)(2)(b). Note: MCR 3.205(B)(1) defines an appropriate officialasthefriendofthecourt,juvenileofficer,or prosecutingattorney,dependingonthenatureofthe prior or subsequent court action and the court involved. Thenoticemustbemailedatleast21daysbeforethesubsequent proceedings hearing date. MCR 3.205(B)(3). If the prior courts order or judgment for continuing jurisdiction was not known 21 days before the subsequent proceedings hearing date, then the initiatingpartymustmailthenoticeassoonasitbecomesknown. Id. However, the notice requirement does not prevent the subsequent court from entering interim orders that are in the childs best interests before the 21day period expires. MCR 3.205(B)(4). Failuretogivenoticeofthesubsequentcourtproceedingdoesnot deprive a subsequent court of its jurisdiction. In re DaBaja, 191 Mich App 281, 290 (1991). In In re DaBaja, the minor childs biological parents divorced, and the biological mother was awardedcustodyofthechild.Thebiologicalmothersubsequently remarried, and her and her husband filed for a stepparent adoption of the minor child in the probate court.5 The probate court granted the stepparent adoption, and terminated the respondentfathers parental rights. On appeal, the respondent father argued that because the circuit court presided over the divorce proceedings, it retained continuing jurisdiction over the minorchild,andtheprobatecourtcouldnottakejurisdictionover the child in a stepparent adoption without first giving proper notice to the circuit court. The Court of Appeals found that althoughtheprobatecourtfailedtogivenoticetothecircuitcourt regardingcommencementoftheadoptionproceeding,waiveror transfer of jurisdiction was not required for the full and valid exerciseoftheprobatecourtsjurisdiction.Specifically,theCourt concluded:
PriortoJanuary1,1998,theprobatecourthadjurisdictionoveradoptionproceedings.
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InKrajewski[vKrajewski,420Mich729,734(1984)], the Supreme Court considered the extent of the probate courts power to deal with minor children who are in the jurisdictional circumstances describedinMCL712A.2(b)...,butarealsowards of a circuit court by virtue of a custody award rendered as part of a divorce judgment. . . . [T]he SupremeCourtheldthatwhentheLegislaturegave theprobatecourtconcurrentjurisdiction,itintended thestatutorynoticeprovisionsandtherelatedcourt rules to operate as procedural rules calculated to efficiently accomplish the purpose of the Juvenile Code. These notice provisions describe the manner inwhichthestatutorilyconferredjurisdictionofthe probate court should be exercised, but do not purporttolimititsjurisdiction.Theauthorizationof temporaryorinterimordersisnotaproscriptionof permanent orders. The children intended to be protectedbytheJuvenileCodearebestservedbya procedurethatprovidesfornoticeandopportunity tothepriorcourtfortheexerciseofitsresponsibility within its jurisdiction to further the childs best interests,butalsogivesunrestrictedfreedomtothe juvenilecourttodothesame. We find this reasoning persuasive and equally applicabletothestatutoryprovisionsandcourtrule at issue in this case. Therefore, we conclude that failuretogivenoticeoftheproceedingsasrequired bythecourtruledidnotdivesttheprobatecourtof its jurisdiction.InreDaBaja,191Mich Appat 290 291(internalcitationsomitted).
2. Prior and Subsequent Orders

A prior courts order remains in effect until a subsequent court order supersedes, changes, or terminates the prior courts order. MCR 3.205(C)(1). However, a subsequent court must give due consideration to a prior courts order, and may not enter any orders that are contrary to or inconsistent with a prior courts order,unlesspermittedtodosobylaw.MCR3.205(C)(2). When a subsequent court enters an order, the subsequent court mustfilenoticeoftheorderwiththepriorcourt.MCL712A.3a.A copyofthenoticemustalsobeserved,personallyorbyregistered mail, to the minor childs parents, guardian, or persons in loco parentis,andtheprosecutingattorney.Id.
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Note: The notices must not disclose the allegations or findings of facts set forth in the petitions or orders, or reveal any individuals or organizations name. MCL 712A.3a. However, at the prosecuting attorneysrequest,orbycourtorder,theconfidential information may be disclosed directly to the prosecutingattorney.Id.
3. Duties of Prior and Subsequent Courts

Once a prior court receives notice of subsequent proceedings, it must provide the subsequent court with copies of all relevant records, reports, and orders that remain in effect. MCR 3.205(D)(1)(a). The prior court may also appear in person at subsequent proceedings when the welfare of the minor and the interestsofjusticerequire.MCR3.205(D)(1)(b). Atthepriorcourtsrequest,thesubsequentcourtmustnotifythe prior court of all subsequent proceedings, and the subsequent courtmustsendcopiestothepriorcourtofallsubsequentorders entered. MCR 3.205(D)(2). The prior court must take any necessary steps to implement subsequent court orders. MCR 3.205(D)(4). When a guardian is awarded custody of a minor under MCL 722.26b, the circuit court must automatically send a copy of the judgment or order to the probate court with continuing jurisdictionoverthechildasaresultofguardianshipproceedings, withorwithoutarequest.MCR3.205(D)(3). Note:MCL722.26bprovidesanappointedguardian with standing to bring an action for custody of a child.
C. Interstate Adoptions
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), MCL 3.711etseq.,regulatestheactivitiesofeachchildsadoptiveplacement across state lines.TheICPCbecame effective in Michiganon March 29,1984.MCL3.711. Note:MCL3.711,ArticleII(a)definesachildasapersonwho,by reason of minority, is legally subject to parental, guardianship, or similarcontrol. MCL 3.711,ArticleII(d) definesplacementas thearrangementfor the care of a child in a family free or boarding home or in a child caring agency or institution but does not include any institution caring for the mentally ill, mentally defective, or epileptic or any
Section4.3
institution primarily educational in character, and any hospital or othermedicalfacility. The purpose of the ICPC is to provide a legal framework and protections for children being placed across state lines. See MCL 3.711,ArticleI(a)(d).However,theICPCdoesnotapplywhen: (1) A childs parent, stepparent, grandparent, adult sibling, adult uncle or aunt, or the childs guardian leavesthechild witharelative ornonagency guardian inanotherstate. (2)Anotherlegalauthorityoragreementbetweenstates permitsplacement,sending,orbringingofachildinto anotherstate.MCL3.711,ArticleVIII(a)(b). InMichigan,theDepartmentofHumanServices(DHS)isresponsible forcoordinatinginterstateadoptions.SeetheDHSServicesManual, InterstateAdoptionProcedures,athttp://www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ ex/ADM/640.pdf. Under the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), Michigan must provide assurances that adoptions across county and state lines are pursuedinordertobeeligibletoreceivefederaladoptionassistance funding.42USC622(a)42USC622(b).
1. Placement Conditions
A sending agency must not place a child in foster care or preadoptive placement unless the sending agency complies with theICPCplacementconditionsandthereceivingstatesgoverning laws.MCL3.711,ArticleIII(1). Beforeachildisplacedinafostercareorapreadoptiveplacement, thesendingagencymustprovidewrittennoticeoftheintentions behindplacingthechildinthereceivingstate.MCL3.711,Article III(2).Thenoticemustcontainthefollowing: (1)Thechildsnameanddateandplaceofbirth. (2)Theparentsnamesandaddresses. (3)Theguardiansnameandaddress,ifapplicable. (4)Theindividuals,agencys,orinstitutionsnameand addresswherethechildisbeingplaced. (5) A statement indicating the reasons for the placement.
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(6) Any evidence supporting the authority for placement. (7)Anyadditionalevidencethereceivingstaterequests. MCL3.711,ArticleIII(2)(a)(d),(3). Note: MCL 3.711, Article II (b) defines a sending agency as a party state, or officer or employee thereof; a subdivision of a party state, or officer or employeethereof;acourtofapartystate;aperson, corporation, association, charitable agency, or other entity which sends, brings, or causes to be sent or broughtanychildtoanotherpartystate. MCL3.711,ArticleII(c)definesareceivingstateasthestateto which a child is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought, whetherbypublicauthoritiesorprivatepersonsoragencies,and whetherforplacementwithstateorlocalpublicauthoritiesorfor placementwithprivateagenciesorpersons. Thesendingagencymustnotplacethechildinthereceivingstate untilitreceiveswrittennoticethattheproposedplacementisnot contrary to the childs interests. MCL 3.711, Article III (4). When Michigan is the receiving state, notice must not be sent to the sendingagencyuntilthesendingagencyprovidesevidencethatit hasthenecessaryauthoritytoconsenttotheadoption.MCL3.715; MCL710.51(4).
2. Penalty for Illegal Placement

Violatingany of theICPC conditionswillresultin aviolation of theICPCinboththereceivingstateandthesendingagencysstate. MCL 3.711, Article IV. Either the receiving state or the sending agencys state may exercise its jurisdiction over the violation in accordancewithitslaws.Id. AnyviolationoftheICPCconditionswillalsoresultinsufficient groundsforthesuspensionorrevocationofthesendingagencys license, permit, or other legal authority under which the agency placesorcaresforchildren.MCL3.711,ArticleIV.
3. Retention of Jurisdiction a. Sending Agency Located in Michigan

A sending agency located in Michigan must retain jurisdictionoverachildon:
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(1) All matters relating to the custody, supervision, care, treatment, and disposition ofthechild. (2) The effect or cause of a childs return or childstransfertoanotherplacement. (3) The financial responsibility for support and maintenance of the child during the periodofplacement.MCL3.711,ArticleV(1). Michigans sending agency must retain jurisdiction over the child until the child is adopted, reaches majority, becomes selfsupporting, or is discharged with the concurrenceoftheappropriateauthorityofthereceiving state. MCL 3.711, Article V (1). However, a receiving state exercising jurisdiction over a delinquent child or a criminalmattertakesprecedenceoverasendingagencys retainedjurisdiction.Id.
b.
Placement Made in Michigan

Before a sending agency may place a child in Michigan, thesendingagencymustprovideevidencethatithasthe necessary authority to consent to the adoption. MCL 3.715;MCL710.51(4). After the sending agency has provided evidence of its authority to consent, the child is discharged from the sendingagencysjurisdiction.MCL3.715;MCL710.51(4). Once the sending agency gives its consent to the adoption, the consent cannot be withdrawn. MCL 710.51(4).
D. International Adoptions
A brief discussion on international adoptions is contained in this subsection. For a detailed discussion, see the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at http:// www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis,andtheUnitedStatesDepartmentof StateIntercountryAdoptionwebsiteathttp://adoption.state.gov/. The United States is among several countries that agreed to implement a multilateral treaty, the Hague Convention of Children andCooperationinRespectofIntercountryAdoption(Convention), to establish uniform standards of practices for intercountry adoptions.6 See 42 USC 14901(a). The Intercountry Adoption Act (IAA), 42 USC 14901 et seq., was enacted to implement the Convention.
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Note: The IAA expanded the Immigration and Nationality Acts definition of a child to include adoptions occurring between Convention countries by adding 8 USC 1101(b)(1)(G), and incorporated Convention procedures into the immigration process forchildrenfallingunder8USC1101(b)(1)(G).PL106 279,302,114Stat838. Adoptions may also take place between the United States and countries not party to the Convention under the Immigration and NationalityAct(INA),8USC1101etseq.Thetwowaysofadoptinga childnothabituallyresidinginaConventioncountryare: (1)Whentheprospectiveadoptiveparentpetitionsthe courtafterheorshehadlegalcustodyofachildunder theageof16,andthechildlivedwithhimorherforat leasttwoyears.8USC1101(b)(1)(E)(i). Note: See the USCIS form I130, Petition for Alien Relative, at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i 130.pdf. (2) When the prospective adoptive parent adopts or intends to adopt an orphan (orphan adoption). 8 USC 1101(b)(1)(F)(i). Note:Achildqualifiesasanorphanwhenheorshe is under the age of 16 at the time the adoption petitionisfiledandthechildwasorphanedbecause: (1) The childs parents died, disappeared, abandoned,ordesertedthechild. (2)Thechildssoleorsurvivingparentisnot capableofcaringforthechild,andheorshe has,inwriting,irrevocablyreleasedthechild for emigration and adoption. 8 USC 1101(b)(1)(F)(i).
1. Adoption Process
AlthoughadoptingachildfromaConventioncountryissimilarto adopting a child from a nonConvention country, a Convention adoption provides more protections. A chart comparing ConventionadoptionstononConventionadoptionsisaccessible athttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/hague.pdf.
AlistoftheConventioncountriesisaccessibleathttp://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/ countries.php.
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Note: A Convention adoption is an adoption of a child resident in a foreign country party to the Convention by a United States citizen, or an adoptionofachildresidentintheUnitedStatesby an individual residing in another Convention country.42USC14902(10). Both Convention and nonConvention adoptions require the UnitedStatestomaketwodeterminations: (1)Whethertheadoptiveparentissuitable. (2) Whether the childs adoption satisfies the eligibilityrequirements.
a.
Adoptive Parents Eligibility

Aprospectiveadoptiveparentwillnotbeabletoadopta child from another country until the USCIS determines thattheadoptiveparentiscapableofprovidingaloving, stable home for the child. To request eligibility, the prospectiveadoptiveparentmustfileanapplicationwith theUSCIS.Theapplicationmustconsistofthefollowing: (1)TheapplicableUSCISform. Note: For a Convention adoption, see the USCIS form I800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a ChildfromaConventionCountry,athttp:// www.uscis.gov/files/form/i800a.pdf. Fora nonConventionadoption,see the USCIS form I600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i 600a.pdf. (2) Proof that the adoptive parent met the preadoption requirements in the State in which he or she resides, if the child is to be adopted in the United States. See 8 CFR 204.3(c)(1)(iv);8CFR204.3(f);8CFR204.305. (3)Ahomestudy. (4)Anapplicationfee;and (5) Any other necessary supporting documentation(includingevidenceofUnited States citizenship, marriage certificate, and
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compliance with preadoption requirements). 8CFR204.3;8CFR204.310(a). Convention adoption home study requirements. For Convention adoptions, the prospective adoptive parent must submit a home study that meets the following requirements: (1) Tailored to the specific prospective adoptive parents situation (including the adoptive parents place of residence, marital status, criminal history, and financial resources). (2) Prepared or updated no more than six monthsbeforebeingsubmittedtotheUSCIS. (3) Includes the home study preparers assessment of potential problem areas and recommendations for any restrictions on placedchildrenwithinthehome. (4) States the number of home visits and in person interviews the home study preparer conducted. (5) Includes the names, alien registration numbers, and birthdates of all additional adults living in the adoptive parents household. (6) Summarizes at least ten hours of the adoptive parents preplacement preparation andtraining,andplansforfuturepreparation andtraining,andpostplacementmonitoring. (7) Includes the home study preparers referralsandfollowupreports. (8)Includesacertifiedcopyofdocumentation showing final disposition of incidents that resulted in an arrest, indictment, conviction, and/or any other judicial or administrative actionforanyonesubjecttothehomestudy. (9) Contains an evaluation of the homes suitability. (10) Includes a general description of the adoptive parents physical, mental, and emotionalhealth.
Section4.3
(11) Identifies the agencies involved in the home study, the dates on which the home studybeganandwascompleted,andwhether the home study preparer recommended the adoptiveparentforadoptioneligibility. (12) Prepared and signed by a home study preparer who is licensed in the prospective adoptive parents State and is accredited or approved by one of the United States Department of States designated accrediting entities. 8 CFR 204.301; 8 CFR 204.311(b); 8 CFR 204.311(c)(1)8 CFR 204.311(c)(16). All accreditedentitiesareaccessiblebysearching at http://adoption.state.gov/ hague_convention/agency_accreditation/ agency_search.php. NonConvention adoption home study requirements. For nonConvention adoptions, the prospective adoptive parent must submit a home study that meets the followingrequirements: (1) Tailored to the specific prospective adoptive parents situation (including the adoptive parents place of residence, marital status, criminal history, and financial resources). (2) Prepared or updated no more than six monthsbeforebeingsubmittedtotheUSCIS. (3) States the number of home visits and in person interviews the home study preparer conducted. (4)Includesthenamesofalladditionaladults livingintheadoptiveparentshousehold. (5) Includes the home study preparers assessment of the prospective adoptive parents capabilities to properly parent the orphan (including an assessment of the adoptive parents finances, history of abuse and/or violence, and physical, mental, and emotionalhealth). (6) Summarizes the prospective adoptive parents preplacement counseling and postplacementcounselingplans.
Section4.3
(7) Indicates whether the home study preparer is recommending the adoptive parentforadoptioneligibility. (8)Preparedbyahomestudypreparerwhois licensed in the prospective adoptive parents State. 8 USC 1154(d); 8 CFR 204.3(b); 8 CFR 204.3(e).
b.
Childs Eligibility
Inordertobeadoptedacrosscountrylines,aprospective adopteemustqualifyforadoptionunderthelawsofboth his or her country of origin and the United States. The United States has different eligibility requirements for prospective adoptees habitually residing in Convention countries and those habitually residing in non Conventioncountries. Note: Adoption information on a childs country of origin is accessible at http:// adoption.state.gov/country_information/ learn_about_a_country.php. Convention adoptees. A prospective adoptee habitually living in a Convention country must qualify as a ConventionadopteeinordertoimmigratetotheUnited States. The USCIS determines whether the prospective adopteequalifiesasaConventionadoptee. To request eligibility, the adoptive parent must petition the USCIS to classify the Convention adoptee as an immediaterelative.7However,theadoptiveparentmust beapprovedforadoptioneligibilitybeforerequestingthe USCIS to approve the childs eligibility, and the Central AuthorityintheselectedConventioncountrymusthave proposed placing the prospective adoptee with the adoptiveparent. Note:The UnitedStatesDepartmentofState servesasthecentralauthorityfortheUnited States on intercountry adoptions. 42 USC 14911(a). The Secretary of State must act as theheadofthecentralauthorityandperform all of the central authority functions for the
7SeetheUSCISformI800,PetitiontoClassifyConventionAdopteeasanImmediateRelative,athttp://
www.uscis.gov/files/form/i800.pdf.
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United States, unless otherwise specified. 42 USC14911(a),(b)(1). NonConvention adoptees. A prospective adoptee habitually living in a nonConvention country must qualifyasanorphanundertheINAinordertoimmigrate to the United States. 8 USC 1101(b)(1)(F)(i). The USCIS determines whether the prospectiveadopteequalifies as anorphan. To request eligibility, the adoptive parent must petition the USCIS to classify the orphan as an immediate relative.88CFR204.3(d).Theadoptiveparentmaysubmit hisorherrequestforadoptioneligibilityapprovalbefore or at the same time as he or she requests the USCIS to approvethechildseligibility.Id. Note: An adoptive parent must indicate on the form if he or she is going to adopt the child in the United States. See Section 4.3(D)(2)foradiscussiononadoptingabroad orintheUnitedStates.
2. Adoption Certification
Having met all applicable requirements, a prospective adoptee may be adopted abroad or brought to the United States for adoption.
a.
Adoption Abroad
The United States must recognize an adoption order issued in another country. MCL 710.21b. It is presumed thattheadoptionorderwasissuedinaccordancewiththe laws of that country, and the parties rights and obligations are treated as if the order was issued by a courtwithintheUnitedStates.Id. In Convention adoptions, the United States Secretary of State must certify the adoption order before it is recognizedintheUnitedStates.42USC14931(b).Inorder to issue the certification, the Secretary of State must receive appropriate notification from the childs country oforiginverifyingthatthefederaladoptionrequirements weremet.42USC14931.
8SeetheUSCISformI600,PetitiontoClassifyOrphanasanImmediateRelative,athttp://www.uscis.gov/ files/form/i600.pdf.
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OncetheadoptiveparentproveshisorherUnitedStates citizenship and officially adopts the child, the child automatically becomes a citizen of the United States. 8 USC1431(a)8USC1431(b).
b.
Adoption in the United States

The United States must recognize a legal custody or guardianship order issued in another country. MCL 710.21b. It is presumed that the order was issued in accordancewiththelawsofthatcountry,andtheparties rights and obligations are treated as if the order was issuedbyacourtwithintheUnitedStates.Id. In Convention adoptions, the state court must not issue a finalorderofadoptionuntiltheSecretaryofStatecertifies thatthelegalcustodyofthe child hasbeengranted to a prospective adoptive parent for purposes of emigration andadoption.42USC14931(a),(c).Inordertoissuethe certification, the Secretary of State must receive appropriatenotificationfromthechildscountryoforigin that verifies the preadoption requirements were met. 42 USC14931(a). OncetheadoptiveparentproveshisorherUnitedStates citizenshipandreceiveslegalandphysicalcustodyofthe child, the child automatically becomes a citizen of the UnitedStates.8USC1431(a).
3. Adoptions of Children Emigrating from the United States

Beforeastatecourtentersanadoptionorcustodyorderinvolving achildemigratingfromtheUnitedStates,thecourtmust: (1)Receiveabackgroundreportonthechild. (2) Receive evidence that reasonable efforts were made to place the child with an adoptive parent in theUnitedStates. (3) Receive evidence that the placement is in the childsbestinterests. (4)Findthat: (a)Thechildisadoptable. (b) The placement is in the childs best interests.
Section4.3
(c) The consent process and all of the followinghavebeenmet: (i) The biological parents received counseling,ifnecessary. (ii)Thebiologicalparentswereinformed of the effects of the adoption process, including termination of their parental rights. (iii) Assurances that no payment was exchangedfortheconsents. (iv) The consents were legal and voluntarilygivenafterachildsbirth. (d)CentralAuthorityapprovedtheadoption, iftheConventionapplies.42USC14932(b). When a prospective adoptee is emigrating from the United States to a Convention country, the accredited entity9must: (1) Ensure a background study on the child hasbeendone. (2)Makereasonableeffortstoplacethechild with an adoptive parent within the United States. (3) Find that placement with the prospective adoptiveparentisinthechildsbestinterests. 42USC14932(a). Note: For additional information on emigration from the United States to a Convention country, see The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption: A Guide to Outgoing Cases from the United States, accessible at http:// adoption.state.gov/content/pdf/ OutgoingCasesFAQs.pdf.
4. Access to Records
The United States Secretary of State and the Attorney General must establish a case registry that contains all adoptions (both
9 All accredited entities are accessible by searching at http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/ agency_accreditation/agency_search.php.
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Convention and nonConvention) involving both immigration and emigration. 42 USC 14912(d)42 USC 14912(e). The case registry must permit tracking and retrieval of all pending and closedadoptions.42USC14912(e). Convention adoption. The Secretary of State or the Attorney GeneralmaydiscloseaConventionadoptionrecordiftherecord is maintained under the INA and disclosure is permitted by federal law. 42 USC 14941(b)(1). Unlawful disclosure of a Conventionadoptionrecordispunishablebyfederallaw.42USC 14941(b)(3). NonConventionadoption.TheSecretaryofStateortheAttorney General may disclose a nonConvention adoption record if disclosure is permitted by the applicable state law. 42 USC 14941(c). See Chapter 9 for information on Michigans release of informationrequirements.
4.4
LawyerGuardian Ad Litem
Because an adoption may result from child protective proceedings, a briefdiscussionofalawyerguardianadlitemisincluded.Foradetailed discussion of lawyerguardian ad litems, see the Michigan Judicial InstitutesChildProtectiveProceedingsBenchbook. During child protective proceedings the court must appoint a lawyer guardianadlitemtorepresentthechild,andthechildmaynotwaivethe lawyerguardianadlitemsassistance.MCL712A.17c(7). A lawyerguardian ad litem is appointed to represent the interests of a child. MCL 712A.13a(1)(g); MCL 712A.17d(1). The lawyerguardian ad litemspowersanddutiesinclude: (1)Theattorneyclientprivilege. (2)Servingasindependentrepresentationforthechildsbest interests. (3)Entitlementtofullandactiveparticipationinthelitigation andaccesstoallrelevantinformationregardingthechild. (4) Conducting his or her own independent investigation (including interviewing the child, social workers, family members, and anyone else who may be necessary, and reviewing relevant reports and any other relevant information). (5) Reviewing the agency case file before disposition and beforetheparentalterminationhearing.
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Note: Five days before the scheduled hearing, the supervising agency must provide to a childs lawyer guardian ad litem documentation of progress on a courtordered treatment plan (including copies of evaluations and therapy reports, and verification of parentingtimefivedaysbeforethescheduledhearing). (6) Reviewing all updated material as it is provided to the courtandparties. (7)Meetingwithorobservingthechild10andassessinghis orherneedsandwishesinregardstotherepresentationand issuesinthecaseatthefollowingtimes: (a)Beforethepretrialhearing. (b) Before the initial disposition (if held more than 91 daysafterthepetitionhasbeenauthorized). (c)Beforeadispositionalreviewhearing. (d)Beforeapermanencyplanninghearing. (e)Beforeapostterminationreviewhearing. (f)Atleastonceduringthependingofasupplemental petition. (g)Atothertimesasorderedbythecourt. Note: Unless directed by the court, adjourned or continuedhearingsdonotrequireadditionalvisits. (8) Explaining to the child his or her role as the childs lawyerguardianadlitem. (9)Filingallnecessarypleadingsandpapers. (10)Independentlycallingwitnessesonthechildsbehalf. (11)Attendingallhearingsorsubstitutingrepresentationon thechildsbehalfwithcourtapproval. (12) Making a determination regarding the childs best interests,andadvocatingforthosebestinterests. Note: The lawyerguardian ad litem must weigh the childs wishes against the childs competence and maturity.
10Thecourtmaypermitthelawyerguardianadlitemanalternativemeanstocontactthechildongood
causeshown.MCL712A.17d(1)(e).
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(13) Informing the court of the childs wishes and preferences. (14)Monitoringtheimplementationofcaseplansandcourt orders,anddeterminingwhetherthecourtorderedservices arebeingtimelyprovidedandaccomplishingtheirintended purposes. Note:Itisthelawyerguardianadlitemsdutytoinform the court if the services are not being provided in a timelymanner,thefamilyisnottakingadvantageofthe services, or the services are not accomplishing their intendedpurposes. (15) Identifying common interests among the parties and promoting a cooperative resolution of the matter through consultation with the childs parents, foster care provider, guardian,andcaseworker,ifpossible. (16) Requesting the courts authorization to pursue any additional issues on the childs behalf that do not arise specificallyfromthecourtappointment. (17) Participating in training in early childhood, child, and adolescent development. MCL 712A.17d(1)(a)MCL 712A.17d(1)(ml). The lawyerguardian ad litem and the Michigan Childrens Institute (MCI) superintendent must consult with one another if the lawyer guardian ad litem has an objection or concern regarding the childs placementorpermanencyplan.MCL400.204(2). Acourtappointedlawyerguardianadlitemmustserveuntilheorsheis dischargedbythecourt.MCL712A.17c(9). Note:Ifalawyerguardianadlitemwasappointedinachild protective proceeding, the court may not discharge the lawyerguardian ad litem while the child is subject to the jurisdiction, control, or supervision of the court, or of the [MCI] or other agency, unless the court discharges the lawyerguardian ad litem for good cause shown on the record. MCL 712A.17c(9). Once the court discharges a lawyerguardian ad litem for good cause, the court must immediately appoint another lawyerguardian ad litem to represent the child if the child remains under the courts or MCIsjurisdiction,control,orsupervision.Id.
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Chapter 5: Temporary Placements, Investigation Reports, and Safe Delivery of Newborns
5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6
TemporaryPlacements ........................................................................ 51 ProceduralandDocumentaryRequirements....................................... 53 InvestigativeReport ........................................................................... 512 DispositionReport.............................................................................. 512 ResolvingCustodyDisputesAfteraTemporaryPlacement............... 514 SafeDeliveryofNewbornsLaw.......................................................... 518
Thischapterdiscusseswhatatemporaryplacementmeansandwhomay temporarilyplaceachildforadoption.Italsoaddressestheprocedures anddocumentationnecessarytocompletetheplacement. This chapter includes a discussion on investigation and disposition reports and addresses the procedures for resolving custody disputes afterachildhasbeentemporarilyplaced. ThischapteralsodiscussestheSafeDeliveryofNewbornsLawandthe proceduresandrequirementsassociatedwiththelaw.
5.1
Temporary Placements
Prior to an adoption, an adoptee may be temporarily placed with a prospectiveadoptiveparent.Atemporaryplacementisaplacementthat occursbeforecourtapproval.MCL710.22(x).
Section5.1
Note: Placement refers to the selection and transferring of physicalcustodyofachildtoaprospectiveadoptiveparent. MCL710.22(s). Temporary placements do not become formal placements until thebiological parentsconsentor release their parental rights or the court orders the termination of their parental rights and approves the placement.1 MCL 710.23a(1); MCL 710.23b(1).
A. Who May Make a Temporary Placement

Onlythefollowingmaytemporarilyplaceachild: (1) A biological parent or guardian, with legal and physicalcustodyofachild,makingadirectplacement, MCL 710.23a(1). See Section 8.1 for information on directplacementadoptions. (2)Achildplacingagencywithwrittenauthorizationto temporarily place the child, MCL 710.23b(1). MCL 710.55(1). Note: A child placing agency is a private organizationlicensedtoplacechildrenforadoption. MCL710.22(k).Specifically,achildplacingagencyis organized for the purpose of placing children in private foster homes or for adoption. MCL 722.111(1)(c). The child placing agencys functions include investigating a prospective adoptive parent andcertifyingafosterfamilyhome.Id. Apersonwhotemporarilyplacesachildwithouttheauthoritytodo so is guilty of a misdemeanor for a first violation. MCL 710.55(1). Specifically,MCL710.55(1),inpertinentpart,states: A person who violates [MCL 710.55] is guilty of a misdemeanorpunishablebyimprisonmentfornotmore than90daysorafineofnotmorethan$100.00,orboth, for the first violation, and of a felony punishable by imprisonmentfornotmorethan4yearsorafineofnot more than $2,000.00, or both, for each subsequent violation.Thecourtmayenjoinfromfurtherviolations anypersonwhoviolatesthissection.
SeeSection6.1forinformationonformalplacements.
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B. Agency Placement
Acustodialparentorguardianmayauthorizeachildplacingagency totemporarilyplaceachild.2MCL710.23b(1).Acustodialparentor guardian and the individual witnessing the parents or guardians signature must sign a written authorization. MCL 710.23b(3). If the childs parent is an unemancipated minor, the minor, the minors parent or guardian, and the individual witnessing the minors and minors parents or guardians signatures must sign the written authorization.Id. Inanagencyplacement,achildplacingagencyortheDepartmentof Human Services (DHS) may permit the parents or guardians involvement in selecting a prospective adoptive parent. MCL 710.23b(2). If the parent or guardian participates in the selection process,anadoptionfacilitatormustallowtheparentorguardianto choose from its entire pool of potential adoptive parents. MCL 722.957(3).SeeSection8.1(B)(2)foradetaileddiscussionofadoption facilitators.
5.2
Procedural and Documentary Requirements

Inordertotemporarilyplaceachild,thefollowingrequirementsmustbe met: (1) The compilation and distribution of nonidentifying information. (2) The compilation and distribution of identifying information. (3) A preplacement assessment with a finding of suitability thatwascompletedwithinoneyearbeforethetransferdate. (4)Thetransferstatements. (5)Thetransferreport. Note: See Appendix A for temporary placement checklists from the Oakland County Circuit Court, Family Division, and the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court,FamilyDivision.
2SeeSCAO formPCA329,StatementofParent/GuardianAuthorizingTemporaryPlacementofChildfor
Adoption,athttp://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca329.pdf.
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A. Identifying and Nonidentifying Information

Exceptinstepparentandrelativeadoptions,theparentorguardian,a childplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtmustcompilealistofall the nonidentifying and identifying information that is obtainable fromanyofthefollowing: (1)Adopteesparents. (2)Adopteesrelatives. (3)Adopteesguardian. (4) An individual having physical custody of the adopteeforatleast30days. (5) An individual that has provided health, psychological, educational, or other service to the adoptee.MCL710.27(1),(3),(6). MCL710.27(4)requiresthatthechildplacingagency,theDHS,orthe court maintain the compiled nonidentifying and identifying information. See for a detailed discussion on recordkeeping requirementsandreleaseofinformation. Inadirectplacementadoption,theparentorguardianmusttransfer allnonidentifyingandidentifyinginformationcompiledtothecourt beforeparentalrightscanbeterminated.MCL710.27(4).SeeSection 8.1foradetaileddiscussionofdirectplacementadoptions.
1. Nonidentifying Information
Except in stepparent and relative adoptions, the parent or guardian, a child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must compile a list of all the nonidentifying information. MCL 710.27(1), (6). See Section 6.2(A) for a list of nonidentifying information. Prior to placing the child for adoption, the prospective adoptive parent must receive the nonidentifying information. MCL 710.27(1).
2. Identifying Information
Except in stepparent and relative adoptions, the parent or guardian, a child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must compilealistofalltheidentifyinginformation.MCL710.27(3),(6). SeeSection6.2(B)foralistofidentifyinginformation.
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The identifying information is not provided to the prospective adoptive parent. See MCL 710.27(1), (3). However, the parent or guardian and the prospective adoptive parent may agree to exchangeidentifyinginformationinadirectplacementadoption. MCL710.27(7). Note: When the parties elect not to exchange identifying information, see the SCAO form PCA 340, Statement of Identifying Information, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/ pca340.pdf.
B. Preplacement Assessments
In order to temporarily place a child with a prospective adoptive parent, the adoptive parent must have completed a preplacement assessment with a finding of suitability within one year before the transferdate.MCL710.23d(1)(a).Thepreplacementassessmentmust bereviewedbeforethechildisplacedwiththeprospectiveadoptive parent.MCL710.23d(1)(c)(iv). Ina directplacementadoption,anindividualseekingtoadopt may request, at any time, that a child placing agency prepare a preplacementassessment.MCL710.23f(1).Therequestingindividual doesnothavetolocateapotentialadopteewhentherequestismade or completed, nor is the requesting individual limited to one preplacement assessment request. MCL 710.23f(2), (3). Once requested,therequestingindividualmayaskthechildplacingagency tostoptheassessment.MCL710.23f(3).SeeSection8.1foradetailed discussionofdirectplacementadoptions. Achildplacingagencymayrequireaprospectiveadoptiveparentto beassessedbyitsownemployeewhentheadoptiveparentisseeking toadoptfromthatspecificchildplacingagency.MCL710.23f(4).The agency may require the preplacement assessment even if the prospectiveadoptiveparentalreadyreceivedafavorableassessment fromanotherchildplacingagency.Id.
1. Basis for Preplacement Assessment

Apreplacementassessmentisbasedon: (1)Personalinterviews. (2)Residentialvisits. (3) Interviews with individuals knowing the prospectiveadoptiveparent.
Section5.2
(4)Assessmentreports.MCL710.23f(5). Thepreplacementassessmentmustincludealistofallthesources reliedonduringtheassessment.MCL710.23f(8).
2. Contents of Preplacement Assessment

A preplacement assessment must contain all of the following informationabouttheprospectiveadoptiveparent: (1) Age, nationality, race or ethnicity, and any religiouspreference.SeeSection4.1(C). (2) Marital status and family history (including the number of children or adults in the household and theirrelationshiptotheadoptiveparent). (3)Physicalandmentalhealth(includinghistoryof substanceabuse). Note: In order to determine whether the prospective adoptive parent is free from any known conditions that could impact his or her ability to care for an adoptee, a child placingagencymustrequestthattheadoptive parent undergo a physical examination by a licensed physician, a licensed physicians assistant, or a certified nurse practitioner. MCL710.23f(7). If the adoptive parent had a physical examination within 12 monthsoftheassessmentrequest,heorshemaysubmitasigned and dated medical statement from a licensed physician, a licensed physicians assistant, or a certified nurse practitioner verifyingtheexaminationandshowingthattheadoptiveparentis free from any known conditions impacting his or her ability to careforanadoptee.MCL710.23f(7). (4)Educationalandemploymenthistory. (5)Anyspecialskillsandinterests. (6) Any property and income (including financial obligations). (7)Reasonsforwantingtoadopt. (8)Previousassessmentrequest(s)andtheoutcome oftheassessment(s).
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(9) Prior adoptive placement involvement and the outcomeoftheplacement. (10) Any charges of domestic violence and the outcomeofthecharges. (11) Any charges of child abuse or neglect and the outcomeofthecharges. (12)Anycriminalconvictions.SeeSection4.1(B)(1). Note:Ifachildplacingagencysrecordshows the prospective adoptive parent has a criminal conviction, it must request the adoptive parent to provide documentation fromtheMichiganStatePoliceandthefederal bureau of investigation that describes the conviction. MCL 710.23f(6). At the adoptive parents request and upon receipt of written authorization, the child placing agency must obtain the adoptive parents criminal record. Id. If the agencys record shows no convictions, the agency must specifically indicate that. MCL710.23f(6). (13)Ifanadopteeisfound,abriefdescriptionofthe biologicalparentsandchild. (14) Any relevant fact or circumstance that raises a specific concern about the prospective adoptive parents suitability (including quality of the home environment, current childrens behavior, and adoptive parents familial, social, psychological, or financial background). MCL 710.23f(5)(a)MCL 710.23f(5)(k). Note: MCL 710.23f(5)(k) defines a specific concernasonethatsuggeststhatplacement ofanychild,oraparticularchild,inthehome of the [prospective adoptive parent] would pose a risk of harm to the physical or psychologicalwellbeingofthechild.
3. Determination of Suitability
A child placing agency must determine whether the individual requesting the assessment is a suitable adoptive parent. MCL 710.23f(8).Ifthechildplacingagencysdeterminationdiffersfrom
Section5.2
that of prior assessments, the child placing agency must explain andjustifythedifference.Id.
a.
Suitable
If a child placing agency determines the assessed informationsuggeststhatplacementwiththeprospective adoptiveparentdoesnotposeaphysicalorpsychological risktoachild,theagencymustfindthattheprospective adoptive parent is a suitable parent for adoption. MCL 710.23f(5)(k),(8).
b.
Unsuitable
If a child placing agency determines the assessed informationsuggeststhatplacementwiththeprospective adoptiveparentdoesposeaphysicalorpsychologicalrisk to a child, the agency must find that the prospective adoptiveparentisunsuitable.MCL710.23f(5)(k),(8).
4. Review of Finding of Unsuitability

Onafindingofunsuitability,theprospectiveadoptiveparentmay seek a courts review of the assessment after filing an adoption petition.MCL710.23f(9).SeeSection6.3foradetaileddiscussion ofadoptionpetitions. Priortothereviewhearing,acourtmayorderanagentorcourt employeetoinvestigateandreportthefindingstothecourt.MCL 710.23f(9). Ifthecourtfindsbyclearandconvincingevidencethatthechild placingagencysfindingofunsuitabilitywasnotjustified,thechild may be placed with the prospective adoptive parent. MCL 710.23f(9). However, if the court determines the child placing agencysfindingofunsuitabilitywasjustified,thecourtmustorder thatthechildnotbeplacedwiththeprospectiveadoptiveparent. Id.
C. Transfer Statements
Atransferstatementisastatementevidencingthetransferofphysical custodyofachild.SeeMCL710.23d(1)(c).
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1. Parents, Guardians, or Child Placing Agency Representatives Transfer Statement

Aparent,guardian,orchildplacingagencyrepresentativeandthe individual witnessing the signature must sign a statement evidencing the transfer of physical custody of a child. MCL 710.23d(1)(c).Ifthechildsparentisanunemancipatedminor,the minor, the minors parent or guardian, and the individual witnessing the minors and minors parents or guardians signaturesmustsignthetransferstatement.Id. Note: See the SCAO form PCA 330, Statement of Parent/GuardianTransferringPhysicalCustodyofChild forAdoption,athttp://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/ adoptions/pca330.pdf. See the SCAO form PCA 331, Statement of Child Placing Agency Transferring Physical Custody of Child forAdoption,athttp://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/ adoptions/pca331.pdf. Thetransferstatementmustcontainallofthefollowing: (1)Transferdate. (2) Transfer of the childs physical custody was for thepurposeofadoption. (3)Duringthetemporaryplacement,theprospective adoptive parent has authority to consent to the childs medical, surgical, psychological, educational, and related services[,] unless the parent or guardian and the adoptive parent agree otherwise. Note: MCL 710.23d(8) permits a prospective adoptiveparenttoconsenttoallofthechilds medical, surgical, psychological, educational, and related services[,] unless thepartiesotherwiseagree. (4) Parent or guardian retains full parental rights overthechild. (5)Temporaryplacementmayberevokedbyfilinga petition to revoke the temporary placement. See Section5.1(A). (6) Verification that the individual making the transfer read the preplacement assessment. See Section5.2(B).
Section5.2
(7) Verification that the child placing agency gave the parent or guardian an opportunity to read the assessment. (8) Both biological parents names and addresses. MCL710.23d(1)(c)(i)MCL710.23d(1)(c)(v). Note: Both parents names and addresses mustbeincludedevenifachildwasbornout ofwedlockoronlyoneparentismakingthe temporaryplacement.MCL710.23d(1)(c)(v).
2. Prospective Adoptive Parents Transfer Statement

Aprospectiveadoptiveparentandtheindividualwitnessingthe signature must sign a statement evidencing the transfer of physicalcustodyofachild.3MCL710.23d(1)(d). Thetransferstatementmustcontainallofthefollowing: (1)Transferdate. (2)Prospectiveadoptiveparentsnameandaddress. (3) Prospective adoptive parents understanding that: (a)Thetemporaryplacementwillnotbecome aformalplacementuntil: (i) The biological parents consent or releasetheirparentalrights; (ii) The court terminates the parental rights;and (iii)Thecourtapprovestheplacement. (b) The prospective adoptive parent will surrender custody of the child within 24 hours of being served a petition for dispositionofthechild.SeeSection5.5(A). (c)Iftheprospectiveadoptiveparentlivesin Michigan,heorshewillcontinuetoresidein Michiganuntilformalplacement.
3SeeSCAOformPCA332,StatementofProspectiveAdoptiveParentTransferringPhysicalCustodyofChild
forAdoption,athttp://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca332.pdf.
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(d) If the child is to be placed across state lines, the prospective adoptive parent will comply with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), MCL 3.711 et seq.SeeSection4.3(C). (e) The prospective adoptive parent submits toMichigansjurisdiction.MCL710.23d(1)(d).
D. Transfer Report
Within two days4 after a child is temporarily placed, an adoption attorneyorachildplacingagencymustsubmitatransferreport.MCL 710.23d(2). See Section 8.1(B) for a detailed discussion of adoption attorneys. The report must be submitted to the court where the biologicalparentorguardianresides,theprospectiveadoptiveparent resides,orwherethechildislocated.Id. Thetransferreportmustcontainallofthefollowing: (1)Transferdate. (2) The name and address of the parent, guardian, or child placing agency that made the temporary placement. (3)Theprospectiveadoptiveparentsnameandaddress. (4)Bothbiologicalparentsnamesandaddresses. Note: Both parents names and addresses must be includedevenifachildwasbornoutofwedlockor onlyoneparentismakingthetemporaryplacement. (5) The parents, guardians, or child placing agencys transferstatement.SeeSection5.2(C)(1). (6)Theprospectiveadoptiveparentstransferstatement. SeeSection5.2(C)(2). (7)Thewrittenauthorizationpermittingachildplacing agencytotemporarilyplacethechild,ifapplicable.See Section5.1(B).MCL710.23d(2)(a)MCL710.23d(2)(e).
Excludingweekendsandholidays.MCL710.23d(2).
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5.3
Investigative Report
Within 30 days of a childs temporary placement, an adoption petition must be filed. See MCL 710.23d(3). See Section 6.3 for a detailed discussionofadoptionpetitions. Onceanadoptionpetitionisfiled,thecourtmustdirectanemployeeor agentofachildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourttoconductafull investigation.MCL710.46(1).Theemployeeoragentmustconsiderthe followingintheinvestigation: (1) The adoptees best interests. See Section 1.4 for informationonthebestinterestfactors. (2) The background of the adoptees family (including the parentsnamesandidentifyinginformation,ifapplicable). (3) The reason the adoptee is not placed with his or her parents.MCL710.46(1)(a)MCL710.46(1)(c). The court may use a preplacement assessment and may order an additionalinvestigation.MCL710.46(1).SeeSection5.2(B)foradetailed discussionofpreplacementassessments. Withinthreemonthsofthecourtorderedinvestigation,awrittenreport must be filed. MCL 710.46(2). However, there is no penalty or sanction provided if the written report is not filed within the threemonth requirement.InreDaBaja,191MichApp281,287(1991). Uponthepetitionersmotion,acourtmaywaiveafullinvestigationifan adopteewasplacedforfostercarewiththepetitionerfor12months or more, and a foster family study was completed or updated within 12 monthsofthefiledpetition.MCL710.46(3).Afosterfamilystudymaybe used to replace the written report requirement, with additional information added as necessary to update or supplement the original study.Id.
5.4
Disposition Report
Within30daysofachildstemporaryplacement,theadoptionattorney or child placing agency must file a disposition report with the co5urt. MCL710.23d(3).SeeSection8.1(B)foradetaileddiscussionofadoption attorneys.
5SeeSCAOformPCA333,FollowupReportAfterTemporaryPlacementofChildforAdoption,athttp://
courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca333.pdf.
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Note: See Appendix A for temporary placement checklists from the Oakland County Circuit Court, Family Division, andtheKalamazooCountyCircuitCourt,FamilyDivision. The disposition report must indicate whether one of the following dispositionshasoccurred: (1)Anadoptionpetitionwasfiled. (2)Thechildwasreturnedtohisorherparentorguardian,or a child placing agency. MCL 710.23d(3)(a)MCL 710.23d(3)(b).
A. Courts Responsibility
Ifthecourthasnotreceivedadispositionreportwithin45daysofa childstemporaryplacement,thecourtmustimmediatelyinvestigate. MCL710.23d(4).Duringtheinvestigation,thecourtmustdetermine whetheranadoptionpetitionwasfiledorthechildwasreturnedto hisorherparentorguardian.Id. Thecourtmustimmediatelycontactaprosecutorafteradisposition report or the courts investigation shows that an adoption petition was not filed or the child was not returned to his or her parent or guardian.6MCL710.23d(4).
B. Prosecutors Responsibility
If a prosecutor receives a courts report that indicates a child was temporarilyplacedforadoptionand45dayshaveelapsedwithoutan adoption petition being filed or a child being returned to his or her parent or guardian, the prosecutor must immediately file a petition fordisposition.7MCL710.23d(4). Within14daysofreceivingtheprosecutorspetition,thecourtmust hold a hearing to determine custody of the child. MCL 710.23(e)(1). SeeSection5.5(B)(2). However,aprosecutorisnotrequiredtofileapetitionifanyofthe followingwerefiled: (1) A parent or guardian filed a petition to revoke the temporaryplacement.SeeSection5.5(A)(1).
6SeeSCAOformPCA334,ClerksReporttoProsecutingAttorney,athttp://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/ adoptions/pca334.pdf. 7SeeSCAOformPCA335,PetitiontoDetermineCustodyofChildTemporarilyPlacedforAdoption,athttp:/ /courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca335.pdf.
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(2) A prospective adoptive parent filed a petition for dispositionofthechild.SeeSection5.5(A)(2). (3)Achildplacingagencyfiledapetitionfordisposition ofthechild.MCL710.23d(4).SeeSection5.5(A)(3).
5.5
Resolving Custody Disputes After a Temporary Placement

The Adoption Code,MCL710.21etseq.,providestheexclusiveremedy forallcustodydisputesarisingoutofatemporaryadoptiveplacement. MCL710.23e(7). Once a child is temporarily placed, the parent or guardian, the prospective adoptive parent, or the child placing agency may elect to change the placement. In order to change the temporary placement, a petitionmustbefiled.SeeMCL710.23d(5)MCL710.23d(7).
A. Petition for Disposition or Revocation of a Temporary Placement 1. Parent or Guardian

After a parent or guardian has temporarily placed a child, the parent or guardian may file a petition to request a revocation of the temporary placement and for the childs return8. MCL 710.23d(5). On a parents or guardians request, an adoption attorney or a child placing agency must assist the parent or guardianinfilingthepetition.Id.SeeSection8.1(B)foradetailed discussionofadoptionattorneys. If a child placing agency made the temporary placement on a parents or guardians behalf, the child placing agency must file thepetitionfortheparentorguardian.MCL710.23d(5).
2. Prospective Adoptive Parent

Ifaprospectiveadoptiveparentisunwillingorunabletoproceed withanadoption,heorshemayfileapetitionfordispositionof thechild.9MCL710.23d(6).
8SeeSCAOformPCA337,PetitionbyParent/GuardianforReturnofChildandExParteOrder,athttp:// courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca337.pdf. 9SeeSCAOformPCA335,PetitiontoDetermineCustodyofChildTemporarilyPlacedforAdoption,athttp:/ /courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca335.pdf.
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3. Child Placing Agency

Achildplacingagencymustfileapetition10fordispositionofthe childwheneitherofthefollowingoccur: (1)Abiologicalparentorguardianisunavailableto executearelease. (2)Thechildplacingagencyisnotwillingtoproceed with the adoption and the prospective adoptive parentrefusestoreturnthechild.MCL710.23d(7).
B. Hearing to Determine Custody 1. Revocation of Temporary Placement

Afteraparentorguardianfilesapetitiontorevokeatemporary placement, the court must immediately issue an ex parte order requiringtheprospectiveadoptiveparenttoreturnthechildtothe parentorguardianwithlegalcustodywithin24hoursofreceiving the order.11 MCL 710.23e(2). If the child placing agency has obtainedlegalcustodyofthechild, thecourtmayorderthatthe childbereturnedtothechildplacingagency.MCL710.23e(5). However,insteadofissuingtheexparteorder,thecourtmayelect toappointanattorneytorepresentthechildorreferthematterto the DHS. MCL 710.23e(3). The attorney or the DHS may file a petitionrequestingthatthecourttakejurisdictionoverthechildin achildprotectiveproceeding.Id.IfanattorneyortheDHSfailsto filethepetitionwithin14daysoftheappointmentorreferral,the court must order that the child be returned to the parent or guardian with legal custody. Id. If the child placing agency has obtainedlegalcustodyofthechild,the court mayorder that the childbereturnedtothechildplacingagency.MCL710.23e(5). Beforethepetitionrequestingthecourtsjurisdictionisfiledanda preliminaryhearingisheldorthereturnofcustodyisordered,the court must remove the child from the prospective adoptive parentshomeandmakeatemporarydisposition.MCL710.23e(3). Note: A detailed discussion of child protective proceedingsisbeyondthescopeofthisbenchbook.
10 See SCAO form PCA 335, Petition to Determine Custody of Child Temporarily Placed for Adoption, at
http://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca335.pdf.
11SeeSCAOformPCA336,OrdertoDetermineCustodyofChildTemporarilyPlacedforAdoption,athttp:/ /courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca336.pdf.
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See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Child Protective ProceedingsBenchbook. ThecourtmayappointaguardianundertheEstatesandProtected Individuals Code, MCL 700.1101 et seq., making a temporary dispositionforthechildswelfarepursuanttoMCL712A.18until theguardianshiporderisentered.MCL710.23e(4).
2. Petition to Determine Custody

The court must hold a hearing to determine custody of a child within14daysofanyofthefollowingpetitionsbeingfiled: (1)Prosecutorspetitiontodeterminecustody,MCL 710.23d(4).SeeSection5.4(B). (2) Prospective adoptive parents petition to determine custody, MCL 710.23d(6). See Section 5.5(A)(2). (3) Child placing agencys petition to determine custody, MCL 710.23d(7). MCL 710.23e(1). See Section5.5(A)(3). Thecourtmayappointanattorneytorepresentthechildorrefer themattertotheDHS.MCL710.23e(3).TheattorneyortheDHS mayfileapetitionrequestingthatthecourttakejurisdictionover thechildinachildprotectiveproceeding.Id.Ifanattorneyorthe DHSfailstofilethepetitionwithin14daysoftheappointmentor referral, the court must order that the child be returned to the parent or guardian with legal custody.12 Id. If the child placing agency has obtained legal custody of the child, the court may orderthatthechildbereturnedtothechildplacingagency.MCL 710.23e(5). Beforethepetitionrequestingthecourtsjurisdictionisfiledanda preliminaryhearingisheldorthereturnofcustodyisordered,the court must remove the child from the prospective adoptive parentshomeandmakeatemporarydisposition.MCL710.23e(3). Note: A detailed discussion of child protective proceedingsisbeyondthescopeofthisbenchbook. See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Child Protective ProceedingsBenchbook.
12SeeSCAOformPCA336,OrdertoDetermineCustodyofChildTemporarilyPlacedforAdoption,athttp:/ /courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca336.pdf.
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ThecourtmayappointaguardianundertheEstatesandProtected Individuals Code, MCL 700.1101 et seq., making a temporary dispositionforthechildswelfarepursuanttoMCL712A.18until theguardianshiporderisentered.MCL710.23e(4).
a.
Interested Parties
Onapetitiontodeterminecustody,everyinterestedparty in a temporary placement must receive notice of the hearing.SeeMCR2.107(A)(1);MCR3.805. Theinterestedpartiesconsistof: (1)Thebiologicalparents.SeeSection5.1(A). Note:Bothparentsmustbeservedwith notice even if a child was born out of wedlock or only one parent made the temporaryplacement. (2) The guardian who authorized the temporaryplacement.SeeSection5.1(A). (3) The parent or guardian unemancipatedminorparent. of an
(4) A child placing agency with authority to temporarilyplacethechild.SeeSection5.1(A) andSection5.1(B). (5)Theprospectiveadoptiveparent. (6)Theprosecutor. (7) Any interested partys guardian or guardianadlitem. Note:Thecourtmayappointaguardian ad litem for the child or for a childs minorparent.MCL710.23e(6). (8) If the adoptee is an Indian child, in additiontothepartieslistedabove,thechilds tribe and Indian custodian (if applicable), or where the Indian childs parent, Indian custodian,ortribeisunknown,theSecretary of the Interior.13 MCL 710.24a(5)(a)MCL
13
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710.24a(5)(g); 3.800(B)(2).
MCR
3.800(B)(1)MCR
Thecourtmayrequireadditionalpartiestobeservedin theinterestofjustice.MCL710.24a(6). If an interested partys whereabouts are unknown, an attempttoservethepartypersonallyorbymailtohisor her last known address will suffice. MCR 3.805(C). However,iftheidentityofaputativefatherisunknown ortheputativefatherswhereaboutsareunknownandhe did not join in the temporary placement, the putative father does not need to be served notice of the hearing. MCR3.805(D).
b.
Service Requirements
Personally serving the notice of hearing must be completedatleastthreedaysbeforethesethearingdate. MCR 3.805(A). Mailing the notice must be completed at least seven days before the set hearing date. MCR 3.805(B). MCR 2.107(C)(3) defines mailing as enclosing it in a sealed envelope with first class postage fully prepaid, addressedtothepersontobeserved,anddepositingthe envelope and its contents in the United States mail. Serviceisdeemedcompleteatthetimeofmailing.MCR 2.107(C)(3).
5.6
Safe Delivery of Newborns Law

The Safe Delivery of Newborns Law, MCL 712.1 et seq., regulates a parentssurrenderofanewbornchild. TheSafeDeliveryofNewbornsLawpermitsaparenttoleaveanewborn with an emergency service provider without expressing any intent of returningforthenewborn.SeeMCL712.1(2)(n). Note: According to MCL 712.1(2)(k), a newborn is a child whoaphysicianreasonablybelievestobenotmorethan72 hoursold. Anemergencyserviceproviderisanyofthefollowing: (1) An onduty fire department employee or contractor locatedinsidethepremises.
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(2) An onduty hospital employee or contractor located insidethepremises. (3)Anondutypolicestationemployeeorcontractorlocated insidethepremises. (4)Aparamedicrespondingtoa911emergencycall. (5) An emergency medical technician responding to a 911 emergencycall.MCL712.1(2)(f).
A. Emergency Service Providers Responsibilities

Whenaparentsurrendersachildtoanemergencyserviceprovider, theemergencyserviceprovidermustassumethechildisanewborn andimmediatelytaketemporarycustodyofthechild.MCL712.3(1). Theemergencyserviceproviderneednothaveacourtordertoaccept thechild.Id. Onceanemergencyserviceprovideracceptsachild,heorshemust makeareasonableefforttodoallofthefollowing: (1)Protectthenewbornsphysicalhealthandsafety. (2)Informtheparentthatinsurrenderingthenewborn he or she is releasing the newborn to a child placing agencyforadoption. (3) Inform the parent that he or she has 28 days to petitionthecourttoregainthenewbornscustody. (4) Provide the parent with DHS material, which includesatleastallofthefollowingstatements: (a) In surrendering a newborn, the parent is releasingthenewborntoachildplacingagencyfor adoption. (b)Aftersurrenderinganewborn,theparenthas28 days to petition the court to regain the newborns custody. (c)Oncethe28dayperiodelapses,acourthearingis heldtodetermineandterminateparentalrights. (d) There will be notification of the court hearing, butitwillnotcontaintheparentsnames. (e)Theparentswillnotreceivepersonalnoticeofthe courthearing.
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(f) Any information the parent provides to an emergencyserviceproviderwillnotbemadepublic. (g)Aparentmaycontactthesafedeliveryhotlinefor additional information. MCL 712.3(1)(a)MCL 712.3(1)(d).SeeSection5.6(I). Note: There are additional requirements an emergency service provider must meet if a child is surrendered under the Born Alive InfantProtectionAct,MCL333.1071etseq.A discussionoftheBornAliveInfantProtection Actisoutsidethescopeofthisbenchbook. Anemergencyserviceprovidermustalsomakeareasonableattempt todoallofthefollowing: (1)Encouragetheparenttoproviderelevantfamilyand medicalinformation.14 (2)ProvidetheparentwiththeDHSspamphletonthe SafeDeliveryofNewbornsProgram.SeeSection5.6(I). (3)Informtheparentheorshemayreceivecounseling ormedicalattention. (4) Inform the parent that information he or she provideswillnotbemadepublic. (5)Asktheparentforhisorhername. (6) Ask the parent to identify the other parent, informinghimorherthatanewborncannotbeplaced foradoptionuntilareasonableefforthasbeenmadeto identifybothparents. (7) Inform the parent that confidential services are availablethroughthechildplacingagency. (8)Informtheparentthatheorshemaysignarelease forthenewbornthatcouldbeusedattheterminationof parental rights hearing.15 MCL 712.3(2)(a)MCL 712.3(2)(g). Anemergencyserviceprovidertakingtemporaryprotectivecustody of a newborn must transfer the newborn to a hospital, unless the
14 See the DHS form, Confidential Voluntary Medical Background Form for a Surrendered Newborn, at http://mi.gov/documents/FIA4819_9284_7.pdf. 15 See the DHS form, Voluntary Release for Adoption of a Surrendered Newborn by Parent, at http:// mi.gov/documents/FIA4820_9285_7.pdf.
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emergency service provider is an onduty hospital employee or contractor.MCL712.5(1). AlthoughMCL722.623requiresthatsuspectedchildabuseorneglect bereportedtotheDHS,thereportingrequirementsdonotapplytoa newborn surrendered to an emergency service provider who is transferringthenewborntoahospital.MCL712.2(2).
B. Hospitals Responsibilities
Ahospitalmustacceptanemergencyserviceproviderstransferofa newborn. MCL 712.5(1). A hospital that accepts a newborn into temporaryprotectivecustodymusthavethenewbornexaminedbya physician.MCL712.5(2). Iftheexaminingphysiciandeterminesthatthereisreasontosuspect the newborn experienced neglect or abuse (other than the parent surrendering the child to an emergency service provider), or if the examining physician believes the child is not a newborn, the physicianmustimmediatelyreportthesuspectedchildabusetothe DHS. MCL 712.5(2). However, when the examining physician does not suspect child abuse, the hospital must inform a child placing agencythatithastakenanewbornintotemporaryprotectivecustody. MCL712.5(3).
C. Child Placing Agencys Responsibilities

Oncethehospitalinformsa childplacingagency that ithastakena newborn into temporary protective custody, a child placing agency mustdoallofthefollowing: (1) Immediately assume the care, control, and temporaryprotectivecustodyofthenewborn. (2) Immediately meet with a parent, if the parents identityisknownandheorsheiswilling. (3) Temporarily place the newborn with a prospective adoptiveparentoralicensedfosterparentifapetition for custody has been filed. See Section 5.6(B) for a detaileddiscussionofapetitionforcustody. Note:Theprospectiveadoptiveparentmusthavean approved preplacement assessment. See Section 5.2(B). (4)Unlesstheemergencyserviceproviderwitnessedthe birth,immediatelyrequestlawenforcementsassistance toensurethenewbornisnotamissingchild.
Section5.6
Note:Achildplacingagencyshouldcheckwiththe missing children information clearinghouse, the national center for missing and exploited children, andanyothernationalandstateresources[.]MCL 712.7(d). (5)Petitionthecourtforauthoritytoplacethenewborn with a prospective adoptive parent within 48 hours of transferring physical custody to the prospective adoptive parent.16 The petition must include all of the following: (a)Transferdate. (b) The emergency service providers name and address. (c)Anywrittenororalinformationthesurrendering parentprovidedtotheemergencyserviceprovider. Note: The emergency service provider must provide this information to the child placing agency.MCL712.7(e)(iii). (6) Make reasonable efforts to identify, locate, and provide notice of the newborns surrender to the nonsurrenderingparentwithin28days. (7) File a written report with the court that authorized placement of the newborn with the prospective adoptive parent indicating the efforts made and the result of those efforts to identify and locate the nonsurrenderingparent.17MCL712.7(a)MCL712.7(f). Note:Ifthechildplacingagencydoesnotidentifyor locatethenonsurrenderingparent,thechildplacing agency must publish notice of the newborns surrender in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the newborn was surrendered. MCL712.7(f).
D. Immunity From Civil Damages

An employee or agent of a hospital, child placing agency, fire department, or police station is immune from damages arising in a
16
See SCAO form CCFD 01, Petition for Placement Order of Surrendered Newborn Child, at http:// courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd01.pdf.
17 See SCAO form CCFD 02, Order Placing Surrendered Newborn With Prospective Adoptive Parents, at
http://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd02.pdf.
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civil action for an act or omission in accepting or transferring a newborn.MCL712.2(4). Note: To the extent the Governmental Liability for NegligenceAct,MCL691.1401etseq.,doesnotprotecta fire departments or police stations employee or contractor,MCL712.2(4)extendsthesameimmunityto them that a hospitals or child placing agencys employeeoragentreceives. However,anemployeeoragentisnotimmunefromdamageswhen theactoromissionconstitutesgrossnegligenceorwillfulorwanton misconduct.MCL712.2(4). Note: Gross negligence is conduct so reckless as to demonstrate a substantial lack of concern for whether an injury results, MCL 712.1(2)(h), whereas, willful misconduct is conduct or a failure to act that was intendedtoharmtheplaintiffandwantonmisconduct is conduct or a failure to act that shows such indifferencetowhetherharmwillresultastobeequal toawillingnessthatharmwillresult.MCivJI14.11;M CivJI14.12.
E. Jurisdiction and Authority

TheFamilyDivisionoftheCircuitCourtacquiresjurisdictionovera newborn after a parent surrenders the newborn to an emergency serviceprovider.MCL712.2(1).SeeMCL712.1(2)(b). The court may appoint a lawyerguardian ad litem to represent the newbornsinterests.MCL712.2(1).SeeSection4.4forinformationon alawyerguardianadlitemspowersandduties.
F. Petition for Custody 1. Petition Requirements

Aparentwhosurrenderscustodyofanewborntoanemergency service provider may subsequently request custody of the newborn. MCL 712.10(1). The surrendering parent must file a petition for custody within 28 days after the newborn was surrendered.Id. A nonsurrendering parent, claiming to be the newborns parent, may request custody of the newborn. MCL 712.10(1) The nonsurrenderingparentmustfileapetitionforcustodywithin28
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days after notice of the surrender was published. Id. See Section 5.6(C). The parents petition for custody18 must be filed in one of the followingcounties: (1)Thecountywherethenewbornislocated. (2)Ifthenewbornslocationisunknown,thecounty where the emergency service provider is located, if known. (3)Ifthenewbornortheemergencyserviceprovider cannot be located, the county where the parent is located.MCL712.10(1)(a)MCL712.10(1)(c). If the petition is filed in a court that did not issue the order authorizing placement of the newborn, it must transfer the proceedingstothatcourt.MCL712.10(2).
2. Hearing to Determine Maternity or Paternity

Withinsevendaysofasurrenderingornonsurrenderingparents petitionforcustodyandbeforeholdingacustodyhearingonthe petition, the court must conduct a hearing to determine the newbornsbiologicalparents.MCL712.10(3). After the petition for custody is filed, the court must order the newbornandeachpartyclaimingpaternityormaternitytosubmit to blood or tissue typing determinations or DNA identification profiling[.]19MCL712.11(1)MCL712.11(2).SeeMCL722.716for informationonDNAidentificationprofiling. Note:Apartyclaimingmaternityneednotsubmitto a DNA identification profiling or blood or tissue typing when an emergency service provider witnesses the birth and sufficient documentation existstosupportmaternity[.]MCL712.11(2). The court may require the petitioner to pay all or part of the paternityormaternitytestingcosts.MCL712.11(4). Maternityorpaternityispresumedwhenthetestresultsshowa probability of 99 percent or higher and the DNA identification profile or summary report is admissible. MCL 712.11(3). A
18 See SCAO form CCFD 03, Petition of Parent for Custody of Surrendered Newborn Child, at http:// courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd03.pdf. 19SeeSCAOformCCFD04,OrderforBloodorTissueTypingorDNAProfile(SafeDeliveryofNewbornAct),
athttp://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd04.pdf.
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petitioner may move for summary disposition on the issue of maternityorpaternity.20Id. IftheDNAidentificationprofileorsummaryreportisadmissible andestablishesthatthepetitionerisnotthenewbornsparent,the court must dismiss the petitioners petition for custody. MCL 712.11(5).
3. Hearing to Determine Custody

Onceapetitionforcustodyisfiledandthecourtentersanorder determiningthenewbornsbiologicalparents,thecourtmusthold ahearingtodeterminecustody.SeeMCL712.10(3). The court must determine custody based on the newborns best interests.MCL712.14(1).Withagoalofachievingpermanencefor thenewbornattheearliestpossibledate,thecourtmustconsider, evaluate,andmakeafindingoneachofthefollowingfactors: (a) The love, affection, and other emotional ties existingbetweenthenewbornandtheparent. (b)Theparentscapacitytogivethenewbornlove, affection,andguidance. (c)Theparentscapacityanddispositiontoprovide the newborn with food, clothing, medical care, or otherremedialcarerecognizedandpermittedunder the laws of this state in place of medical care, and othermaterialneeds. (d)Thepermanence,asafamilyunit,oftheexisting orproposedcustodialhome. (e)Theparentsmoralfitness. (f)Theparentsmentalandphysicalhealth. (g) Whether the parent has a history of domestic violence [as defined in MCL 400.1501(d)(i)MCL 400.1501(d)(iv)]. (h)Iftheparentisnottheparentwhosurrendered the newborn, the opportunity the parent had to provide appropriate care and custody of the newbornbeforethenewbornsbirthorsurrender.
20 See SCAO form CCFD 04a, Order Determining Maternity/Paternity of Surrendered Newborn Child, at
http://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd04a.pdf.
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(i) Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to the determination of the newborns best interest.MCL712.14(1)MCL712.14(2). Afterareviewofthenewbornsbestinterestfactors,thecourtmay issueanorder21thatdoesoneofthefollowing: (1) Grants the parent legal or physical custody, or both,and: (a)Thecourtretainsjurisdiction;or (b)Thecourtrelinquishesjurisdiction. (2) Orders the child placing agency to petition the court for jurisdiction under MCL 712A.2(b) if the court determines that granting custody to the petitioning parent is not in the newborns best interests. (3) Dismisses the petition. MCL 712.15(a)MCL 712.15(c).
G. No Parental Request for Custody

Aparentwhosurrendersanewbornanddoesnotfileapetitionfor custody within 28 days of the surrender is presumed to have knowingly released his or her parental rights to the newborn. MCL 712.10(1); MCL 712.17(1). Once the 28 days have expired, the child placing agency must immediately petition the court to determine if thereleasewillbeacceptedandwhetherthecourtwillterminatethe surrenderingparentsparentalrights.22MCL712.17(2). Ifanonsurrenderingparentfailstofileapetitionforcustodywithin 28daysafternoticeofthesurrenderwaspublished,thechildplacing agencymustimmediatelypetitionthecourttodeterminewhetherthe court will terminate the nonsurrendering parents parental rights. MCL712.17(3). The court must schedule a hearing within 14 days of receiving the child placing agencys petition. MCL 712.17(4). The court must terminate the surrendering and nonsurrendering parents parental rights23ifitfindsbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethatthechild placingagencydemonstratedallofthefollowing:
21
See SCAO form CCFD 06, Order Determining Custody of Surrendered Newborn Child, at http:// courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd06.pdf.
22SeeSCAOformCCFD07,PetitiontoAcceptReleaseandTerminateRightstoSurrenderedNewbornChild,
athttp://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd07.pdf.
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(1) The surrendering parent knowingly released his or herrightstothenewborn. (2)Reasonableeffortsweremadetolocate,identify,and providenoticetothenonsurrenderingparent. (3)Acustodyactionhadnotbeenfiled.MCL712.17(5).
H. Closed Hearings and Confidentiality of Records

All hearings held under the Safe Delivery of Newborns Law are closedtothepublic.MCL712.2a(1). Records of the proceedings and all of the child placing agencys records created under the Safe Delivery of Newborns Law are confidential.MCL712.2a(1)MCL712.2a(2). Note:Recordsoftheproceedingsareavailabletoparties oftheproceedings.MCL712.2a(1). Any individual disclosing confidential information without a court order or specific authorization under federal or state law is civilly liable for damages caused by the disclosure and is guilty of a misdemeanor.MCL712.2a(3).Specifically,MCL712.2a(3)states: An individual who discloses information made confidential . . . without a court order or specific authorization under federal or state law is guilty of a misdemeanorpunishablebyimprisonmentfornotmore than93daysorafineofnotmorethan$100.00,orboth. An individual who discloses information made confidential . . . without a court order or specific authorizationunderfederalorstatelawiscivillyliable for damages proximately caused by disclosure of that information.
I. Safe Delivery of Newborns Program

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the DHSoperateasafedeliveryprogram.SeeMCL712.20. Theprogramincludesatleastallofthefollowing: (1)Atollfree,24hourtelephoneline.
23 See SCAO form CCFD 08, Order After Hearing on Petition to Accept Release and Terminate Rights to
SurrenderedNewbornChild,athttp://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/safedeliveryofnewborn/ccfd08.pdf.
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(2) A pamphlet on the safe delivery program. MCL 712.20(a)MCL712.20(b).
1. Hotline
Thetollfree,24hourtelephonelineprovides,ataminimum,the following: (i)Informationonprenatalcareandthedeliveryof anewborn. (ii) Names of health agencies that can assist in obtainingservicesandsupportsthatprovideforthe pregnancyrelated health of the mother and the healthofthebaby. (iii)Informationonadoptionoptionsandthename andtelephonenumberofachildplacingagencythat canassistaparentorexpectingparentinobtaining adoptionservices. (iv)Informationthat,inordertosafelyprovidefor thehealthofthemotherandhernewborn,thebest place for the delivery of a child is in a hospital, hospitalbasedbirthingcenter,orbirthingcenterthat isaccreditedbythecommissionfortheaccreditation ofbirthcenters. (v) An explanation that, to the extent of the law, prenatal care and delivery services are routinely confidential within the health care system, if requestedbythemother. (vi) Information that a hospital will take into protectivecustodyanewbornthatissurrenderedas providedforin[thesafedeliveryofnewbornslaw] and, if needed, provide emergency medical assistancetothemother,thenewborn,orboth. (vii) Information regarding legal and procedural requirementsrelatedtothevoluntarysurrenderofa child as provided for in [the safe delivery of newbornslaw]. (viii)Informationregardingthelegalconsequences for endangering a child, including child protective service investigations and potential criminal penalties.
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(ix) Information that surrendering a newborn for adoption as provided in [the safe delivery of newborns law] is an affirmative defense to charges ofabandonmentasprovidedin...MCL750.135. (x)Informationaboutresourcesforcounselingand assistance with crisis management. MCL 712.20(a)(i)MCL712.20(a)(x).
2. Pamphlet
TheMDCHandtheDHSpublishanddistributeapamphletthat provides the public with information on the safe delivery program.SeeMCL712.20(b).Thepamphletalsodisplaysthetoll free, 24hour telephone number. Id. See the DHS Safe Delivery Pamphlet at http://michigan.gov/documents/DHSPUB 0864_162165_7.pdf. A safe delivery program factsheet is also available at http:// michigan.gov/documents/dhs/DHSPUB0867_258650_7.pdf.
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Section5.6
Page530
Chapter 6: Formal Placement, Adoption Petition, Adoption Order, and Adult Adoption
6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6
FormalPlacementoftheChild............................................................. 61 CompilationofNonidentifyingandIdentifyingInformation................ 63 AdoptionPetition ................................................................................ 66 AdoptionOrder .................................................................................. 611 EffectofAdoptionOrder.................................................................... 614 AdultAdoption ................................................................................... 617
This chapter discusses what a formal placement means and who may formallyplaceachildforadoption.Italsoaddressestheproceduresand documentation necessary to complete the placement, including compilationofnonidentifyingandidentifyinginformation. Thischapterincludesadiscussionontheadoptionpetitionrequirements and the entry and effects of an adoption order. It also touches on the requirementsnecessaryforanadultadoption.
6.1
Formal Placement of the Child

Formalplacementisanadoptiveplacementapprovedbythecourt.MCL 710.22(p). Note: Placement refers to the selection and transferring of physicalcustodyofachildtoaprospectiveadoptiveparent. MCL710.22(s).
Section6.1
Although a formal placement need not be preceded by a temporary placement, a temporary placement becomes a formal placement once parental rights have been terminated and the court approves the placement. MCL 710.23a(1). See Section 5.1 for a detailed discussion of temporaryplacements. Once a child is formally placed for adoption, the prospective adoptive parentsmayconsenttoallmedical,surgical,psychological,educational, andrelatedservicesforthechild.MCL710.51(7).
A. Who May Make a Formal Placement

AccordingtoMCL710.55(1),onlythefollowingmayformallyplacea childforadoption: (1)A biological parent or guardian, with legal and physicalcustodyofachild,makingadirectplacement; MCL 710.23a(1). See Section 8.1 for information on directplacementadoptions. (2)A court with legal and physical custody of a child undertheJuvenileCode;MCL710.23c. (3)AchildplacingagencyortheDepartmentofServices (DHS) with legal and physical custody of a child pursuant to a release of parental rights or the Juvenile Code; MCL 710.23b(1). See Section 2.1 for information onreleases. Note: See Appendix A for a sample checklist on agency or DHS placement from the Kalamazoo CountyCircuitCourt,FamilyDivision. Apersonwhoplacesachildforadoptionwithouttheauthoritytodo so is guilty of a misdemeanor for a first violation. MCL 710.55(1). Specifically,MCL710.55(1),inpertinentpart,states: A person who violates [MCL 710.55] is guilty of a misdemeanorpunishablebyimprisonmentfornotmore than90daysorafineofnotmorethan$100.00,orboth, for the first violation, and of a felony punishable by imprisonmentfornotmorethan4yearsorafineofnot more than $2,000.00, or both, for each subsequent violation.Thecourtmayenjoinfromfurtherviolations anypersonwhoviolatesthissection.
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B. Procedural and Documentary Requirements

Prior to formally placing a child for adoption, the following conditionsmustbemet: (1)The compilation and distribution of nonidentifying information.SeeSection6.2. (2)The compilation of identifying information. See Section6.2. (3)The filing of verified accounting statements. See Section10.4. (4)Theadopteemustconsent,if14yearsofageorolder. SeeSection2.5(A)(3). (5)An investigative report must be completed. See Section5.3. Note:Inaformalplacement,thecourtisrequiredto examine an investigative report before terminating parentalrights.MCL710.51(1). (6)An order terminating parental rights must be entered. Note: Before formally placing a child for adoption, thecourtmustenteranorderterminatingtherights of the person or entity consenting to the adoption. MCL710.51(1).SeeSection6.4(A).
6.2
Compilation of Nonidentifying and Identifying Information

Except in stepparent and relative adoptions, the parent or guardian, a childplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtmustcompilealistofallthe adoptees nonidentifying and identifying information that is obtainable fromanyofthefollowing: (1)Adopteesparents. (2)Adopteesrelatives. (3)Adopteesguardian. (4)Anindividualhavingphysicalcustodyoftheadopteefor atleast30days.
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(5) An individual that has provided health, psychological, educational,orotherservicestotheadoptee.MCL710.27(1), (3),(6). MCL 710.27(4) requires that the child placing agency, the DHS, or the courtmaintainthecompilednonidentifyingandidentifyinginformation. See Chapter 9 for a detailed discussion on recordkeeping requirements andreleaseofinformation. Inadirectplacementadoption,theparentorguardianmusttransferall nonidentifying and identifying information to the court before the parental rights can be terminated. MCL 710.27(4). See Section 8.1 for a detaileddiscussionofdirectplacementadoptions.
A. Nonidentifying Information
Prior to placing the child for adoption, the prospective adoptive parentmustreceivethefollowingnonidentifyinginformation: (1)The childs date, time, and place of birth (including thehospital,city,county,andstate). (2)The childs health and genetic history, which includes: (a)Thechildsprenatalcareandmedicalconditionat birth. (b)Any drugs or medication the biological mother tookwhilepregnant. (c)Any subsequent medical, psychological, psychiatric,ordentalexaminationsanddiagnoses. (d)Anypsychologicalevaluations. (e)Any neglect or physical, sexual, or emotional abusethechildsuffered. (f)Anyrecordofimmunizationsandhealthcarethe childreceivedwhileinfosterorothercare. (3)The biological parents health and genetic history, whichincludes: (a)Anyknownhereditaryconditionsordiseases. (b)Each parents health at the time the child was born.
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(c)Any medical, psychological, or psychiatric evaluationsatthetimeofplacement. (d)Adeceasedparentsageandcauseofdeath. (4)Anyknownhereditaryconditionsordiseaseswithin thebiologicalparentsfamilies. (5)A description of the child and the childs family of origin,whichincludes: (a)Thechildsgivenfirstnameatbirth. (b)Thebiologicalsiblingsagesandsexes. (c)The childs enrollment and performance in school, educational testing results, and any special educationalneeds. (d) The childs racial, ethnic, and religious background. (e)The biological parents ages at the time of parentaltermination. (f)The biological parents length of marriage at the timeofplacement. (g)Thechildspastandexistingrelationshipswitha relative,fosterparent,orotherindividualorfacility where the child has lived or visited on a regular basis. Note:Thismustnotincludeanyindividuals nameandaddress. (h)Any educational, occupational, professional, athletic,orartisticlevelofachievementthebiological familyaccomplished. (i)The biological familys hobbies, special interests, andschoolactivities. (j)Thecircumstancesbehindaparentaltermination order for child abuse, neglect, abandonment, or othermistreatment. (k)Lengthoftimebetweentheparentaltermination and the adoptive placement, and whether the terminationwasvoluntaryorcourtordered.
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(l)Any information needed to determine a childs eligibility for state or federal benefits (including financial, medical, or other assistance). MCL 710.27(1). The required nonidentifying information must be supplemented by any additional nonidentifying background information that the biological parent or guardian, a child placing agency, the DHS, or the court considersappropriate.MCL710.27(2). Any nonidentifying information unavailable at the time of a temporary placement must be submitted at the time of a formal placement, if reasonably obtainable. MCL 710.27(2). See Section 5.1 forinformationontemporaryplacements.
B. Identifying Information
Theparentorguardian,achildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourt mustcompilealistofallthefollowingidentifyinginformation: (1)Achildsnamepriortotheadoptionplacement. (2) Both former parents names at the time of parental termination. (3)Bothformerparentscurrentnamesandaddresses. (4)Thename(s)ofthechildsbiologicalsibling(s)atthe timeofparentaltermination.MCL710.27(3). The identifying information is not provided to the prospective adoptive parent. See MCL 710.27(1), (3). However, the parent or guardianandtheprospectiveadoptiveparentmayagreetoexchange identifyinginformationormeetoneanother.MCL710.27(7). Note:Whenthepartieselectnottoexchangeidentifying information, see the SCAO form PCA 340, Statement of Identifying Information, at http://courts.michigan.gov/ scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca340.pdf.
6.3
Adoption Petition
Inordertoadoptachildoranadult,theadoptiveparentmustproperly fileapetitionforadoptionwiththecourt.MCL710.24(1).Thecourtmay notrefusetoacceptanadoptionpetitionbecauseitwasnotpreparedby anattorney.Const1963,art1, 13.
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Note:Ifanadoptiveparentisseekingadoptionsubsidies,the certificationforasupportsubsidymustbemadeandboththe adoptiveparentandtheDHSmusthavesignedanadoption assistance agreement before the adoption is finalized. MCL 400.115g(1)(c). See Section 10.6 for information on adoptive parentsubsidies.
A. Petition Requirements
Theadoptionpetitionmustbeverifiedbyeachpetitionerandcontain allofthefollowing: (1)Eachpetitionersname,dateandplaceofbirth,and place of residence (including the adoptive mothers maidenname). Note:Asinglepersonorahusbandandwifejointly maypetitionthecourtforadoption.MCL710.24(1). However,wherethebiologicalmothersexhusband petitions the court for adoption, the biological mother is not required to join the petition. In re Munson, 210 Mich App 500, 503 (1995). See Section 4.1. (2)The adoptees name, date and place of birth, and placeofresidence. Note: If the parties have elected not to exchange information in a direct placement adoption, the adoptees surname and place of residence may be omitted.SeeSection8.1(D)(2). (3)Thepetitionerandadopteesrelationship,ifany. (4)Theadopteesfullnameaftertheadoption. (5)Theadopteespropertydescription,ifany. (6)Thebiologicalparentsnamesandaddresses,unless theirparentalrightshavealreadybeenterminated. Note: If the parties have elected not to exchange information in a direct placement adoption, the parents information may be omitted. See Section 8.1(D)(2). (7)The guardians name and address, if one has been appointed.MCL710.24(4)(a)MCL710.24(4)(g). Note: If the parties have elected not to exchange information in a direct placement adoption, the
Section6.3
guardiansinformationmaybeomitted.SeeSection 8.1(D)(2). See the SCAO form PCA 301, Petition for Adoption, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca301.pdf. Because additionalinformationisrequiredfordirectplacementadoptionsand a different SCAO form is used, see Section 8.1 for a detailed discussionofdirectplacementadoptions.
B. Filing Requirements
The adoptive parent must file an adoption petition where venue is proper.SeeSection4.2foradetaileddiscussionofvenue.
C. Service Requirements and Interested Parties

Adoption petitions may be served by mail. MCR 3.802(A)(4). MCR 2.107(C)(3)definesmailingasenclosingitinasealedenvelopewith firstclasspostagefullyprepaid,addressedtothepersontobeserved, and depositing the envelope and its contents in the United States mail. Service is deemed complete at the time of mailing. MCR 2.107(C)(3). If the adoptee is an Indian child and an Indian tribe does not have exclusive jurisdiction over the adoption proceeding, the petitioner must,inadditiontoanyotherservicerequirements,notifytheparent or Indian custodian, and the Indian childs tribe, of the pending proceedingsonanadoptionpetitionandtherighttointervene.Notice must be made by personal service or registered mail with return receiptrequested.1MCR3.802(A)(3)(a).Wheretheidentityorlocation of the Indian childs parent, Indian custodian, or tribe cannot be determined, notice must be given to the Secretary of the Interior by registeredmailwithreturnreceiptrequested.MCR3.802(A)(3)(a). Every interested party to an adoption must be served. See MCR 2.107(A)(1).Theinterestedpartiesconsistof: (1)Thepetitioner(s). (2)Theadoptee,ifover14yearsofage. (3)Thebiologicalparents,unless: (a)Theparentalrightswereterminatedorreleased. (b)A guardian has been appointed with specific authoritytoconsenttoanadoption.
1
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Section6.3
(c)Theparentalreadyconsentedtotheadoption. Note: Only the parent whose parental rights must be terminated in order to grant the adoptionneedstoconsent.InreMunson,210 MichApp500,503(1995). (4)AchildplacingagencyortheDHS. (5)Anunemancipatedminorparentsparent,guardian, orguardianadlitem. (6)Acourtwithpermanentcustodyoftheadoptee. (7)A court with continuing jurisdiction over the adoptee. (8)Anotherstateorcountryschildplacingagencywith authoritytoconsenttotheadoption. (9)Any interested partys guardian or guardian ad litem. (10)IftheadopteeisanIndianchild,inadditiontothe parties listed above, the childs tribe and Indian custodian (if applicable), or where the Indian childs parent, Indian custodian, or tribe is unknown, the Secretary of the Interior. MCL 710.24a(1)(a)MCL 710.24a(1)(i);MCR3.800(B)(1)MCR3.800(B)(2). Intheinterestofjustice,thecourtmayrequireadditionalpartiestobe served.MCL710.24a(6). MCL710.24a(1)doesnotincludeagrandparentasaninterestedparty, evenifthegrandparenthadcourtorderedvisitationrights.InreToth, 227MichApp548,555(1998). Even if a guardian ad litem is appointed for a minor child, the guardianmusthavespecificauthoritytoconsenttoanadoptiontobe aninterestedpartyunderMCL710.24a(1).InreToth,227MichAppat 555556.
D. Required Supporting Documentation

Atthetimetheadoptionpetitionisfiled,orafterthepetitionisfiled butbeforethepetitionhearingisheld,thefollowingdocumentation mustbefiled: (1)Acopyofeachreleaseorparentalterminationorder, unlesstheparentshaveconsentedtotheadoption.
Section6.3
(2)A copy of the commitment order, if the child was committedtoachildplacingagencyortheDHS. (3)Proof of a guardians appointment and his or her authorization to execute a release or consent to the childsadoption. (4)Acopyoftheconsenttothechildsadoption. Note:Ifachildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourt hasauthoritytoconsenttothechildsadoption,the consent must be filed with the adoption petition, unlessamotiononwithholdingconsenttoadopthas been filed. MCL 710.26(1)(d); MCL 710.45(1). See Section7.3. (5)Acopyoftheadopteesbirthcertificate,verification ofbirth,hospitalregistration,orothersatisfactoryproof oftheadopteesdateandplaceofbirth,unlesswaived. (6)Any investigative reports. See Section 5.3 for informationoninvestigativereports. (7)Anaffidavitverifyinganyallegationsonthepetition that a parent failed to support and communicate with hisorherchild. (8)Any additional facts the court considers necessary. MCL710.26(1)(a)MCL710.26(1)(h). Inadirectplacementadoption,thepetitionermustalsoattachtothe petitionaverifiedstatementcertifyingthatheorshewasinformedof theavailabilityofcounselingandhasorhasnotreceivedcounseling. MCL 710.24(5). See Section 8.1 for information on direct placement adoptions, and Section 10.4 for more information on verified statements.
E. Adoption Support Groups

Onorbeforetheadoptionpetitionhearing,thecourtmustprovidea listofadoptionsupportgroupstoanadoptiveparentandanadoptee 14yearsofageorolder.MCL710.26(3). Note: For a list of adoption support groups see http:// www.mare.org/Links.html.
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6.4
Adoption Order
A. Termination of Parental Rights
Beforeformallyplacingachildforadoption,thecourtmustenteran orderterminatingtherightsofthepersonorentityconsentingtothe adoption.MCL710.51(1).SeeSection2.5foradetaileddiscussionof consentadoptions. If a child is born out of wedlock and the consent of the biological fathercannotbeobtained,thechildmustnotbeformallyplacedfor adoption until the fathers parental rights are terminated. MCL 710.31(1).SeeSections2.9and2.10. Onceacourtentersanorderterminatingparentalrights,achildmay be formally placed for adoption. MCL 710.41(1). If a child is placed beforetherehearingorappealperiodhasexpired,thisplacementis referredtoasalegalriskadoption.SeeMCL710.41(2).Whenachild is placed in a legal risk adoption, a trial court must not grant an adoptionpetitionwhileanappealispendingintheCourtofAppeals ortheSupremeCourt.InreJK,468Mich202,219(2003).SeeSection 8.4foradetaileddiscussionoflegalriskadoptions. Note: MCL 710.41 only applies to formal placements. See MCL 710.41(1). Temporary placements made pursuant to MCL 710.23d may be made prior to the terminationofparentalrights.SeeSection5.1.
B. Supervisory Period
Afterthecourtterminatestherightsofapersonorentityconsenting to the adoption, the adoptee is formally placed with an adoptive parent for a period of supervision. MCL 710.56(1). During the supervisoryperiod,anagentoremployeeofachildplacingagency, theDHS,orthecourtmustsupervisethechildatreasonableintervals and under reasonable circumstances, and complete a report on the childsadjustmenttotheadoptiveparentshome.MCL710.51(1). Thesupervisoryperiodlastssixmonths,unlessthecourtfindsthata waiver or extension of the sixmonth period is in the childs best interests.MCL710.56(1).SeeSection1.4forinformationonthechilds bestinterests. Oncethesupervisoryperiodexpires,thecourtmayenteranadoption order.MCL710.56(1).Ifanadoptionisnotorderedwithin18months of formal placement, the court must hold a hearing to determine whethertograntordenytheadoptionorder.Id.However,ifachildis
Section6.4
formallyplacedinalegalriskadoption,thecourtmayexceedthe18 months.Id.
C. Action on the Adoption Petition

The decision to grant or deny a petition for adoption is within the discretionofthetrialcourt.InreKyungWonKim,72MichApp85,88 (1976).
1. Granting the Adoption Petition

No formal hearing is required prior to the court granting the adoption. See MCL 710.56(1). If an adoption hearing is held, the courtmaypermitanadopteetoattend.MCL710.23a(5). Atrialcourtmustnotgrantanadoptionpetitionwhileanappeal ispendingintheCourtofAppealsortheSupremeCourt.InreJK, 468Mich202,219(2003).Inaddition,atrialcourtmustnotorder anadoptionwhileapetitionforrehearingoramotionchallenging thewithholdingofconsentispending. Petition for rehearing or appeal of right. After a petition for rehearing or an appeal as of right to the Michigan Court of Appealsisfiled,thecourtmustnotenteranadoptionorderuntil oneofthefollowingoccurs: (1) The rehearing petition is granted and the rehearingisheld,buttheorderterminatingparental rightsisnotmodifiedorsetaside,andtheperiodfor filing anappealasofrighttothe Court of Appeals hasexpiredwithoutanyappealbeingfiled. (2) The rehearing petition is denied and the period for filing an appeal as of right to the Court of Appealshasexpiredwithoutanyappealbeingfiled. (3) The Court of Appeals affirms the order terminating parental rights. MCL 710.56(2)(a)MCL 710.56(2)(c). Application for leave to appeal. If an application for leave to appealhasbeenfiledwiththeMichiganSupremeCourt,thecourt must not enter an adoption order until one of the following occurs: (1)Theapplicationforleaveisdenied. (2)TheSupremeCourtaffirmstheorderterminating parentalrights.MCL710.56(3)(a)MCL710.56(3)(b).
Section6.4
Motion after consent is withheld. If a motion challenging a decision to withhold consent has been filed, the court must not enteranorderofadoptionuntiloneofthefollowingoccurs: (1)Thecourtrulesonthemotionandtheperiodfor filing an appealas ofrightto the Court of Appeals hasexpiredwithoutanappealbeingfiled. (2) The court rules on the motion, an appeal as of rightis filed,theMichiganCourt ofAppealsissues an opinion,andthe periodforfilinganapplication forleavetoappealtotheSupremeCourthasexpired withoutanapplicationbeingfiled. (3) The Supreme Court denies an application for leave to appeal, or if the Supreme Court grants the application, it issues an opinion. MCL 710.56(4)(a) MCL710.56(4)(c). Once an adoption order is entered, the adoptive parent must receive a certified copy of the order. MCL 710.58. If a child placing agency or the DHS consented to the adoption, it must also receive a certifiedcopy.Id. Within 15 days of entering a final adoption order in a direct placementadoption,thecourtmustforwardapublicinformation form to the DHS. MCL 710.58a(1). See Section 8.1(B)(2)(e) for a detaileddiscussionofpublicinformationforms.
2. Denying the Adoption Petition

Ifthecourtdeniesanadoptionpetition,thecourtmay: (1)Returnthechildtohisorherparentandrestore theparentalrights. (2) Return the child to his or her guardian and restoretheguardiansrights. (3) Make a disposition appropriate to the childs welfare.MCL710.62. A court that denies an adoption petition or fails to issue an adoptionordermuststatethereasonforitsactionsontherecord orinwriting.MCL710.63.
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6.5
Effect of Adoption Order

A. Name Change
Ifanadopteesnameistochange,theadopteemustbeknownbythe newnameoncetheadoptionorderisentered.MCL710.60(1). Wherethebiologicalparentgivesconsenttoadoptandtheadoptive parentwishestochangetheadopteesname,theadoptionorderand exemplification of record must not contain the biological parents namesortheadopteesbirthname.MCL710.59. Attheadoptiveparentsrequest,acourtmayenteranewnameforan adopted child on a delayed registration of birth. MCL 333.2830(4). Oncetheadoptiveparentfilesamotionforadelayedregistrationof birththatincludesanamechange,theadopteemustbeknownbythe newname.Id.
B. New Birth Certificate

Thestateregistrarmustissueanadopteeanewbirthcertificatewhen theadopteewasborninMichiganandthestateregistrarreceives: (1)Anadoptionreportorcertifiedcopyoftheadoption order. (2) The necessary information to identify an adoptees originalbirthcertificate. (3) The necessary information to establish a new birth certificate.MCL333.2831(a). The Director of Public Health mustseal the original birth certificate and replace it with the adoptees new birth certificate. MCL 333.2829(4);MCL710.68(15).Anewbirthcertificatemustconformas closeaspossibletotheappearanceofanoriginalbirthcertificate,not disclosetheadoption,andbeprovidedtotheadoptiveparent.MCL 333.2829(4);MCL710.67(3). Upon the request of the court, adopting parent, or adult adoptee, a new birth certificate will not be issued in an adult adoption. MCL 333.2831(a).
1. Adoption Report
Once an adoption order is entered, the court must prepare an adoption report. MCL 333.2829(1). The adoption report must contain:
Section6.5
(a) The facts necessary to locate and identify an adopteesoriginalbirthcertificate. (b)Theinformationnecessarytocreateanadoptees newbirthcertificate. (c)Identificationoftheadoptionorder. (d)Aprobateregistersorclerkscertification.MCL 333.2829(1)(a)MCL333.2829(1)(d). Each month, the probate register or clerk must forward the adoptionreportstotheStateRegistrarsOffice.MCL333.2829(3). MCL 333.2829(3) specifically requires that, by the tenth day of eachmonth,theregisterorclerkmustforward: (1) To the state register: All adoption reports, amendments, annulments, and order rescissions entered within the preceding month for adoptees borninMichigan. (2) To the appropriate states registration authority, theUnitedStatesDepartmentofState,ortheUnited States Immigration and Naturalization Service: All adoption reports, amendments, annulments, and order rescissions entered within the preceding monthforadopteesbornoutsideofMichigan.MCL 333.2829(3). When an adoption is annulled or rescinded, the original birth certificateisrestored.MCL333.2832(2). For additional information on interstate and international adoptions,seeSection4.3.
2. Delayed Registration of Foreign Birth

WheretheadoptedchildisbornoutsideoftheUnitedStates,entry of an adoption order must constitute a delayed registration of birth.MCL326.38(1).Acourtmayalsoissueadelayedregistration offoreignbirthonanadoptiveparentsmotion2.MCL333.2830(1). Thedelayedregistrationmustcontainthedateandplaceofbirth, andanyadditionalfactstheDHSrequires.MCL333.2830(1);MCL 326.38(1). However, if the date and place of birth are not obtainable or a medical assessment of the childs development
2 See SCAO form PCA 350, Motion and Order for Delayed Registration of Foreign Birth, at http:// courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca350.pdf.
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Section6.5
indicates the date of birth is inaccurate, the court must first determinethefactsandestablishadateandplaceofbirthbefore issuingthedelayedregistration.MCL333.2830(2);MCL326.38(2). Note: See Appendix A for a sample checklist (supplied by the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, FamilyDivision)forissuingdelayedregistrationsof foreignbirthcertificates. Onanadoptedchildsoradoptiveparentspetition,thecourtmay amend an adoption order entered before September 30, 1978, to effect a delayed registration of birth. MCL 333.2830(3); MCL 326.38(3).
C. Legal Rights and Obligations 1. Adoptive Parents Parental Rights and Duties
Afteranadoption orderisentered, theadoptiveparent becomes knownastheadopteesparent,istreatedasifheorsheborethe adopted child, becomes liable for all parental duties, and is entitled to parental rights over the child. MCL 700.2114(2); MCL 710.60(1).Theadoptiveparentsparentalrightsincludetherightto custody,control,services,andearningsoftheadoptedchild.MCL 722.2. Onceachildisadopted,thebiologicalparentslegalrelationship, includingallrightsandobligations,tothechildissevered,andthe adoptive parent becomes the legal parent. Theodore v Packing Materials,Inc,396Mich152,162163(1976). After an adoptive parent becomes the legal parent, he or she is entitled to all rights of a legal parent, including the right to custody of the adopted child whenever custody is disputed. Liebert v Derse, 309 Mich 495, 499500 (1944).3 In Liebert, the adoptivefatherplacedhisbiologicalchildandadoptedchildwith his sisterinlaw after his wifes death. The biological child was returned to him, but the sisterinlaw refused to return the adopted child claiming that the child preferred to stay with her. The trial court found that it was in the childs best interests to grantthesisterinlawcustodyanddismissedtheadoptivefathers petition for return of his adopted child. On appeal, the Court of Appealsreversedthetrialcourtandheldthatwithoutashowing thattheadoptivefatherwasunfit,hewasentitledtohisadopted child.Specifically,theCourtheld:
SeealsoInrePetitionofShinkonis,312Mich199(1945).
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Section6.6
Werecognizethelongestablishedrulethatthebest interestofthechildisofparamountimportance,and that itis ourjudicialdutytosafeguard[the childs] welfare and care. However, we never have interpretedsuchrulesoastodepriveaparentofthe custodyofhisorherchild,unlessitwasshownthat the parent was an unsuitable person to have such custody. *** Weconcludethatintheabsenceofashowingthat [theadoptivefather]isnotasuitablepersontohave the custody of his [adopted child], he is legally entitled to such custody. Liebert, supra at 500, 504 (internalcitationsomitted). Inastepparentadoption,thestepparentremainsobligatedtocare for and support the adopted child even after divorcing the biologicalparent.BurkvBurk,222Mich149,152(1923).
2. Adopted Childs Inheritance

An adopted child is no longer an heir of the biological parents afterparentalrightshavebeenterminated,butratherbecomesan heir of his or her adoptive parent once the adoption order is entered.MCL710.60(2).However,thisdoes not applytoaright, entitlement,orinterestthathasvestedbeforetheadoptionorder wasentered.Id. In a stepparent adoption, the child retains his or her right to inheritfromthecustodialparent.MCL700.2114(2).
D. Grandparent Visitation
Inastepparentadoption,anadoptionorderdoesnotprohibitacourt fromenteringanorderforgrandparentingtime.MCL710.60(3).See Section8.2(B)foradetaileddiscussionofgrandparentvisitation.
6.6
Adult Adoption
In order to adopt an adult, the adoptive parent must properly file a petitionforadoptionwiththecourt.MCL710.24(1).SeeSection6.3fora detaileddiscussionofadoptionpetitions. Note: An adult adoptee is an individual 18 years of age or older.SeeMCL710.22(j).
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Section6.6
The court may enter an adult adoptees adoption order after all of the followinghaveoccurred: (1)Anadultadopteeconsentstotheadoption. Note: An adult adoptee must consent to the adoption. MCL710.43(3).SeeSection2.1(A)(4). (2)Aninvestigativereportisfiled.SeeSection5.3. (3)Noticeisgiventointerestedpartiestotheadoption.MCL 710.56(5)(a)MCL710.56(5)(c).SeeSection6.3(C). Note: See Appendix A for two sample checklists on adult adoptions (supplied by the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, Family Division, and the Kent County CircuitCourt,FamilyDivision). Unlikechildadoptions,thereisnosupervisoryperiodrequirementforan adult adoption prior to entry of an adoption order. See MCL 710.56(5); MCL710.52.Foradetaileddiscussionofadoptionorders,seeSection6.4. Anadultadopteeisnolongeranheirofhisorherbiologicalparentsafter entry of the adoption order, but rather becomes an heir of his or her adoptive parent once the adoption order is entered. MCL 710.60(2). However,thisdoesnotapplytoaright,entitlement,orinterestthathas vestedbeforetheadoptionorderwasentered.Id. Upontherequestofthecourt,adoptingparent,oradultadoptee,anew birthcertificatewillnotbeissuedinanadultadoption.MCL333.2831(a). MCL333.2831(a).
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Chapter 7: Rehearings, Appeals, Rescissions, and Dissolutions
7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8
Rehearings............................................................................................ 72 MotiononWithholdingConsenttoAdopt .......................................... 75 AppealingSubsidyDetermination........................................................ 78 AppealingtotheMichiganCourtofAppeals ..................................... 711 AppealstotheMichiganSupremeCourt ........................................... 718 RescissionofStepparentAdoption .................................................... 719 DissolutionofanAdoption................................................................. 721 ReportingAmended,Annulled,orRescindedAdoptionOrders ........ 721
This chapterdiscusseshowaparty may petition the court to rehear an entered order, the requirements to file and respond to a petition for rehearing, and the courts decisionmaking process. It discusses the process by which an adoptive parent may challenge a child placing agency, the Department of Human Services (DHS), or the court when consenttoadoptiswithheld.Italsoaddressestheprocessbywhichan adoptive parent, adoptee, or guardian may appeal a subsidy determination. ThischapterbrieflytouchesonhowapartymayappealtotheMichigan Court of Appeals or the Michigan Supreme Court, the requirements of filing and responding to an appeal, and the courts decisionmaking process. Finally,thischapterdiscussesthestepsnecessarytorescindastepparent adoptionordissolveanadoption.
Section7.1
7.1
Rehearings
OnceanorderisenteredundertheAdoptionCode,apartytotheorder maypetitionthecourtforarehearing.SeeMCL710.64(1). Pendingarulingonthepetition,thecourtmaystaytheorderorenteran additional orderin thechildsbestinterests. MCR 3.806(D). See Section 1.4foralistofbestinterestfactors.
A. Petition for Rehearing Requirements

Afteranorderisentered,apetitionerhas21daystopetitionthecourt forarehearing.MCL710.64(1).Ifapetitionerfailstopetitionthecourt withinthe21dayperiod,heorshedoesnothaveadueprocessright toarehearing.InreMyers,131MichApp160,165166(1983). In a petition for rehearing, a petitioner must state the grounds for rehearing.MCR3.806(A). Once a petition is filed, the petitioner must immediately give all interestedpartiespropernotice.MCR3.806(A).Propernoticemaybe made by personal service, registered, certified, or ordinary mail, or publication (if the interested persons address and whereabouts are unknown).MCR5.105(A). Note:MCL710.24aandMCR3.800(B)(Indianchildren) listtheinterestedpartiesforvarioushearingsconducted under the Adoption Code. When a petition for rehearingisfiled,theinterestedpartiesarethesameas thoseinvolvedintheoriginalaction.
B. Response to Petition
Anyinterestedpartymayfilearesponsetothepetitionforrehearing. MCR 3.806(A). The response must be filed within seven days of receivingnoticeofthepetition.Id.
C. Court Determination
Once a petition for rehearing is filed, the court may do any of the following: (1)Grantthepetitionerarehearingand (a)modifytheorder;or (b)setasidetheorder. (2)Denythepetition.MCL710.64(1).
Section7.1
Thecourtmustbaseitsdecisiontograntordenythepetitiononthe courtrecord,filedpleadings,andpetitionhearing.MCR3.806(B). WherethecourtbelievesthatthestatutoryprovisionsoftheAdoption Code have been complied with for a release, it is not an abuse of discretion for the court to look to the childs best interests1 when determiningwhetherornottograntarehearing.InreBurns,236Mich App291,292293(1999).
1. Granting the Petition

The court may only grant a rehearing for good cause. MCR 3.806(B).Ifthecourtgrantsthepetition,itmuststatethereasonfor doingsoontherecordorinwriting.MCR3.806(B). Note:Anerrorintheadmissionortheexclusionof evidence,anerrorinarulingororder,oranerroror defectinanythingdoneoromittedbythecourtorby the parties is not ground for . . . disturbing a judgmentororder,unlessrefusaltotakethisaction appears to the court inconsistent with substantial justice.MCR2.613(A);MCR3.800. Once a rehearing is granted, the court may do any of the following: (1)Takenewevidenceontherecord. (2)Affirmthepriordecision(inwholeorinpart). Note: After granting a rehearing, the trial court did not abuse its discretion when it refused to set aside its previous order based onafatherschangeofheart.InreKoroly,145 MichApp79,87(1985). (3)Modifythepriordecision. (4) Vacate the prior decision (in whole or in part). MCR3.806(C). Thecourtmuststatethereasonforitsdecisionontherecordorin writing.MCR3.806(C). Within 21 days of granting the petition, the court must enter an order. MCL 710.64(2). The courts finding on rehearing may be appealedtotheCourtofAppeals.MCL710.65(1).SeeSection7.4
SeeSection1.4forthebestinterestfactorsprovidedintheAdoptionCode.
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Section7.1
for a detailed discussion of appealing a decision to the Court of Appeals.
2. Denying the Petition

Where a parent knowingly and voluntarily releases his or her parentalrights,thecourtdoesnotabuseitsdiscretionbydenying thepetitionbasedsolelyonachangeofheart.SeeInreCurran,196 MichApp380,385(1992). If the court denies the petition, it must state the reason for the denialontherecordorinwriting.MCL710.63.
D. Allegations of Fraud
Incasesofpositivefraud,thecourtmaygrantapetitionforrehearing filedoutsideofthe21dayperiod.InreKozak,92MichApp579,583 (1979). In In re Kozak, the putative father petitioned the court for a rehearingthreemonthsafterentryoftheterminationorderclaiming thathedidnotreceivenoticeofthecourtproceedingsandthechilds motherliedaboutknowinghewasthefather.Id.at581.Thetrialcourt deniedthepetition.Id.Onappeal,theCourtofAppealsreversedand remanded the matter after concluding that the trial court should at least listen to the fathers allegations of fraud and make an inquiry intotheirvalidity.Id.at583.SeealsoInreMacLoughlin,82MichApp 301 (1978) (where the trial court erroneously denied the biological fathers petition for rehearing filed three years after entry of the terminationorderwhenthefatherclaimedhedetrimentallyreliedon themotherspromisenottoproceedwithherrequesttoterminatehis parentalrights). However,acourtdoesnothavetograntapetitionforrehearingfiled outsideofthe21dayperiodifthepetitionisbasedonallegationsof constructive fraud.BeattyvBrooking,9MichApp579,584(1968).In Beatty, the adoptive mother negligently stated in the declaration of adoptionthatshewasmarriedtothechildsadoptivefather.Id.The adoptive father petitioned the court for a rehearing to set aside the adoptionorder45yearslater.Id.at582583.Indenyingthepetition, thecourtconcludedthattheadoptivemothersnegligenceconstituted constructive fraud, at most, and was insufficient to set aside the adoptionproceedings.Id.at584.SeealsoInreNeagos,176MichApp 406, 411412 (1989) (where the trial court properly denied the biologicalmotherspetitionforrehearingfiledfouryearsafterentry of the adoption order when it concluded that the mothers psychological stress and legal awareness at the time she gave her consent to adoption [were] not allegations of positive fraud perpetrated upon herself or the court, but a collateral attack on the [adoption] proceedings. Nor [did the mothers] allegation that [the
Section7.2
adoptive parents] broke their promise to allow visitation with the childrenamounttoapositivefraudintheadoptionprocess.).
7.2
Motion on Withholding Consent to Adopt

Whenachildisreleasedtoachildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourt, it must consent to the childs adoption. MCL 710.43(1)(b)MCL 710.43(1)(d).Ifthechildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtwithholds itsconsenttoadopt,theadoptiveparentmayfileamotionclaimingthe decisiontowithholdconsentisarbitraryandcapricious.MCL710.45(2). SeeSection2.5foradetaileddiscussionofconsents. Note: If the court is withholding consent, the adoptive parents motion must be heard by a visiting judge. MCL 710.45(9). However,anadoptiveparentcannotfileamotionwhenconsenttoadopt iswithheldif: (1)Thechildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtconsented tothechildsadoptionbyanotheradoptiveparent; (2) The child has been placed for adoption with the other adoptiveparent;and (3) An adoption order has already been entered or 56 days haveelapsedsincethechildwasplaced.MCL710.45(3).
A. Motion Requirements
Anadoptiveparentsmotionclaimingthatachildplacingagency,the DHS,orthecourtisarbitrarilyandcapriciouslywithholdingconsent must be filed simultaneously with the adoption petition. MCL 710.45(1)MCL710.45(2).SeeSection 6.3foradetaileddiscussionof adoptionpetitions. Themotionmustcontainallofthefollowing: (1)Thespecificstepstheadoptiveparenttooktoobtain theconsent. (2)Theresultstheadoptiveparentreceivedintryingto obtaintheconsent. (3)Thespecificreasonstheadoptiveparentbelievesthe decisiontowithholdconsentisarbitraryandcapricious. MCL710.45(2)(a)MCL710.45(2)(b).
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Section7.2
Note: The Michigan Supreme Court has defined arbitraryandcapriciousas: Arbitrary is [W]ithout adequate determiningprinciple....Fixedorarrivedat through an exercise of will or by caprice, without consideration or adjustment with reference to principles, circumstances, or significance,...decisivebutunreasoned. Capricious is: [A]pt to change suddenly; freakish; whimsical; humorsome. Bundo v Walled Lake, 395 Mich 679, 703, n 17 (1976), quoting United States v Carmack, 329 US 230, 243(1946). Thecourtmustprovidenoticeofthemotiontoallinterestedparties, the prospective adoptees guardian ad litem (if one has been appointed),andtheadoptiveparentwhoisseekingthechildplacing agencys, the DHSs, or the courts consent to adopt. MCL 710.45(5). SeeSection6.3(C)foralistofinterestedparties.
B. Court Determination
The court must grant or deny an adoptive parents motion to determine whether the decision to withhold consent was arbitrary andcapriciouswithin91daysofthemotionsfilingdate,unlessgood cause is shown. MCL 710.45(6). If the court is withholding consent, theadoptiveparentsmotionmustbeheardbyavisitingjudge.MCL 710.45(9). Onceanadoptionpetitionisfiled,thecourtmustdirectanemployee oragentofachildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourttoconducta fullinvestigation.MCL710.46(1).However,afteranadoptiveparent filesbothanadoptionpetitionandamotionchallengingthedecision to withhold consent to adopt, the court may waive or modify the investigation.MCL710.45(6).SeeSection5.3foradetaileddiscussion ofinvestigativereports.
1. Granting or Denying the Motion

The adoptive parent must establish by clear and convincing evidencethatthedecisiontowithholdconsentwasarbitraryand capricious.MCL710.45(7)MCL710.45(8). Whenthecourtdecideswhetherachildplacingagency,theDHS, or the court arbitrarily and capriciously withheld consent, the judge must not substitute his or her judgment for that of the
Section7.2
personoragencywithholdingconsent.InreCotton,208MichApp 180,184(1994).Specifically,theCourtindicated: [T]heclearandunambiguouslanguagetermsofthe statute indicate that the decision of the representativeoftheagencytowithholdconsentto anadoptionmustbeupheldunlessthereisclearand convincing evidence that the representative acted arbitrarily and capriciously. Thus, the focus is not whether the representative made the correct decisionorwhetherthe[judge]wouldhavedecided the issue differently than the representative, but whether the representative acted arbitrarily and capriciouslyinmakingthedecision.... Because the initial focus is whether the representativeactedarbitrarilyandcapriciously,the focusofsuchahearingisnotwhatreasonsexistedto authorizetheadoption,butthereasonsgivenbythe representative for withholding the consent to adoption. That is, if there exist good reasons why consent should be granted and good reasons why consent should be withheld, it cannot be said that therepresentativeactedarbitrarilyandcapriciously in withholding that consent even though another individual,suchasthe[judge],mighthavedecided thematterinfavorofthepetitioner.Rather,itisthe absenceofanygoodreasontowithholdconsent,not the presence of good reasons to grant it, that indicates that the representative was acting in an arbitraryandcapriciousmanner.Id.at184185.
a.
Granting the Motion

If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child placing agencys, the DHSs, or the courts decision to withhold consent was arbitrary and capricious,thecourtmustissueawrittendecision.MCL 710.45(8). The court may also enter any orders it deems appropriate, including orders to terminate the child placingagencys,theDHSs,orthecourtsauthorityover the child and to reimburse the adoptive parent for any applicablecosts.Id.
b.
Denying the Motion

If the adoptive parent fails to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the child placing agencys, the DHSs, or the courts decision to withhold consent was
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Section7.3
arbitraryandcapricious,thecourtmustdenythemotion anddismissthepetitionforadoption.MCL710.45(7).In denying the motion, the court must state the reason for thedenialontherecordorinwriting.MCL710.63.
2. Appealing the Courts Decision

ThecourtsdecisionisappealablebyrighttotheCourtofAppeals. MCL 710.45(10). See Section 7.4 for a detailed discussion of appealingadecisiontotheCourtofAppeals.
7.3
Appealing Subsidy Determination

An adopted child, an adopted childs guardian, or an adoptive parent may appeal a decision made by the DHS regarding a support subsidy, medical subsidy, or nonrecurring adoption expense. MCL 400.115k(1). SeeSection10.6foradetaileddiscussionofadoptiveparentsubsidies. Note: It is the DHSs responsibility to notify the adopted childandadoptiveparentoftheirrighttoappealtheDHSs subsidydetermination.MCL400.115k(2). A guardian may appeal the DHSs decision denying guardianship assistance. MCL722.879.MCL722.879alsopermitsa guardian or child who has received assistance to appeal the DHSs decision to modify or terminate the guardianship assistance. See Section 10.7 for a detailed discussionofguardianshipassistance. The appeal must be conducted according to the Administrative ProceduresAct,MCL24.301etseq.MCL400.115k(1).
A. Petition for Review

To appeal a DHS subsidy determination, an adopted child, a guardian,oranadoptiveparentmustfileapetitionforreviewwithin 60 days of the DHSs final determination. MCL 24.304(1); MCL 400.115k(1). Thepetitionmustcontainaconcisestatementofallofthefollowing: (a)Thenatureoftheproceedingsastowhichreviewis sought. (b)Thefactsonwhichvenueisbased. (c)Thegroundsonwhichreliefissought. (d)Thereliefsought.MCL24.303(3).
Section7.3
AcopyoftheDHSsdeterminationmustbeattachedtothepetition. MCL24.303(4). An adopted child, a guardian, or an adoptive parent must file a petitionforreviewinoneofthefollowingvenues: (1) If the adoptee resides in Michigan, in the county wherethepetitionforadoptionwasfiledortheadoptee isfound. (2) If the adoptee does not reside in Michigan, in the countywherethepetitionforadoptionwasfiled.MCL 400.115k(1)(a)MCL 400.115k(1)(b); MCL 24.303(2)(a) MCL24.303(2)(b). Filingapetitionforreviewdoesnotautomaticallystay enforcement of the DHSs determination. MCL 24.304(1). However, the DHS or the court may grant a stay.Id.
B. DHS Responsibilities
Within 60 days of receiving the petition for review, the DHS must submitanoriginaloracertifiedcopyoftheentirerecord,unlessthe court permits additional time or the parties stipulate to a shortened version of the record. MCL 24.304(2). The court may permit subsequentcorrectionstotherecord.Id. Note:Ifapartyisunreasonablyrefusingtostipulatetoa shortened version of the record, the court may require thatpartytopaytheadditionalfees.MCL24.304(2). The DHS may request leave to present additional evidence. MCL 24.305.Thecourtmustgranttherequestif: (1)Atimelyrequestwasmade; (2) The record was inadequate or the additional evidencewassignificant;and (3) There were good reasons the evidence was not recordedorpresentedintheproceedings.MCL24.305. IftheDHSispermittedtopresentadditionalevidence,theDHSmay modify its findings or determination. MCL 24.305. The additional evidenceandanynewfindingsordeterminationmustbefiledwith thecourtandwillbecomepartoftherecord.Id.
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Section7.3
MCL 710.23 grants the Family Division of the Circuit Court jurisdictiontohearappealsonadoptionsubsidies. Inreviewinganappeal,thecourtmustdosowithoutajuryandlimit itsreviewtowhatisprovidedintherecord.MCL24.304(3).However, the court may take evidence not shown on the record if the appeal involves an alleged irregularity in the DHSs procedures. Id. On a partysrequest,thecourtmustalsohearoralargumentsandreceive writtenbriefs.Id. The court must decide whether the DHSs determination was supportedbycompetent,material[,]andsubstantialevidenceonthe whole record. Russo v Michigan Dept of Licensing & Regulation, 119 MichApp624,630631(1982).InRusso,theCourtdefinedsubstantial evidenceas: The substantial evidence test has been defined as evidence which a reasoning mind would accept as sufficient to support a conclusion. While it consists of more than a mere scintilla of evidence it may be substantially less than a preponderance of the evidence.Id.at631.(Internalcitationsomitted.) Afterthecourtsreview,thecourtmaydoanyofthefollowing: (1)Remandforfurtherproceedings. (2)Remandforthetakingofadditionalevidence. (3) Affirm the DHSs determination (in whole or in part). (4) Reverse the DHSs determination (in whole or in part). (5)ModifytheDHSsdetermination.MCL24.306(2). The court must not substitute its judgment where a DHS determinationissupportedbytherecord.IamsvCivilServiceComm, 142MichApp682,693(1985). However,thecourtmustsetasideaDHSdeterminationwhenanyof the following occur and result in prejudice to the petitioners substantialrights: (1)Theconstitutionwasviolated. (2)Astatutewasviolated.
Section7.4
(3) The DHS acted outside of its authority or jurisdiction. (4) The DHSs determination was based on unlawful procedures, which resulted in material prejudice to a party. (5) The DHSs determination was not supported by competent,material,andsubstantialevidence. (6) The DHSs determination was arbitrary, capricious, or clearly an abuse or unwarranted exercise of discretion. (7) The DHSs determination was impacted by another substantial and material error of law. MCL 24.306(a) MCL24.306(f).
7.4
Appealing to the Michigan Court of Appeals

A brief discussion on filing an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals is contained in this section. For additional information or requirements,seeMCR7.200etseq. Apartyaggrievedbyacourtordermayappealasofrightwithin21days ofentryofthecourtorder.MCL710.65(1).Apetitionermayalsoappeal as of right within 21 days of a courts finding on rehearing or a courts denialofarehearing.Id. Note:AnadoptiveparentisanaggrievedpartyunderMCL 710.65(1) when his or her petition to adopt is denied. In re Draime,356Mich368,371372(1959). Filing an appeal does not stay enforcement of a court order, unless the trial court or the Court of Appeals orders otherwise. MCR 7.209(A)(1). TheCourtofAppealsmayissueastayaftergoodcauseisshownandthe termsaredeemedappropriate.MCL710.65(2). AnappealofacourtorderenteredundertheAdoptionCodemusttake precedence over all other matters in the Court of Appeals, unless the Supreme Court or a specific statutory provision gives another matter priority.MCL710.65(3).
A. Jurisdiction
The Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over an aggrieved partys appeal of right against a court order entered under the Adoption Code.MCR7.203(A)(2);MCL710.65(1).
Section7.4
B. Procedures 1. Appeal of Right

Within21days2afterentryofajudgmentororder,anaggrieved partymustfileanappealofrightwiththeCourtofAppeals.MCR 7.204(A)(1). If an aggrieved party is appealing a parental termination order or an order denying a new trial, rehearing, reconsideration, or other postjudgment relief from a parental termination order, the aggrieved party must file the appeal of rightwithin14days3afterentryoftheterminationorderordenial. Id. Note:Whenanaggrievedpartyisentitledtocourt appointed counsel, and he or she requests the appointment within 14 days after entry of a judgment or order, the 14day period for taking an appealstarts afterentryofcourtappointedcounsel or the order denying the appointment. MCR 7.204(A)(1). To appeal, an aggrieved party must satisfy the requirements of MCR 7.204(B)MCR 7.204(C). If the appealed case involves custody of a minor child, it must be indicated as such in capital lettersintheclaimofappeal.MCR7.204(D)(3).
2. Appeal by Leave
Ifthetimeforfilinganappealofrighthasexpired,anaggrieved partymayfileanapplicationforleavetoappeal(alsoknownasa lateappeal).MCR7.203(B)(5). Anaggrievedpartymustfileanapplicationforleavetoappeala parental termination order within 63 days after entry of the termination order or the order denying rehearing or reconsideration.MCR7.205(F)(6);MCR3.993(C)(2). Appeals from other orders in the family division of circuit court are governed by chapter 7 of the Michigan Court Rules. MCR 3.993(C)(1). Generally, leave to appeal may not be granted if the application for leave to appeal is filed more than 6 months after entry of the judgment or order. MCR 7.205(F)(3). However, that time periodmay be extendedundercertaincircumstances. MCR 7.205(F)(5)states:
2 3
Oranothertimeprovidedbylaw.MCR7.204(A)(1)(d). Oranothertimeprovidedbylaw.MCR7.204(A)(1)(d).
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Section7.4
Notwithstanding the 6month limitation period otherwise provided in [MCR 7.205](F)(3), leave to appealmaybegrantedifapartysclaimofappealis dismissed for lack of jurisdiction within 21 days before the expiration of the 6month limitation period, or at any time after the 6month limitation period has expired, and the party files a late applicationforleavetoappealfromthesamelower court judgment or order within 21 days of the dismissaloftheclaimofappealorwithin21daysof denialofatimelyfiledmotionforreconsideration.A party filing a late application in reliance on this provisionmustnotethedismissalofthepriorclaim of appeal in the statement of facts explaining the delay. Note:Apartyfilingalateapplicationafterthe partysclaimofappealwasdismissedforlack ofjurisdictionmustnotethedismissalofthe priorclaimofappealinthestatementoffacts explainingthedelay.MCR7.205(F)(5). Tofileanapplicationforleavetoappeal,anaggrievedpartymust satisfytherequirementsofMCR7.205(B).
3. Briefs a. Appellants Brief

Theaggrievedparty(appellant)mustfilefivecopiesofa briefwiththeCourtofAppealswithin 28 daysafter the claim of appeal is filed, the order granting leave is certified, or the transcript is filed with the trial court (whichever is later). MCR 7.212(A)(1)(a). On a partys request, the Court of Appeals may extend the 28day period.Id. Note: MCR 7.212(A)(1)(a) specifically indicatesthatanappellantinachildcustody casehas28daystofileabrief.Acustodycase is defined as a domestic relations case in whichthecustodyofaminorchildisanissue, an adoption case, or a case in which the familydivisionofcircuitcourthasenteredan orderterminatingparentalrightsoranorder of disposition removing a child from the childshome[.]MCR7.202(5).
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Section7.4
Withinthe28dayperiod,anaggrievedpartymustserve allotherpartieswithacopyofthebrief,andproofofthat service must be filed with the Court of Appeals. MCR 7.212(A)(1)(b).
b.
Appellees Brief
Within 21 days of receiving the appellants brief, the opposingparty(appellee)mustfilefivecopiesofabrief with the Court of Appeals. MCR 7.212(A)(2)(a). On a partysrequest,theCourtofAppealsmayextendthe28 dayperiod.Id. Note: MCR 7.212(A)(2)(a)(i) specifically indicates that an appellee in a child custody casehas21daystofileabrief.Acustodycase is defined as a domestic relations case in whichthecustodyofaminorchildisanissue, an adoption case, or a case in which the familydivisionofcircuitcourthasenteredan orderterminatingparentalrightsoranorder of disposition removing a child from the childshome[.]MCR7.202(5). Withinthe21dayperiod,anappelleemustserveallother partieswithacopyofthebrief,andproofofthatservice must be filed with the Court of Appeals. MCR 7.212(A)(2)(b).
C. Court Determination 1. Decision on Application for Leave to Appeal

Oralargumentisnotheardonanapplicationforleavetoappeal. MCR7.205(D)(1).Rather,theapplicationisdecidedsolelyonthe documentation filed, and the certified record (in administrative agencyappeals).Id. Onanapplicationforleavetoappeal,theCourtofAppealsmay doanyofthefollowing: (1)Granttheapplication. (2)Denytheapplication. (3)Enterafinaldecision. (4)Grantotherrelief. (5)Requestadditionalinformation.
Section7.4
(6)Requireacertifiedstatementofproceedingsand factsfromthetrialcourtoragency.MCR7.205(D)(2). If an application is granted, the application for leave to appeal proceedsasanappealofright.MCR7.205(D)(3).
2. Standard of Review
Therearethreestandardsofappellatereviewapplicableinchild custodycases.FletchervFletcher,447Mich871,877(1994);Shulickv Richards,273MichApp320,323(2006). Theapplicablestandardsare: (1)Questionsoflawinchildcustodycasesaretobe reviewedundertheclearlegalerrorstandard. (2) Findings of fact in child custody cases are to be reviewed under the great weight of the evidence standard. (3)Discretionaryrulingsinchildcustodycasesareto bereviewedundertheabuseofdiscretionstandard. Fletcher,447Michat877.
a.
Clear Legal Error Standard

Court ordersand judgments must be upheld, unless the trial court committed clear legal error on a key issue. MCL 722.28. If a trial court errs in its choice, interpretation, or application of an existing law, it commits clear legal error that the appellate court is requiredtocorrect.Fletcher,447Michat881.
b.
Great Weight of the Evidence Standard

Court ordersand judgments must be upheld, unless the trial court made findings of fact that went against the great weight of the evidence. MCL 722.28. The great weightoftheevidencestandardappliestoallfindingsof fact, and a reviewing court should not substitute its judgment on questions of fact, unless it finds that the evidence clearly preponderate[s] in the opposite direction.Fletcher,447Michat878879.
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Section7.4
c.
Abuse of Discretion Standard

Court ordersand judgments must be upheld, unless the trial court committed a palpable abuse of discretion[.] MCL722.28. AnabuseofdiscretionwasdefinedinSpaldingvSpalding, 355Mich382,384385(1959),asfollows: Thetermdiscretionitselfinvolvestheideaof choice, of an exercise of the will, of a determination made between competing considerations.Inordertohaveanabusein reachingsuchdetermination,theresultmust be so palpably and grossly violative of fact andlogicthatitevidencesnottheexerciseof willbutperversityofwill,nottheexerciseof judgment but defiance thereof, not the exercise of reason but rather of passion or bias. TheMichiganSupremeCourt,inMaldonadovFordMotor Co,476Mich372,388(2006),rejectedtheSpaldingCourts definitionandchosetoadoptthefollowing: InPeoplevBabcock,469Mich247,269(2003), this Court noted that an abuse of discretion standardmustbeonethatismoredeferential thanreviewdenovo,butlessdeferentialthan the standard set forth in Spalding v Spalding, 355 Mich 382 (1959). [The Babcock] Court stated that an abuse of discretion standard acknowledges that there will be circumstancesinwhichtherewillbenosingle correct outcome; rather, there will be more thanonereasonableandprincipledoutcome. TheBabcockCourtfurthernotedthat[w]hen the trial court selects one of these principled outcomes, the trial court has not abused its discretion and, thus, it is proper for the reviewing court to defer to the trial courts judgment. [An abuse of discretion occurs, however, when the trial court chooses an outcomefallingoutsidethisprincipledrange of outcomes.] While Babcock dealt with a criminal sentencing issue, we prefer the articulation of the abuse of discretion standard in Babcock to the Spalding test and, thus, adopt it as the default abuse of
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discretion standard. Maldonado, 476 Mich at 388.(Internalcitationsomitted.) However,theCourtofAppealsinShulickvRichards,273 MichApp320,324(2006),recognizedthattheMaldonado Court merely set a default standard, but that another formulation could exist. The Court found that an exceptiontotheMaldonadoCourtsdefaultstandard,one thatmoreappropriatelyfitwithchildcustodycases,was thehigherstandardsetbytheSpaldingCourt.Specifically, theCourtconcluded: Notably, by characterizing the principled outcomes standard as the default standard, Maldonado recognized that another formulation could exist. Accordingly, a defaultabuseofdiscretionstandardofreview isanassumedorassignedstandardofreview unless the law instructs otherwise. Fletcher v Fletcher, 447 Mich 871 (1994), has instructed otherwisewithrespecttoMCL722.28. In Fletcher, our Supreme Court interpreted thestandardsofreview enumerated inMCL 722.28.Withrespecttothepalpableabuseof discretion standard set forth in the statute, Fletcher concluded that the Legislatures reference to palpable, the same word this CourtusedinSpalding,manifestsitsintentto adopt a high standard of review not significantly unlike the Spalding standard. The implication is that when the Legislature wrote MCL 722.28, it did so with the knowledge of Spalding and purposefully employedawordusedbytheSpaldingCourt, therebysignalingitsadoptionofthestandard asarticulatedinSpalding.Longstandingrules of statutory construction indicate that the Legislatures intent must prevail regardless of any conflicting rule of statutory construction. Indeed, [i]t is a well establishedprincipleofstatutoryconstruction that the Legislature is presumed to act with knowledge of statutory interpretations by Michigansappellatecourts. Given Fletchers focus on the similarity in language between Spalding and MCL 722.28 andhowthisinformsoflegislativeintent,the
Section7.5
Fletcherformulationoftheabuseofdiscretion applies here. Shulick, 273 Mich App at 324 325.(Internalcitationsomitted.)
7.5
Appeals to the Michigan Supreme Court

AbriefdiscussiononfilinganappealwiththeMichiganSupremeCourt iscontainedinthissection.Foradditionalinformationorrequirements, seeMCR7.300etseq. A partymayapply for leavetoappeal tothe MichiganSupreme Court duringthependencyofacaseorfromadecisionmadeintheCourtof Appeals. MCR 7.301(A)(2). A party filing for leave to appeal to the SupremeCourtmustcomplywiththeapplicablerequirementsinMCR 7.302(A),(C),and(D). Apartyappealingaparentalterminationordermustfiletheapplication forleavetoappealwithin28days: aftertheclerkmailsnoticeofanorderenteredbytheCourt ofAppeals,or aftertheopinionappealedfromisfiled,or aftertheclerkmailsnoticethatatimelyfiledmotionfiledfor rehearingwasdenied.MCR7.302(C)(2). TheSupremeCourtwillnotacceptlateapplications.MCR7.302(C)(3). Onreceiptofanapplicationforleavetoappeal,theSupremeCourtmay: (1)Granttheapplication. (2)Denytheapplication. (3)Enterafinaldecision. (4)Issueaperemptoryorder.MCR7.302(H)(1). Oralargumentsarenotheardonapartysapplicationforleavetoappeal, unlesstheSupremeCourtordersotherwise.MCR7.302(H)(1). IftheSupremeCourtgrantsapartysapplicationforleavetoappeal,the appealisdeemedpendingintheSupremeCourtonly.MCR7.302(H)(2). However,iftheSupremeCourtdeniesapartysapplication,theCourtof Appeals decision is the final adjudication and may be enforced. MCR 7.302(H)(3).
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7.6
Rescission of Stepparent Adoption

In a stepparent adoption, an adult adoptee and his or her parent may petitionthecourttoterminateastepparentsparentalrightsandreinstate theparentsparentalrights.MCL710.66(1).
A. Petition Requirements
To terminate a stepparents parental rights and reinstate a parents parentalrights,theadopteeandparentmustfilearescissionpetition in the county where the stepparent adoption order was entered.4 MCL710.66(1). Arescissionpetitionmustbeverifiedbybothpetitionersandcontain allofthefollowinginformation: (1)Petitionerscurrentnames. (2)Adopteesbirthname. (3)Adopteesadoptednameimmediatelyafteradoption ifdifferentfromtheadopteescurrentname. (4)Parentsnameatthetimeofparentaltermination. (5)Adopteesbirthplaceanddateofbirth. (6)Petitionerscurrentaddresses. (7) Custodial parents name, birthplace, and date of birth(ifknown). (8) Stepparents name at the time of adoption order (includingmaidenname,ifapplicable). (9)Stepparentsbirthplaceanddateofbirth(ifknown). MCL710.66(2). The petitioners must serve notice of the rescission petition to all interested parties. MCL 710.66(4). The interested parties in a rescissionpetitionareallofthefollowing: (1)Thepetitioners. (2)Theadultadopteesstepparent. (3) The spouse of the parent who is requesting reinstatementofparentalrights.
4 See SCAO form PCA 349, Petition for Rescission of Adoption and Order, at http://courts.mi.gov/scao/
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(4) If the adoptee is an Indian child, in addition to the parties listed above, the childs tribe and Indian custodian (if applicable), or where the Indian childs parent, Indian custodian, or tribe is unknown, the Secretary of the Interior.5 MCL 710.24a(4); MCR 3.800(B)(1)MCR3.800(B)(2).
B. Hearing Requirements
Oncethecourtreceivesarescissionpetitionandnoticehasbeensent toallinterestedparties,itmustconductahearing.MCL710.66(4).At the courts discretion, it may order an employee or agent to investigateeachpetitioner.MCL710.66(4). Priortoapetitionhearing,theadopteeandparentmustfileacopyof theadopteesnewbirthcertificatewiththecourt(iftheDepartmentof PublicHealthissuedanewbirthcertificate).MCL710.66(3).Thebirth certificatemaybeincludedwiththerescissionpetitionwhenfiledor filed later. Id. See Section 6.5(B) for more information on new birth certificates.
Thecourtmayenterarescissionorderterminatingthestepparents parentalrightsandreinstatingtheparentsrights.MCL710.66(4).The rescission of a stepparent adoption becomes effective once the rescissionorderisentered.Id. After a rescission order is entered, each petitioner must receive a certifiedcopyoftheorder.MCL710.66(5).TheDepartmentofPublic Health must also receive a copy of the rescission order and an adoptionreport.Id.SeeSection6.5(B)(1)foradetaileddiscussionof adoptionreports. Oncetherescissionorderisentered,theadopteeresumeshisorher placeasanheirofhisorherparentandofthelinealandcollateral kindred of that parent. MCL 710.66(6). The adoptee is no longer a stepparents heir, unless a right, title, or interest vested before the rescissionorderwasentered.Id.
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7.7
Dissolution of an Adoption
There is no statutory authority that provides for revocation of an adoptionorder.InreBellsEstate,310Mich394,397(1945).However,the courtmaydissolveanadoptionifallofthefollowingaremet: (1) The biological parents express a desire to readopt their child. (2)Theadoptiveparentsarewillingtorevoketheadoption. (3)Thebiologicalparentsarefitparents. (4) The biological parents could provide the child with a suitablehome.InreBellsEstate,310Michat397398. Although courts are extremely reluctant to disturb an adoption, it may alsooverturnoneifthereissignificantfraud.InreLeach,373Mich148, 152153(1964).
7.8
Reporting Amended, Annulled, or Rescinded Adoption Orders

If the court amends, annuls, or rescinds an adoption order, it must prepareandsendanadoptionreporttotheStateRegistrarsOffice.MCL 333.2829(2). See Section 6.5(B)(1) for a detailed discussion of adoption reports. Theadoptionreportmustcontainallofthefollowing: (a) The facts necessary to identify the original adoption report. (b) The facts amended in the adoption order necessary to properlyamendtheadopteesbirthcertificate. (c) The petitioners current names and addresses. MCL 333.2829(2).
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Page722
Chapter 8: Direct Placement Adoption, Stepparent Adoption, Relative Adoption, and Legal Risk Adoption
8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4
DirectPlacementAdoption .................................................................. 81 StepparentAdoption.......................................................................... 813 RelativeAdoption............................................................................... 819 LegalRiskAdoption ............................................................................ 820
Thischapterdiscussestherequirementsfordirectplacement,stepparent, relative,andlegalriskadoptions.Allfourtypesofadoptionshavemany ofthe samerequirements asany other adoption, except as indicated in this chapter. This chapter is intended to supplement the information providedinotherchapters. This chapter includes a detailed discussion of adoption attorneys and assistance from child placing agencies, and the role of adoption facilitators.
8.1
Direct Placement Adoption

A direct placement adoption occurs when the biological parent or guardian selects an adoptive parent and transfers his or her physical custodyofthechildtotheprospectiveadoptiveparent.MCL 710.22(o). This does not include adoptions where a stepparent or relative is involved. Id. See Section 8.2 for a detailed discussion of stepparent adoptions,andSection8.3foradiscussionofrelativeadoptions. The procedural and documentary requirements for a direct placement adoptionarethesameasthoseforothertypesofadoptions,withafew
Section8.1
exceptions. See Sections 2.52.8. This section discusses the additional proceduralanddocumentaryrequirements. Note: See Appendix A for two sample checklists on direct placement adoptions from the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, Family Division, and the Oakland County Circuit Court,FamilyDivision.
A. Selection of Prospective Adoptive Parent

In a direct placement adoption, the biological parent or guardian must personally select the prospective adoptive parent. MCL 710.23a(2).Theselectionmustnotbedelegated.Id. Note:Theadoptionfacilitatormustallowtheparentor guardian to choose from its entire pool of potential adoptiveparents.MCL722.957(3).SeeSection8.1(B)(2) foradetaileddiscussionofadoptionfacilitators. Afteraprospectiveadoptiveparentisselected,theparentorguardian may directly place the child temporarily or formally with the adoptiveparent.MCL710.23a(1).Althoughaformalplacementneed not be preceded by a temporary placement, a temporary placement will turn into a formal placement once parental rights have been terminatedandthecourtapprovestheplacement.Id.SeeSection5.1 for a detailed discussion of, and the requirements necessary for, a temporaryplacement,andseeSection6.1foradiscussionofaformal placement.
B. Adoption Attorney or Agency Assistance

Inadirectplacementadoption,anattorneyorachildplacingagency must assist a biological parent or guardian in making a temporary placement. MCL 710.23d(1)(b). However, the court may not turn away biological parents or guardians because they represent themselves.Const1963,art1,13. The attorney representing a party in a direct placement adoption mustbeanadoptionattorney.1MCL710.55a(1).However,anattorney orlawfirmmustnotrepresentboththebiologicalparentorguardian andtheprospectiveadoptiveparent.Id.
1InOAG,1995,No6844(April6,1995)theAttorneyGeneralfoundthattheadditionalrequirementsfor
adoptionattorneyssetforthintheAdoptionCodeandtheFosterCareandAdoptionServicesActviolated the Michigan Constitution. Since the amendment of MCL 710.22(b) in 2004 eliminated the additional requirementsforadoptionattorneysandthereferencetoMCL722.955,theAttorneyGeneralopinionisno longerapplicable.
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Anadoptionattorneyisanattorneyactingascounselinanadoption proceedingorcase.MCL710.22(b). A child placing agency is a private organization licensed under the ChildCareOrganizationsAct,MCL722.111etseq.,toplacechildren for adoption. MCL 710.22(k). The Adoption Code does not prevent theagencyfromrepresentingboththebiologicalparentorguardian andtheadoptiveparent.However,theagencyshoulddisclosethefact totheparties,andshouldassignaseparatecaseworkerforeachparty.
1. Minor Parent
Before a consent or release is executed or parental rights are terminated, the adoption attorney or child placing agency must provideanunrepresentedminorparentinadirectplacementan opportunity to meet with an attorney, unrelated to the adoption proceedings,todiscussthelegalramifications.MCL710.55a(2).
2. Adoption Facilitator
Achildplacingagencyoranadoptionattorneyisalsoknownas anadoptionfacilitator.MCL722.952(d). Whenthebiologicalparentorguardianisselectingaprospective adoptive parent, the adoption facilitator must give the parent or guardian the option of selecting from its entire pool of suitable potential adoptive parents. MCL 722.957(3). See Section 5.2(B)(3) formoreinformationondeterminationofsuitability. Theadoptionfacilitatormustprovidethefollowingservicesand informationwithoutcosttothebiologicalparentorguardian,or prospectiveadoptiveparent: (1)Adoptionservices,MCL722.956(1)(a). (2) Pamphlets, written documentation, and information on the adoption process, MCL 722.956(1)(b)MCL722.956(1)(c),MCL722.956(1)(e). (3)Assurancesthattheprospectiveadoptiveparents are completing an orientation program, MCL 722.956(1)(d). (4)Conferenceswithprospectiveadoptiveparentsto reviewanddiscusspertinentadoptioninformation, MCL722.956(1)(g).MCL722.956(2).
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Section8.1
a.
Adoption Services
An adoption facilitator must provide its clients with adoptionservices,postadoptionservices,andreferralsto communityresources.MCL722.956(1)(a). Note: For a list of adoption support groups, seehttp://www.mare.org/Links.html. Theadoptionfacilitatormustdiscusstheimportanceand availability of counseling to all parties involved in the adoption. MCL 722.956(1)(a). The adoption facilitator mustalsoexplaintotheadoptiveparentthatheorsheis required to pay for the biological parents or guardians counseling, unless the biological parent or guardian waivescounseling.Id. Note: MCL 710.54(5) requires the adoptive parent to pay for the biological parents or guardians counseling. See Section 10.2 for a detailed discussion of compensation for adoptiveservices. A prospective adoptive parent may not be refused services based solely on his or her age, race, religious affiliation, disability, or income level. MCL 722.957(1). However, religious affiliation may be considered when the adoption facilitator is a private placing agency operated, supervised, or controlled by a religious institutionororganization.MCL722.957(2).
b.
Pamphlets and Written Documentation

The DHS must prepare and distribute to adoption facilitators, prospective adoptive parents, and other interestedpersonsapamphletthatdescribestheadoption processandtheadoptionassistanceandmedicalsubsidy programs that are available2. MCL 400.115m(1). The adoptionfacilitatormustprovidethepamphlettoanyone whoinquiresaboutadoptionservices.MCL722.956(1)(b). Theadoptionfacilitatormustreviewthepamphletwitha client, make sure he or she understands the alternatives availableintheadoptionprocess,andmakesurethathe orsheknowshowtoaccess:
2SeetheDHSpublication,AdoptingaChildinMichigan,athttp://michigan.gov/documents/dhs/DHSPUB
0823_221566_7.pdf.
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(1) The DHS directory of available children foradoption.SeeMCL722.958. (2)TheDHS registryofadoptivehomes.See MCL722.958. (3) The DHS public information forms on adoption facilitators. MCL 722.956(1)(b)(i) MCL 722.956(1)(b)(iii). See Section 8.1(B)(2)(e). Theadoptionfacilitatormustalsoprepareanddistribute to anyone who inquires about services a document that containsallofthefollowing: (i) Types of adoptions the adoption facilitatorhandles. (ii) A description of the services that the adoptionfacilitatorprovides. (iii) A description of services that are availablebyreferral. (iv) Eligibility requirements the adoption facilitatorhasforadoptivefamilies,ifany. (v) If the adoption facilitator is a child placingagency,theprocedureused,orrange of options the agency offers, for selecting a prospective adoptive parent for a child, including the role of the childs parent or guardianintheselectionprocess. (vi) The extent to which the adoption facilitatorpermitsorencouragestheexchange of identifying information3 or contact betweenbiologicalandadoptiveparents. (vii) A description of postfinalization servicesthattheadoptionfacilitatorprovides, ifany. (viii)Ascheduleofallfeesthattheadoption facilitatorchargesforadoptionservices.4 (ix) A statement that each party to an adoption has a right to independent
3 4
SeeSection6.2(B)foralistofidentifyinginformation. SeeSection10.2forinformationoncompensationforadoptionservices.
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Section8.1
representation by an attorney and that 1 attorney may not represent both the biological parents or guardian and the prospective adoptive parents. MCL 722.956(1)(c)(i)MCL722.956(1)(c)(ix). Unless the information is restricted, the adoption facilitator must provide a prospective adoptive parent with the adoptees nonidentifying information, petitions for each of the childs placements, and all case service plans concerning the child.5 MCL 722.956(1)(e)(i)MCL 722.956(1)(e)(iii). Before the preadoptive or adoptive placement, the adoption facilitator must provide the prospectiveadoptiveparentwithwrittenverificationthat allof theinformation described in MCL722.956(1)(e)(i) MCL722.956(1)(e)(iii)wasprovided.MCL722.956(1)(f).
c.
Orientation
The adoption facilitator must make sure that each prospective adoptive parent completes an orientation program that meets the DHS requirements. MCL 722.956(1)(d).
d.
Conference
Atorbeforetheadopteespreadoptiveplacementwithan adoptive parent, the adoption facilitator must hold a conference with the prospective adoptive parent. MCL 722.956(1)(g). During the conference, the adoption facilitatormust: (1) Review and discuss the adoptees nonidentifyinginformation,petitionsforeach ofthechildsplacements,andallcaseservice plans concerning the child. See MCL 722.956(1)(e)(i)(iii) (2) Disclose the adoptees medical and psychologicalneeds. (3)Prepareandprovidealistoftheadoptees medical and psychological needs identified duringtheconference. (4) Prepare a written verification for the adoption facilitator and the prospective
SeeChapter9foradetaileddiscussionofaccessrestrictionsandnonidentifyinginformation.
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Section8.1
adoptive parent to sign verifying that the conference was held, and provide a copy to the adoptive parent. MCL 722.956(1)(g)(i) MCL722.956(1)(g)(iv).
e.
Primary Adoption Facilitators Filing of Public Information Forms

The primary adoption facilitator must file a completed public information form within 10 days of entry of the adoptionorder.MCL722.124c(1). Note: MCL 722.124c does not apply to stepparent, relative, or consent adoptions. MCL722.124c(2). MCL722.124b(d)definesaprimaryadoptionfacilitatoras the adoption facilitator in an adoption who files the court documents on behalf of the prospective adoptive parent. MCL 722.124b(e) defines a public information form as a form completed by a primary adoption facilitator and maintainedinacentralclearinghousebythedepartment of social services for distribution pursuant to [MCL 722.124d] to individuals seeking information about adoption. It is the DHSs responsibility to develop the public information form used for reporting the following nonconfidentialinformation: (1) The primary adoption facilitators name andaddress. (2) Whether it was a direct or agency placement. (3)Whetheritwasanintrastate,interstate,or internationaladoption.SeeSection4.3(C)for information on interstate adoptions, and Section 4.3(D) for information on internationaladoptions. (4)Thenameofthechildplacingagencyand individual who performed the preplacement assessment or investigation, and the cost of the assessment or investigation. See Section 5.2(B) for information on preplacement
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Section8.1
assessments, and Section 5.3 for information oninvestigativereports. (5) The name of the counseling agency and counselorwhoperformedcounselingservices for the biological parent, the guardian, the adoptee, and the adoptive parent, and the number of hours and cost of the counseling servicesperformed. (6)Thetotalamountanadoptiveparentpaid for the biological parents or adoptees hospital,nursing,orpharmaceuticalexpenses incurredduringtheadopteesbirthorforany illnessoftheadoptee. (7)Thetotalamounttheadoptiveparentpaid forabiologicalmotherslivingexpenses. (8)Thetotalamounttheadoptiveparentpaid for the compilation of nonidentifying information. See Section 9.3 for information on the collection of nonidentifying information, and Section 9.6 for information onthereleaseofnonidentifyinginformation. (9) The name of the adoptive parents attorney, number of hours, and total cost of services performed in connection with the adoption. (10) The name of the biological parents attorney, number of hours, and total cost of services performed in connection with the adoption. (11) The name of the child placing agency assisting the biological parent or adoptive parent, and the cost of the services performed. (12) The total amount the adoptive parent paid for the biological parents travel expenses. (13) Any fees or expenses the court did not permit.SeeSection10.2(C). (14) The total amount the adoptive parent paidfortheadoption.
Section8.1
(15) Any special circumstances that resulted in the adoption costs being higher than normallyexpected.MCL722.124d(1)(a)MCL 722.124d(1)(o). The public information form must also contain a detachable section used for reporting the following confidentialinformation: (1)Eachbiologicalparentsage,sex,andrace. (2)Theadopteesage,sex,andrace. (3)Eachadoptiveparentsage,sex,andrace. (4)Thecountywherethefinaladoptionorder wasentered. (5)Theadopteescounty,state,andcountryof origin. (6)Eachbiologicalparentslegalresidence. (7)Eachadoptiveparentslegalresidence. (8) The date of first contact between the biological parent and the primary adoption facilitator. (9) The date of first contact between the adoptive parent and the primary adoption facilitator. (10) The date the temporary placement was made, if applicable. See Section 5.1 for informationontemporaryplacements. (11)Thedatetheformalplacementwasmade. See Section 6.1 for information on formal placements. (12)Thedatethecourtfinalizedtheadoption order.MCL722.124d(2). The primary adoption facilitator must file the public informationformwithin10daysofentryoftheadoption order. MCL 722.124c(1). The public information form must be authenticated through the primary adoption facilitators verification under oath, or the form must indicate immediately above the facilitators signature that,Ideclarethatthispublicinformationformhasbeen
Section8.1
examinedbymeandthatitscontentsaretruetothebest ofmyinformation,knowledge,andbelief.Id. ThecourtmustforwardoneofthefollowingtotheDHS within15daysofentryoftheadoptionorder: (1) The primary adoption facilitators completedandfiledpublicinformationform on which the court has filled in any missing information contained in court records to which the primary adoption facilitator did nothaveaccess.SeeMCL710.58a(2). (2) Without a primary adoption facilitators completed form, a public information form the court completed with the primary adoption facilitators name and the information required under MCL 722.124d. MCL710.58a(1). The DHS must accept and maintain in a central clearinghousethecompletedpublicinformationformsfor eachcompletedadoptioninMichigan.6MCL722.124d(4). Any interested individual may submit a request to the DHS for information on adoption facilitators serving particular counties. MCL 722.124d(4). Upon request, the DHS must provide information on adoption facilitators gathered from public information forms. Id. See MCL 722.124d(4) for more information on requests for informationonadoptionfacilitators.
C. Exchange of Information
Prior to a direct placement, the prospective adoptive parent, the adoption attorney, or the child placing agency must provide the biologicalparentorguardianwith: (1) Specific information contained in the preplacement assessment about the prospective adoptive parent. See Section 5.2(B) for information contained in preplacementassessments. (2) Any additional information the parent or guardian requests.MCL710.23a(3).
SinceJuly1,1995.
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Section8.1
However, the biological parent or guardian is not entitled to identifying information, unless the parent or guardian and the adoptive parent decide to exchange the information or meet one another. MCL 710.23a(3). See Section 6.2(B) for a list of identifying information. The biological parent or guardian must compile a list of all the nonidentifyinginformation. MCL710.27(1). Prior to placingthe child for adoption, the prospective adoptive parent must receive the nonidentifying information. Id. See Section 6.2(A) for a list of nonidentifyinginformation. The biologicalparent orguardianmust also compile alist of all the identifyinginformation.MCL710.27(3).Theidentifyinginformationis notprovidedtotheprospectiveadoptiveparent,unlesstheparentor guardianandtheprospectiveadoptiveparentdecidetoexchangethe informationormeetoneanother.MCL710.27(7). Note:Whenthepartieselectnottoexchangeidentifying information, see the SCAO form PCA 340, Statement of Identifying Information, at http://courts.mi.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca340.pdf. The biological parent or guardian must transfer to the court all nonidentifying and identifying information compiled for a direct placementbeforeparentalrightscanbeterminated.MCL710.27(4). The child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must maintain the compilednonidentifyingandidentifyinginformation.MCL710.27(4). See Chapter 9 for a detailed discussion of recordkeeping requirementsandreleaseofinformation.
D. Required Additional or Different Documentation

In general, direct placements have the same documentary requirementsasanyotheradoption.However,specificprovisionsof theAdoptionCodealtersomeoftherequirementswhentheadoption isadirectplacementadoption.
1. Verified Statements
In order to ensure that the persons or agencies involved in an adoptionhavecompliedwiththeconsiderationprovisionsofthe Adoption Code, MCL 710.54 and MCL 710.55, the persons and agencies involved in an adoption are required to file verified accounting statements with the court. See MCL 710.54(7). See Section10.4foradetaileddiscussionofreportingandaccounting requirements.
Section8.1
Theparentorguardianmustsignaverifiedaccountingstatement atthetimeareleaseorconsentfordirectplacementisfiledwith thecourt.7MCL710.29(5);MCL710.44(5).SeeSection10.4(D)fora detailed discussion of the parents or guardians verified accountingstatement. MCL 710.54(7) requires the attorney for each petitioner and the attorneyforeachparentorguardiantofileaverifiedaccounting statement at least seven days prior to a formal placement. In a directplacement,theattorneyforeachpetitionerandeachparent of the adopted child must also include an acknowledgment that the attorney is an adoption attorney. See Section 10.4(B) for a detaileddiscussionoftheattorneysverifiedaccountingstatement.
2. Adoption Petition
Inordertoadoptachild,theadoptiveparentmustfileapetition for adoption. MCL 710.24(1). See Section 6.3 for a detailed discussionofpetitionrequirements. In a direct placement adoption where the parties elect not to exchangeidentifyinginformation,thepartiesmayomitfromthe adoptionpetitionthebiologicalparentsnamesandaddressesor the guardians name and address, and the adoptees name and address.8 MCL 710.24(7). The attorney or child placing agency assisting in the adoption must file a verified statement that includestheomittedinformation.Id.
3. Preplacement Assessment
In a direct placement adoption, an individual seeking to adopt may request, at any time, that a child placing agency prepare a preplacement assessment. MCL 710.23f(1). The requesting individualdoesnotneedtohavelocatedapotentialadopteewhen therequestismadeorcompleted,noristherequestingindividual limitedtoonepreplacementassessmentrequest.MCL710.23f(2), (3). Once requested, the requesting individual may ask the child placingagencytostoptheassessment.MCL710.23f(3).SeeSection 5.2(B)foradetaileddiscussionofpreplacementassessments.
See SCAO form PCA 338, Statement to Accompany Release, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca338.pdf, and SCAO form PCA 339, Statement to Accompany Consent in Direct Placement,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca339.pdf.
8 See SCAO form PCA 301a, Petition for Direct Placement Adoption, at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/ courtforms/adoptions/pca301a.pdf.
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Section8.2
The petitioner in a direct placement adoption must attach the followingtoanadoptionpetition: (1) A copy of the preplacement assessment with a findingofsuitabilitythatwascompletedorupdated withinoneyearoffilingtheadoptionpetition. (2) Copies of all the petitioners preplacement assessments, if any more exist, or a verified statement indicating that no more preplacement assessmentsexist. (3)Anexplanationforanyincompletepreplacement assessments. (4)Ifthepetitionerisseekingreviewofafindingof unsuitability, the petitioner mustalsoattach acopy ofthepreplacementassessmentandapplicationfor review.MCL710.24(6).SeeSection5.2(B).
4. Counseling Services
Inadirectplacementadoption,thepetitionermustalsoattachto thepetitionaverifiedstatementcertifyingthatheorshehasbeen informedoftheavailabilityofcounselingservicesandhasorhas notreceivedcounseling.MCL710.24(5).
E. Supervision of Placement
Beforetheadoptionorderisenteredinadirectplacementadoption,a childplacingagencymustsupervisethechild.MCL710.52(2).During supervision, a child placing agency must investigate the child at reasonable intervals and under reasonable circumstances, and complete a report on the childs adjustment to the adoptive parents home.MCL710.51(1).
8.2
Stepparent Adoption
Theuniquenatureofastepparentadoptionrequiresdifferentprocedures for the adoption process. The following section outlines the required proceduresforstepparentadoptionscontainedintheAdoptionCode. Note: See Appendix A for the following instructions and checklistsusedinvariouscountiesforstepparentadoptions: Instructions to Attorney for Stepparent, Relative or Adult Adoption Petitions, Oakland County Circuit Court,FamilyDivision,AdoptionServices.
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Section8.2
Stepparent Adoptions, Oakland County Circuit Court, FamilyDivision,AdoptionServices. StepParentPetitiontoIDF/TerminateRights,Kalamazoo CountyCircuitCourt,FamilyDivision. StepParent Placement Checklist, Kalamazoo County CircuitCourt,FamilyDivision. StepParent/SupplementalNonCustodial Checklist, KalamazooCountyCircuitCourt,FamilyDivision. Astepparentadoptionoccurswhenthecustodialparentmarriesandhis orherspousepetitionstoadoptthecustodialparentschild,requesting termination of the noncustodial parents parental rights and formal placement.9 MCL 710.23a(4); MCL 710.51(6). See Section 6.1 for informationonformalplacements. Note: The conditions for placing a child contained in MCL 710.41donotapplyinstepparentadoptions.MCL710.41(4). Thenoncustodialparentmaybeanyoneofthefollowing: (1)Adivorcedparent; (2)Afatherthathasacknowledgedpaternity,seeSection3.3; or (3) A putative father who has an established custodial relationship with his child or has provided regular support or care to the mother or child, see Section 2.9(B)(2). MCL 710.51(6).
A. Noncustodial Parents Consent to Adoption

Anoncustodialparentmayconsenttoastepparentadoptionofhisor herchild.MCL710.43(7).Thecourtmustterminatethenoncustodial parents parental rights if it finds that the consent was genuine and theadoptionisinthechildsbestinterests.MCL710.51(1).SeeSection 2.5forinformationonconsentadoptions. If the custodial parent is married to the petitioner, the custodial parentdoesnotexecuteaconsenttoadoption.MCL710.43(7).
9 See SCAO form PCA 301, Petition for Adoption, at http://courts.mi.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/
pca301.pdf.
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Section8.2
B. Termination of Noncustodial Parents Parental Rights

Aparentsparentalrightstohisorherchildmaybeterminatedinthe course of a stepparent adoption. Here is a brief discussion on terminationofparentalrightspursuanttoastepparentadoption.For adetaileddiscussion,seeSection2.9(C). Where a noncustodial parent does not consent to a stepparent adoption, the court may involuntarily terminate the noncustodial parents parental rights if it finds that the noncustodial parent has failedtoprovidesupportandmaintaincontactwithhisorherchild.10 MCL 710.51(6). The court does not terminate the custodial parents rightsinastepparentadoption.MCL710.51(5). Note: The primary purpose of MCL 710.51(6) is to foster stepparent adoptions in families where the naturalparenthadregularlyandsubstantiallyfailedto supportorcommunicateandvisitwiththechild.Inre Stowe, 162 Mich App 27, 3031 (1987), quoting In re Colon,144MichApp805,810(1985). After the court terminates the noncustodial parents parental rights, the child in a stepparent adoption does not become a ward of the court.MCL710.51(3).
C. Identifying and Nonidentifying Information

Nonidentifying information. Although the compilation of informationdoesnotapplytostepparentadoptions,thereleaseofthe nonidentifyinginformationdoes.MCL710.27(6);MCL710.68(17).See Section9.3foradetaileddiscussionofcompilationofnonidentifying information, and Section 9.6 for a detailed discussion of releasing nonidentifyinginformationunderMCL710.68. Identifying information. Although the compilation of information doesnotapplytostepparentadoptions,thereleaseoftheidentifying informationdoes.MCL710.27(6);MCL710.68(17).SeeSection9.3for a detailed discussion of compilation of identifying information, and Section 9.7 for a detailed discussion of releasing identifying informationunderMCL710.68.
10SeeSCAOformPCA319,OrderPlacingChild(StepparentAdoption),athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/
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Section8.2
D. Grandparent Visitation
During the pendency of a stepparent adoption, the parent of a biologicalparentmayseekanorderforvisitationwiththeadopteeas providedinMCL722.27b. Note: Entry of a stepparent adoption order does not prohibit a court from entering an order for grandparentingtime.MCL710.60(3).
1. Circumstances In Which Grandparent May Seek Grandparenting Time

Achildsgrandparentmayseekgrandparentingtimeunderoneor moreofthefollowingcircumstances: (1) The childs parents filed for divorce, separate maintenance,oranannulmentthatispendingbefore thecourt. (2) The childs parents are divorced, legally separated,orthemarriagewasannulled. (3) The childs parent is deceased, and it is the decedentsparentseekingtheorder. (4) The childs parents never married nor resided together, but paternity was established through an acknowledgmentofparentage,anorderoffiliation, orbycourtorder.SeeChapter3. (5) The child does not reside with his or her biologicalparents,nordothebiologicalparentshave custodyoverthechild. Note: Ordinarily, a childs preadoption placement or adoption terminates a grandparents right to seek grandparenting time. MCL 722.27b(13); In re Keast, 278 Mich App415,436(2008). (6) The grandparent provided the child with an establishedcustodialenvironmentforatleastayear, regardless of whether the grandparent had court orderedcustody.SeeMCL722.27. (7) In a stepparent adoption, a deceased parents parent may seek grandparenting time. MCL 722.27b(1)(a)MCL722.27b(1)(f);MCL722.27b(13).
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Note:SeeJonesvSlick,242MichApp715,725 (2000),wheretheCourtofAppealsheldthat the plain reading of MCL 722.27b(1) in conjunction with MCL 710.60(3) did not terminate the rights of a deceased parents parent to seek grandparenting time in a stepparentadoption.
2. Constitutionality of MCL 722.27b

MCL 722.27b was amended in 2004 after the Court of Appeals found that the statute as written unconstitutionally failed to affordanydeferencetothecustodialparentsdecision[.]DeRose vDeRose,249MichApp388,395(2002),affd469Mich320(2003). AftertheDeRoseCourtfoundMCL722.27btobeunconstitutional, theCourtofAppealsinJohnsonvWhite,261MichApp332(2004), concludedthattheunconstitutionalityofMCL722.27bshouldbe retroactivelyapplied. Note: Prior to the DeRose Courts decision, the United States Supreme Court found a Washington nonparentalvisitationstatuteunconstitutionalwhen it infringed on the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and controloftheirchildren.TroxelvGranville,530US57, 6476 (2000). However, the United States Supreme Court left open the possibility that a nonparental visitation statute could be constitutionally framed. SeeTroxel,530USat73. ThefollowingcasesdiscusstheconstitutionalityofMCL722.27b afterthe2004amendment.
BrinkleyvBrinkley,277MichApp23(2007)
Grandparents due process and equal protection rights were not violated where the grandparents petition for visitation was dismissed under MCL 722.27b(5) after both fit parents opposed visitation. In Brinkley, the trial court dismissed the maternal grandparentspetitionforvisitationwherebothparentssubmitted affidavits opposing an order for grandparenting time. In appealingthedecision,thegrandparentsassertedthatdismissalof their petition violated their constitutional rights to equal protectionandbothsubstantiveandproceduraldueprocess. Nosubstantive due process violation. Because grandparents do not have a constitutionally protected fundamental right to visitationandbecauseMCL722.27b(5)isrationallyrelatedtothe governments legitimate goal of protecting and encouraging a
Section8.2
grandparents relationship with his or her grandchild while preserving a fit parents fundamental right to manage the care, custody,andcontrolofhisorherchild,MCL722.27b(5)doesnot violate a grandparents constitutional right to substantive due process.Brinkley,supraat2934. Noproceduraldueprocessviolation.MCL722.27b(5)sfailureto provide grandparents with a process by which to challenge the affidavitsagainstgrandparentvisitationthatweresubmittedbya childs parents does not violate a grandparents procedural due process rights. The clear purpose of MCL 722.27b(5) is to preclude court action where both parents oppose grandparent visitation, in furtherance of the statutory scheme to defer to parentspreferences,exceptinnarrowlyprescribedcircumstances. This scheme would be altogether thwarted if grandparents were permitted to challenge the weight and credibility of the parents affidavit.Brinkley,supraat34. Noequalprotectionviolation.ThedifferentiationmadeinMCL 722.27b between absolute deference and qualified deference to parents fundamental right to raise their children as they see fit does not violate a grandparents constitutional right to equal protection.AccordingtotheBrinkleyCourt: The ostensible basis for these differing classificationsisthatparentshavetherighttomake decisions concerning their childrens welfare, includingcontactswithgrandparents,unlessspecial circumstances justify state intervention. If the parents donot have anintactrelationship, or if the child of the grandparents is deceased, or if the parents have been found to be unfit, there is a greaterlikelihoodthattheparentswillnotbeableto reach an agreement regarding grandparent visitation, or that they will make decisions not related to their childrens best interests. These concerns are not as prevalent where parents are partners in an intact marriage or domestic partnership, or where fit parents unanimously opposegrandparentingtime.Accordingly,thereisa rationalbasisfordistinguishingbetweentheclassof grandparentswhomayseekcourtintervention,and thosewhomaynot.Brinkley,supraat3536.
KeenanvDawson,275MichApp671(2007)
The fathers due process rights were not violated where the maternal grandparents petition for visitation was granted after the mothers untimely death.11 In Keenan, the Michigan Court of
Section8.3
Appealsheldthatthelowercourtsdecisiontogivethematernal grandparents grandparenting time after the toddlers mothers death did not improperly interfere with the defendantfathers constitutional right to raise his son as he sees fit. In Keenan, the defendant wanted to cut all ties with the maternal grandparents afterthedeathofthetoddlersmother.Id.at672.Thelowercourt concluded that the defendants decision to cut all ties with the maternal grandparents would cause substantial harm to the toddlerduetohismothersuntimelydeathandthelikelihoodof hisinabilitytorememberher.Id.at677.AccordingtotheKeenan Court, [t]hetrialcourtsconclusion,thatvisitationwiththe maternal grandparents will help reduce the substantialriskofemotionalharmandsufferingthat [thetoddler]willexperienceashegrowsolder,was notclearlyerroneous. *** Clearly the trial court complied with [MCL 722.27b(4)], in that it recognized that the burden of proof was on [the grandparents] and that a presumption existed that defendants decision did not cause [the toddler] a substantial risk of harm. After doing so, the trial court concluded that [the grandparents]hadmettheirburdenofproof,and,as we have explained, the evidence supported that conclusion.Keenan,supraat682,685.
8.3
Relative Adoption
The unique nature of a relative adoption requires different procedures for the adoption process. The following section outlines the required proceduresforrelativeadoptionscontainedintheAdoptionCode. Abiologicalparentorguardianwithlegalcustodyofachildmaymakea formal placement of the child for adoption with a relative. MCL 710.23a(4). See Section 2.5 for information on consent adoptions and Section6.1forinformationonformalplacements. Note: See Appendix A for the following instructions and checklistsusedinvariouscountiesforrelativeadoptions:
11
The mothers death was likely the result of foul play, and the grandparents suspected that the defendantfathermurderedher.
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(1) Instructions to Attorney for Stepparent, Relative or Adult Adoption Petitions, Oakland County Circuit Court,FamilyDivision,AdoptionServices. (2) Relative Adoption Requirements, Oakland County CircuitCourt,FamilyDivision,AdoptionServices. (3) Relative Placement Checklist, Kalamazoo County CircuitCourt,FamilyDivision. Arelativeisdefinedasanindividualwhoisrelatedtothechildwithin the fifth degree by marriage, blood, or adoption. MCL 710.22(t). MCL 710.22(y) defines within the fifth degree by marriage, blood, or adoptionasanyofthefollowingrelationships: parent, stepparent, grandparent, stepgrandparent, brother, stepbrother, sister, stepsister, uncle, stepuncle, aunt, stepaunt, first cousin, stepfirst cousin, great aunt, stepgreat aunt, great uncle, stepgreat uncle, great grandparent, stepgreat grandparent, first cousin once removed, stepfirst cousin once removed, great great grandparent,stepgreatgreatgrandparent,greatgreatuncle, stepgreatgreatuncle,greatgreataunt,stepgreatgreataunt, great great great grandparent, or stepgreat great great grandparent. Nonidentifying information. Although the compilation of information does not apply to relative adoptions, the release of the nonidentifying information does. MCL 710.27(6); MCL 710.68(17). See Section 9.3 for a detailed discussion of compilation of nonidentifying information, and Section 9.6 for a detailed discussion of releasing nonidentifying informationunderMCL710.68. Identifyinginformation.Althoughthecompilationofinformationdoes notapplytorelativeadoptions,thereleaseoftheidentifyinginformation does. MCL 710.27(6); MCL 710.68(17). See Section 9.3 for a detailed discussionofcompilationofidentifyinginformation,andSection9.7for a detailed discussion of releasing identifying information under MCL 710.68.
8.4
Legal Risk Adoption

Alegalriskadoptioniswhenthecourtentersanorder12fortermination ofparentalrightsandplacesthechildforadoptionbeforetheexpiration of:
12SeeSCAOformPCA325,NoticetoAdoptingParentsonPendingorPotentialAppeal/Rehearing,athttp:/ /courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca325.pdf.
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(1)The21dayperiodforfilingapetitionforarehearing.See Section7.1. (2)Thefilingofanappealofright.SeeSection7.4. (3)Apendingpetitionforordecisiononarehearing. (4)Apendingappeal.MCL710.41(2). Whenachildisplacedinalegalriskadoption,thechildplacingagency, theDHS,orthecourtmustinformtheprospectiveadoptiveparentthat the adoption petition will not be granted until one of the following occurs: (a)Thepetitionforrehearingisgranted,attherehearingthe orderterminatingparentalrightsisnotmodifiedorsetaside, and subsequently the period for appeal as of right to the courtofappealshasexpiredwithoutanappealbeingfiled. (b) The petition for rehearing is denied and the period for appealasofrighttothecourtofappealshasexpiredwithout anappealbeingfiled. (c)Thereisadecisionofthecourtofappealsaffirmingthe order terminating parental rights. MCL 710.41(2)(a)MCL 710.41(2)(c). A trial court must not grant an adoption petition while an appeal is pendingwithintheCourtofAppealsortheSupremeCourt.InreJK,468 Mich202,219(2003).InInreJK,thetrialcourterroneouslypermittedthe prospectiveadoptiveparenttoadoptthechildunderanatriskadoption while the respondentmothers application for leave to appeal was pending. The Michigan Supreme Court noted that the trial court designated the adoption as an at risk adoption because the adoption order was being entered at the risk of the Supreme Court vacating the termination of parental rights. Id. at 217 n 25. The Supreme Court reversed the order terminating parental rights and invalidated the adoption.Specifically,theCourtheld: ThetrialcourtwaswithoutauthoritytoignorethisCourts appellatejurisdictionbyallowingtheadoptiontotakeplace whileatimelyapplicationforleavetoappealwaspendingin thisCourt....Parentswhoserightshavebeenterminatedby thetrialcourtareentitledtoappellatereviewofthisdecision without that review being compromised by the specter of appellate courts having to undo an adoption as a concomitant act to the granting of relief for those parents. Sucharesultissimplycontrarytothestructureofthejustice systemestablishedbyourconstitutionandlaws.
Section8.4
*** [Therefore,] [i]n order to prevent this situation from recurring,weholdthattrialcourtsarenotpermittedtoallow an adoption of a child whose parents rights have been terminated while the parents appeal of that termination is pending in either the Court of Appeals or in [the Supreme Court].InreJK,supraat217219. However, MCL 710.41 does not prevent a child residing in a licensed fosterhomefrombeingadoptedbythefosterparent.MCL710.41(3). ApersonwhoviolatesMCL710.41,isguiltyofamisdemeanorforafirst violation.MCL710.69.Specifically,MCL710.69states: A person who violates [MCL 710.41] is, upon conviction, guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon any subsequent conviction,isguiltyofafelony.
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Chapter 9: Recordkeeping Requirements and Release of Information
9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8
RestrictionsonAccesstoAdoptionProceedingsRecords ................... 92 DisclosureofBiologicalorAdoptiveParentsNames .......................... 92 CompilingNonidentifyingandIdentifyingInformation ....................... 93 CentralAdoptionRegistry .................................................................... 94 ReleaseoftheChildPlacingAgencys,theDHSs,ortheCourts Identity ................................................................................................ 97 ReleaseofNonidentifyingInformation................................................ 97 ReleaseofIdentifyingInformation....................................................... 98 ConfidentialIntermediaries ............................................................... 919
Thischapterdiscussestherestrictionsonaccesstoadoptionproceedings records, and it explains the differences between nonidentifying and identifyinginformation,howtocompiletheinformation,whomightbe entitledtotheinformation,andtherolethatconfidentialintermediaries play. This chapter also discusses the Department of Human Services (DHS) requirementtocreateandmaintainacentraladoptionregistrytoensure thattheadoptionproceedingsrecordsareproperlymaintained.
9.1
Restrictions on Access to Adoption Proceedings Records

Adoptionproceedingsrecordsandthepapersandbooksrelatingtothe proceedings must be kept in separate locked files and must not be openedtoinspectionorcopying.MCL710.67(1).
Section9.2
However, 21 days after the court enters a final order of adoption, the court: (1) must permit the inspection or copying of adoption recordstothechildrensombudsman1whoisconductingan investigation authorized under the Childrens Ombudsman Act,MCL722.921etseq.;MCL710.67(4). (2)must permit therelease ofnonidentifyinginformationif authorizedunderMCL710.68.SeeSection9.6. (3) may permit the release of identifying information if authorizedunderMCL710.68.SeeSection9.7. (4) may permit a petitioner who files a petition indicating good cause to inspect or copy adoption records. MCL 710.67(1).SeeSection9.7(A)(1)(a)andSection9.7(B). Note: MCL 710.67(1) specifically states that a notice of intent to claim paternity under MCL 710.33(1) and a petition for notice of intent to release or consent filed under MCL 710.34(1) are part of the adoption proceedingsrecords.SeeSection3.4(B)forinformation onthenoticeofintenttoclaimpaternity,Section2.3for information on the notice of intent to release, and Section 2.8 for information on the notice of intent to consent.
9.2
Disclosure of Biological or Adoptive Parents Names

Apersoninchargeofadoptionrecordsmustnotdisclosethebiological oradoptiveparentsnames,unless: (1)Orderedtodosobythecourt. (2) The childrens ombudsman2 is conducting an investigation authorized under the Childrens Ombudsman Act,MCL722.921etseq.;MCL710.67(4). (3) The release of information is authorized under MCL 710.68.SeeSection9.7. (4) The Director of Public Health is creating a new birth certificateintheadoptivenameandsealingtheoriginalbirth
1 2
SeeMCL722.923forinformationonthechildrensombudsman. SeeMCL722.923forinformationonthechildrensombudsman.
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Section9.3
certificate.MCL710.67(2).SeeSection6.5(B)forinformation onnewbirthcertificates.
9.3
Compiling Nonidentifying and Identifying Information

Except in stepparent and relative adoptions, the parent or guardian, a childplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtmustcompilealistofallthe nonidentifyinginformation.MCL710.27(1),(6).Priortoplacingthechild for adoption, the prospective adoptive parent must receive the nonidentifyinginformation.MCL710.27(1). Except in stepparent and relative adoptions, the parent or guardian, a childplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtmustcompilealistofallthe identifyinginformation.MCL710.27(3),(6).Theidentifyinginformationis notprovidedtotheprospectiveadoptiveparent.SeeMCL710.27(1),(3). However, the parent or guardian and the prospective adoptive parent may agree to exchange identifying information in a direct placement adoption. MCL 710.27(7). See Section 8.1 for information on direct placementadoptions. The child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must maintain the compilednonidentifyingandidentifyinginformation.MCL710.27(4).An agent or employee of a child placing agency, the DHS, or a court that intentionally destroys any compiled information is guilty of a misdemeanor.Id. Note:Ifachildplacingagencyclosesdown,theadoptionrecordsmust be forwarded to the DHS. MCL 710.27(5). See http://michigan.gov/dhs/ 0,1607,71245452_7116_712515585,00.html,foralistofclosedagencies andtheDHSofficethatholdsthoseadoptionrecords. Theparentorguardianmusttransferallnonidentifyingandidentifying information compiled for a direct placement to the court before the parentalrightscanbeterminated.MCL710.27(4).
9.4
Central Adoption Registry

TheDHSisrequiredtoestablishandmaintainacentraladoptionregistry to control the release of identifying information. MCL 710.27b. See Section9.3foralistoftheidentifyinginformation. If an Indian child is involved, the DHS must maintain the record for everyIndianchildsfostercare,preadoptive,andadoptiveplacementin thecentraladoptionregistry.25USC1915(e).Eachrecordmustatleast containthepetitionorcomplaint,allsubstantiveordersenteredinthe
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Section9.4
proceeding, and the complete record of the placement determination. BureauofIndianAffairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;IndianChildCustody Proceedings,44FederalRegister67584,G.4(1979). Note:TherecordmustbemadeavailabletotheIndianchilds tribe or the Secretary of the Interior upon request within sevendays.25USC1915(e);GuidelinesforStateCourts,supra atG.4.SeeSection11.4foradetaileddiscussionoftheIndian ChildWelfareActs(ICWA)recordkeepinganddisclosureof informationrequirements.
A. Consent to or Denial of Release of Identifying Information 1. Former Parents

Former parents may file a consent to or denial of the release of identifying information with the central adoption registry. MCL 710.27a(1). The consent or denial may be filed, updated, or revokedatanytime.Id. TheDHSmustcreatetheformstheformerparentsusetoconsent to, deny, or revoke the release of identifying information.3 MCL 710.27b(3). The forms must include the former parents current nameandaddress.Id.Thedenialformmustalsocontainaspace for the former parent to indicate, if desired, the reasons for the denial.Id.Theformsmustbemadeavailabletothechildplacing agencyandthecourt.Id. Note:Thecourtgenerallyprovidestheformstothe former parents at the time the parental rights are terminated. The central adoption registry must keep the former parents consentordenialonfile.MCL710.27b(2).
2. Adult Siblings
An adult former sibling may provide notice of a former parents deathtothecentraladoptionregistry.MCL710.27a(2).Theadult formersiblingmustattachacopyofthedeathcertificateorother evidenceoftheparentsdeathtothenotice.Id. Note:MCL710.22(c)definesanadultformersibling asanindividualwhois18yearsofageorolderand is related to an adult adoptee either biologically or
3 See the DHS form, Parents Consent/Denial to Release Information to Adult Adoptee, at http:// michigan.gov/documents/FIA1919_10574_7.pdf.
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Section9.4
through adoption by at least 1 common parent, regardless of whether the adult former sibling ever livedinthesamehouseholdastheadultadoptee. MCL 710.68(18) defines an adult adoptee as an individual who wasadoptedasachildwhoisnow18yearsofageorolderoran individual who was 18 years of age or older at the time of adoption. Iftheadultformersiblingknowstheadultadopteesbirthname, the former sibling may file a consent to the release of his or her name and address with the central adoption registry. MCL 710.27a(3).Theconsentmaybefiled,updated,orrevokedatany time.Id. The DHS must create the forms the adult former sibling uses to provide notice of a former parents death and to consent to the releaseofhisorhernameandaddresstoanadultadoptee.4MCL 710.27b(3). The forms must include the adult former siblings currentnameandaddressandmustbemadeavailabletothechild placingagencyandthecourt.Id. Thecentraladoptionregistrymustkeeptheadultformersiblings notice of a former parents death and his or her consent to the releaseofinformationonfile.MCL710.27b(2).
B. Clearance Request and Reply Forms

TheDHSmustcreateclearancerequestandreplyformsthatthechild placing agency, the DHS, and the court use to request and receive informationfromthecentraladoptionregistry.MCL710.27b(3).The childplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtmustsubmitaclearance requestformonceitreceivesanadultadopteesrequestfortheformer parents identifying information pursuant to MCL 710.68(5), or the adultformersiblingsnameandaddresspursuanttoMCL710.68(8). Id.
1. Clearance Request For Former Parents Identifying InformationMCL 710.68(5)

When the central adoption registry receives a clearance request form from a child placing agency, the DHS, or the court under MCL710.68(5),5thecentraladoptionregistrymustsend:
See the DHS form, Release of Information to Adult Adoptee by Brother/Sister as Proxy For Deceased Parent,athttp://michigan.gov/documents/FIA1918_10573_7.pdf,andtheDHSform,AdultFormerSibling Statement to Release Information to Adult Adoptee, at http://michigan.gov/documents/ FIA1917_9939_7.pdf.
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(1)Aclearancereplyformindicatingthattheformer parentfiledaconsenttooradenialofthereleaseof identifyinginformation,andacopyoftheconsentor denial,or (2)Astatement indicatingthattheformerparentis deceased.MCL710.27b(4). Ifaformerparentsubmitsastatementconsentingtothereleaseof information or revoking a previous denial after the central adoption registry has received a request for information, the subsequent statement submitted by the former parent must be sent to the agency, the DHS, or the court that requested the information.Id.
2. Clearance Request For Adult Former Siblings Name and AddressMCL 710.68(8)
When the central adoption registry receives a clearance request form from a child placing agency, the DHS, or the court under MCL710.68(8),6thecentraladoptionregistrymustsendtheadult former siblings statement consenting to the release of his or her nameandaddresstotheadultadoptee.MCL710.27b(5). If an adult former sibling submits a statement consenting to the releaseofhisorhernameandaddressafterthecentraladoption registry has received a request for information, the subsequent statement submitted by the adult former sibling must be sent to theagency,theDHS,orthecourtthatrequestedtheinformation. MCL710.27b(5).
9.5
Release of the Child Placing Agencys, the DHSs, or the Courts Identity
MCL 710.68 provides for the release of the child placing agencys, the DHSs,orthecourtsidentity. An adult adoptee, former parent, or adult former sibling may request adoption information from the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court.MCL710.68(3).Iftherequestwasmadetothechildplacingagency ortheDHS,itmustprovidetherequestingindividualwiththeidentityof thecourtthatconfirmedtheadoptionwithin28daysoftherequest.Id. However, if the request was made to the court, it must provide the
5 6
SeeSection9.7(A)(1)foradetaileddiscussionofMCL710.68(5). SeeSection9.7(A)(2)foradetaileddiscussionofMCL710.68(8).
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Section9.6
requestingindividualwiththeidentityofthechildplacingagencythat handledtheadoption.Id. Aformerparentoradultformersiblingmayrequesttheidentityofthe child placing agency, DHS office, or court to which the child was committed.MCL710.68(4).Thecourtthatterminatedtheparentalrights mustprovidetheinformationwithin28daysoftherequest.Id.
9.6
Release of Nonidentifying Information

MCL710.68providesfortherelease of nonidentifyinginformation. See Section6.2(A)foralistofnonidentifyinginformation. Althoughthecompilationofinformationdoesnotapplytostepparentor relative adoptions, the release of the nonidentifying information does. MCL 710.68(17). See Section 9.3 for a discussion of the compilation of nonidentifyinginformation. The child placing agency, the DHS, or the court may charge a fee to supplythenonidentifyinginformation.MCL710.68(19).Thefeemustbe theactualcostofsupplyingtheinformationor$60.00,whicheverisless. Id.Incasesofindigencyorhardship,thechildplacingagency,theDHS, orthecourtmaywaiveallorpartofthefee.Id.
A. Release to Adoptive Parent, Adult Adoptee, Former Parent, or Adult Former Sibling
The adoptive parent, adult adoptee, former parent, or adult former siblingmayrequestthenonidentifyinginformationprovidedinMCL 710.27(1)MCL 710.27(1)(2). MCL 710.68(1). Nonidentifying information must be released upon demand. Id. The child placing agency,theDHS,orthecourthas63daysfromtherequesttoprovide inwritingallofthenonidentifyinginformation.Id.
B. Release to Direct Descendant

Ifanadultadopteeisdeceased,theadopteesdirectdescendantmay request the nonidentifying information. MCL 710.68(20). The child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must release to the direct descendant any information to which the deceased adult adoptee wouldhavebeenentitled.Id.
C. Release to Childrens Ombudsman

A child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must allow the childrensombudsmantoinspectadoptionrecordsinconnectionwith
Section9.7
an investigation authorized under the Childrens Ombudsman Act, MCL722.921etseq.MCL710.68(21).SeeMCL722.923forinformation onthechildrensombudsman. The childrens ombudsman must not disclose any information it obtains.MCL710.68(21).
9.7
Release of Identifying Information

MCL 710.68 provides for the release of identifying information. See Section6.2(B)foralistofidentifyinginformation. Althoughthecompilationofinformationdoesnotapplytostepparentor relativeadoptions,thereleaseoftheidentifyinginformationdoes.MCL 710.68(17). See Section 9.3 for a discussion of the compilation of identifyinginformation. The child placing agency, the DHS, or the court may charge a fee to supplytheidentifyinginformation.MCL710.68(19).Thefeemustbethe actualcostofsupplyingtheinformationor$60.00,whicheverisless.Id. Incasesofindigencyorhardship,thechildplacingagency,theDHS,or thecourtmaywaiveallorpartofthefee.Id. If an employee or agent of a child placing agency, the DHS, or a court intentionally releases any identifying information in violation of MCL 710.68,heorsheisguiltyofamisdemeanor.MCL710.68(16).
A. Release to Adult Adoptee 1. Former Parents Identifying Information

The adultadopteemayrequestidentifyinginformationfromthe child placing agency, the DHS, or the court.7 MCL 710.68(5). However, releasing the identifying information depends on whether the former parent consented to or denied the release of identifyinginformation.Id. Oncethechildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtreceivesthe adultadopteesrequestforidentifyinginformation,itmustsubmit a clearance request form to the central adoption registry.8 MCL 710.68(5). The central adoption registry will respond to the clearancerequestwithaclearancereplyform.Id.Within28days
7 See the DHS form, Request by Adult Adoptee For Identifying Information, at http://michigan.gov/ documents/FIA1925_10575_7.pdf. 8SeetheDHSform,CentralAdoptionRegistryClearance,athttp://www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/RFF/
1921.pdf.
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Section9.7
ofreceivingtheclearancereplyform,thechildplacingagency,the DHS, or the court must notify the adoptee in writing about the informationtowhichheorsheisentitled,orthattheidentifying information cannot be released and the reason why it cannot be released.Id.Thechildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtmust retainacopyofthenoticesenttotheadultadoptee.Id.SeeSection 9.4(B)foradiscussiononclearancerequestandreplyforms.
a.
Termination of Parental Rights Between May 28, 1945, and September 11, 1980MCL 710.68(6)
IftheparentalrightswereterminatedonorafterMay28, 1945, but before September 12, 1980, then the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must release the identifying information to the adult adoptee or to a confidentialintermediary9asfollows: (1)Ifbothformerparentshavefiledconsents or are deceased, all identifying information mustbereleasedtotheadultadoptee. (2)Ifoneformerparenthasfiledaconsentor isdeceased,theadultadopteeisentitledto: (a)Hisorhernamepriortotheadoption placement; (b)Thatformerparentsnameatthetime parentalrightswereterminated; (c) That former parents current name andaddress;and (d) The name(s) of his or her biological sibling(s) at the time of parental rights termination. (3) If a confidential intermediary can prove his or her appointment, the confidential intermediary is entitled to all identifying information and any additional information toassisttheintermediaryinlocatingaformer family member. MCL 710.68(6)(a)MCL 710.68(6)(d). Note:Atitsdiscretion,thechildplacing agency or the DHS may release the identifying information to the court for
SeeSection9.8foradetaileddiscussionofconfidentialintermediaries.
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release to the confidential intermediary. MCL710.68(6)(e). InInreDixon,116MichApp763,767(1982),theCourtof Appeals indicated that the purpose of MCL 710.68 was so that when all parties mutually consent to release identifying information, no other requirements need be met. However, when the adoption record contains no indicationofthebiologicalparentsdesires,thebiological parents identifying information may be released if the courtfindsgoodcause.InreDixon,116MichAppat767 768. On a petition for inspection or copying of adoption records,theadultadopteemustshowgoodcauseforthe inspection or copying request. MCL 710.67(1). The court may order a notice and hearing on the petition, or expressly permit the former parent or adult former siblingtoinspectorcopytheadoptionrecordsifitfinds thatgood cause wasshown.Id.Thecourtmustgrantor deny the petition within 182 days of the petition being filed.Id. Inorderforthecourttofindgoodcause,itmustbalance the adoptees interests, the biological parents interests, the states interest, and sometimes the adoptive parents interests. In re Dixon, 116 Mich App at 768770. Specifically, It is the biological parents right to privacy which is to be considered by the court. This broadtermincludesarangeofpositionsfrom the desire not to be emotionally upset or socially embarrassed to a constitutionally recognizedrighttobeletalone. *** The states primary concern [is] to protect andfosteraneffectiveschemeforadoption .... The final interest which must be plugged into the good cause equation is that of the adoptee. This interest has generally been recognized as the most important. Compellingmedicalreasonshaveconstituted good cause for unlocking adoption records. Psychological reasons have also been sufficient on occasion to open the records.
Section9.7
Courts are reluctant, however, to disclose when little more than a thinly supported claimofapsychologicalneedtoknowisput forth.InreDixon,supraat768770. Note:InInreDixon,417Mich986(1983), theMichiganSupremeCourtremanded the case to the trial court for appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the anonymous biological parents,andinstructedthetrialcourtto holdagoodcausehearingtodetermine theextentoftheadopteespsychological condition. Caselaw.Casesthatdiscussthegoodcauserequirement include: InreDodgeEstate,162MichApp573(1987) Because a psychological need may be sufficient to establish good cause, an adult adoptee pleading an intensepsychologicalneedtoopentheadoptionrecords isentitledtoagoodcausehearing.InInreDodgeEstate, an adult adoptee learned of her adoption after her adoptive fathers death and when she was mistakenly mailed her alleged Siamese twins birth certificate. The adoptee filed a petition to inspect the adoption records claiming a need to prove her claim to her alleged biological fathers estate and her psychological need to know.Thelowercourtdeniedthepetition,holdingthatit wasunnecessarytoopentheadoptionrecordswhenher claim to the fathers estate was untimely. The Court of Appealsagreedthattheadopteesclaimtotheestatewas untimely, but disagreed that opening the adoption records was a moot issue when it could continue to impacttheadoptee.Specifically,theCourtfound: [The adoptee] has pled an intense psychological need. Therefore, in accordance with Dixon, she is entitled to a hearing in which she may establish her psychological need for the records. Furthermore, without findings by the probate court on this matter, wecannotsaythattheissueoftheidentityof [the adoptees] biological parents will not continuetoaffectherinsomecollateralway. Thus,theissueisnotmoot.
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[The adoptees] petition for production of adoption records and birth certificate is remanded for a good cause hearing. In re DodgeEstate,supraat584585. InreHanson,188MichApp392(1991)
Release of biological parents identifying information to establish tribal affiliation satisfied the good cause requirement.InInreHanson,thelowercourt deniedthe adultadopteespetitiontoreleaseidentifyinginformation to establish her Indian heritage. On appeal, the adoptee claimedthattheinformationwasnecessarytodetermine tribal membership, and entitlement to benefits under federal law and under Michigans tuition waiver program. The Court found that, in light of the express policyoftheIndianChildWelfareAct(ICWA),therelease of the biological parents identifying information to establish tribal affiliation satisfied the good cause requirement.InreHanson,supraat397.10 Note: Without an actual consent from the biologicalparents,themannerinwhich[the biologicalparentsidentifying]informationis releasedshouldbetailoredtobestprotectthe privacyrightsofthebiologicalparents.Inre Hanson, 188 Mich App at 398, citing In re Dixon,116MichAppat768769.Withoutthe biological parents actual consent, the court shouldreleasetheidentifyinginformationto theIndiantribe,nottheadoptedIndianchild, with the request that the tribe keep it confidential.InreHanson,supraat398399.
b.
Termination of Parental Rights Before May 28, 1945, and After September 12, 1980MCL 710.68(7)
If the parental rights were terminated before May 28, 1945, or on or after September 12, 1980, then the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must release the identifying information to the adult adoptee, regardless ofaformerparentsconsentandunlesstheformerparent hasdeniedconsent,asfollows:
10
SeeChapter11forinformationontheICWA.
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Section9.7
(1) His or her name prior to the adoption placement. (2) Both former parents names at the time parentalrightswereterminated. (3) Both former parents current names and addresses. (4) The name(s) of his or her biological sibling(s) at the time of parental rights termination. (5) Any additional information the central adoptionregistryhasonfile.MCL710.68(7). However, if a former parent has filed with the central adoption registry a denial of consent to release identifyinginformation,theadopteeisnotentitledto: (a) That former parents name at the time of parentaltermination. (b) That former parents current name and address.MCL710.68(7). Note: A former parents denial of consent is no longer effective once the former parent is deceased. MCL 710.68(7).
c.
Access to Original Birth Certificate

An adult adoptee may obtain a copy of his or her birth certificate if neither parent filed a denial of consent to release identifying information and the parental rights were terminated before May 28, 1945, or on or after September12,1980.MCL710.68(9). Note:TheAdoptionCodedoesnotexpressly address whether an adult adoptee whose biological parents parental rights were terminated between May 28, 1945, and September11,1980,mayobtainacopyofhis or her birth certificate. In practice, some courts interpret the silence to mean that the adopteeisexcludedfromaccessinghisorher birth certificate and may only obtain the information through a confidential intermediary, while other courts permit an adoptee to obtain a copy if the court finds
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Section9.7
goodcauseunderMCL710.67(1).SeeSection 9.7(A)(1)(a) for a discussion of good cause pursuant to MCL 710.67(1), and Section 9.8 for a detailed discussion of confidential intermediaries. To obtain the birth certificate, the adult adoptee must requesttheidentifyinginformationfromthechildplacing agency, the DHS, or the court. MCL 710.68(9). Once the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court receives the adult adoptees request, it must submit a clearance request form to the central adoption registry.11 Id. If the central adoption registry responds to the clearance requestwithaclearancereplyformthatindicatesneither parent has filed a denial, the child placing agency, the DHS,orthecourtmustpresenttheadopteewithacopyof the clearance reply form. Id. The adult adoptee may use theclearancereplyformtoobtainhisorheroriginalbirth certificate from the Department of Public Health. Id. Section 9.4(B) for a discussion of clearance request and replyforms. The state registrar must mark the copy of the original certificateitprovidestoanadultadopteewiththephrase, Thisdocumentisacopyofasealedrecordandisnotthe active birth certificate of the individual whose name appearsonthisdocument.MCL333.2882(4).
d.
Notification to the Department of Public Health

After the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court releases a former parents name to the adoptee, it must notifytheDepartmentofPublicHealth.MCL710.68(15).
e.
Adult Former Siblings Identifying Information

Theadultadopteemayrequestanadultformersiblings name and address from the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court.12 MCL 710.68(8). However, releasing theidentifyinginformationdependsonwhethertheadult formersiblingconsentedtotherelease.Id. Once the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court receives an adult adoptees request for the adult former
11 See the DHS form, Central Adoption Registry Clearance, at http://www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/
RFF/1921.pdf.
12 See the DHS form, Request by Adult Adoptee for Identifying Information, at http://michigan.gov/ documents/FIA1925_10575_7.pdf.
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Section9.7
siblings name and address, it must submit a clearance request form to the central adoption registry. MCL 710.68(8). The central adoption registry will respond to the clearance request with a clearance reply form. Id. If the central adoption registry indicates that the adult formersiblingconsentedtotherelease,thechildplacing agency, the DHS, or the court has 28 days to notify the adopteeinwritingofthesiblingsnameandaddress.Id. See Section 9.4(B) for a discussion of clearance request andreplyforms.
B. Release to Former Parent or Adult Former Sibling

The former parent or adult former sibling may request identifying information from the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court. MCL 710.68(2). However, releasing the identifying information dependsonwhethertheadultadopteehasauthorizedtherelease.13 Id. If the adult adoptee has given authorization to release his or her identifying information, the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court has 63 days from the request to provide in writing to the requesting party the adoptees current name and address. MCL 710.68(2).However,iftheadultadopteehasnotgivenauthorization, theformerparentoradultformersiblingmay: (1) Petition the court for appointment of aconfidential intermediary to locate the adult adoptee. MCL 710.68b(2). (2) Petition the court for inspection or copying of adoption records. MCL 710.67(1);In re Creed,126Mich App32(1983). A former parent or former sibling may petition the court for appointment of a confidential intermediary. MCL 710.68(2). The confidential intermediary is a trained individual appointed at the former parents or adult former siblings request, to search for and contactanadultadoptee.MCL710.68b(2),(3).Uponpresentationof thecourtappointment,thechildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourt must give the confidential intermediary the adoptees current name and address and any additional information that would help locate theadoptee.MCL710.68(2).SeeSection9.8foradetaileddiscussion ofconfidentialintermediaries.
13SeetheDHSform,ReleaseofInformationAuthorizationAdultAdoptee,athttp://michigan.gov/documents/DHS
1920_134363_7.pdf.
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Note: Atits discretion, the child placing agency or the DHS may release the identifying information to the courtforreleasetotheconfidentialintermediary.MCL 710.68(2). A former parent or adult former sibling may also petition the court for inspection or copying of adoption records. MCL 710.67(1); In re Creed,126MichApp32(1983).Onapetitionforinspectionorcopying ofadoption records,theformerparentoradultformer sibling must show good cause for the inspection or copying request. MCL 710.67(1).Thecourtmayorderanoticeandhearingonthepetition,or expresslypermittheformerparentoradultformersiblingtoinspect orcopytheadoptionrecordsifitfindsthatgoodcausewasshown.Id. The court must grant or deny the petition within 182 days of the petitionbeingfiled.Id. Note:InInreCreed,theCourtremandedthematterback tothelowercourttoconductagoodcausehearingafter the lower court erroneously found that MCL 710.68 absolutely required that a consent be filed in order to releasetheadultadopteesidentifyinginformation.Inre Creed,126MichAppat37.Specifically,theCourtfound: We find the reasoning of [In re Dixon, 116 Mich App763,767768(1982)],14persuasiveandconclude that the [court] erred in ruling that [the biological mother was] absolutely barred from obtaining [the identifying] information without first obtaining the adoptees consent to its release. Therefore, we remand the case to that court for a determination concerningwhethergoodcauseexistsfortherelease ofthisinformation.InreCreed,supraat37. Onremand,thetrialcourtfoundthatthebiological mother showed good cause to release the adoption recordsafterthe adopteeinitiatedcontact withher, andtheCourtofAppealsaffirmedthedecision.Inre Creed(AfterRemand),128MichApp710,712(1983).
C. Release of Medical Information 1. LifeThreatening Medical Information

When the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court receives a request to forward to an adoptee written information about an adoptees biological relatives physicianverified medical or
14
SeeSection9.7(A)(1)(a)foradetaileddiscussionofInreDixon,116MichApp763(1982).
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Section9.7
geneticconditionthatmayposeathreattotheadopteeslife,the requestmustbemet.MCL710.68(10).Iftheadopteeis18yearsof ageorolder,thechildplacingagency,theDHS,orthecourtmust sendtheinformationbyfirstclassmailwithin sevendaysof the requesttotheadultadopteeslastknownaddress.Id.However,if theadopteeislessthan18yearsofage,theinformationmustbe sent by firstclass mail within seven days of the request to the adoptiveparentslastknownaddress.Id. If the information is returned undeliverable, the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court has 21 days to make a reasonable effort to track down the adoptees or adoptive parents current address and resend the information by firstclass mail. MCL 710.68(11). Note: MCL 710.68(10) does not indicate who may submit the information. Rather, it indicates that when submitted information concerns the life threatening physicianverified medical or genetic condition of an adoptees biological relative, the child placing agency, the court, or the DHS must follow the procedure provided in MCL 710.68(10) MCL710.68(11). When the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court receives writteninformationaboutanadopteesphysicianverifiedmedical or genetic lifethreatening condition for which an adoptees biological relative could give lifesaving aid, and the adoptee requests(orarequestwasmadeontheadopteesbehalf)thatthe information be forwarded, the request must be met. MCL 710.68(13).Theinformationmustbesentbyfirstclassmailwithin seven days of the request to the adoptees biological parents or adultbiologicalsiblingslastknownaddress.Id. If the information is returned undeliverable, the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court has 21 days to make a reasonable effort to track down the biological parents or adult biological siblingscurrentaddressandresendtheinformationbyfirstclass mail.MCL710.68(14).
2. NonlifeThreatening Medical Information

When the child placing agency, the DHS, or the court receives written information about an adoptees biological relatives physicianverified medical or genetic condition that is not life threateningtotheadoptee,theinformationmustbeplacedinthe adoptees adoption file. MCL 710.68(12). If the adult adoptee or adoptive parent requests the information, the child placing
Section9.8
agency,theDHS, orthecourt mustrelease awrittencopy tothe adultadopteeoradoptiveparentwithin63daysoftherequest.Id.
D. Release to Direct Descendant

Ifanadultadopteeisdeceased,theadopteesdirectdescendantmay request identifying information. MCL 710.68(20). The child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must release to the direct descendant any information to which the deceased adult adoptee would have beenentitled.Id.
E. Release to Childrens Ombudsman

A child placing agency, the DHS, or the court must allow the childrensombudsmantoinspectadoptionrecordsinconnectionwith an investigation authorized under the Childrens Ombudsman Act, MCL722.921etseq.MCL710.68(21).SeeMCL722.923forinformation onthechildrensombudsman. The childrens ombudsman must not disclose any information it obtains. MCL 710.68(21). If the ombudsman needs additional information from an individual whose identity is protected, the ombudsmanmust: (1)Contacttheindividualdiscreetlyandconfidentially; (2)Informtheindividualthathisorherparticipationis confidential, voluntary, and will not change the adoptionorder;and (3) Honor an individuals decision for no further contact.MCL710.68(21).
9.8
Confidential Intermediaries
Confidential intermediaries are trained individuals appointed by the court, at a petitioners request, to search for and contact former family members,adultadoptees,oradeceasedadopteesadultchildren15.MCL 710.68b(2), (3). An adult adoptee, adoptive parent, deceased adoptees adult child, or a former family member may petition the court for appointmentofaconfidentialintermediary.MCL710.68b(2). Note:MCL710.68b(1)(a)definesaformerfamilymemberas a parent,grandparent, or adultsiblingrelated to theadult
15 See SCAO form PCA 342, Petition and Order to Appoint Confidential Intermediary, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca342.pdf.
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Section9.8
adoptee through birth or adoption by at least 1 common parent,regardlessofwhethertheadultadopteeeverlivedin thesamehouseholdastheformerfamilymember. Once the court receives a petition for appointment of a confidential intermediary,itmustcontactthecentraladoptionregistrytodetermine whethertheindividualbeingsoughthasfiledadenialofconsenttothe release of identifying information. MCL 710.68b(2). If there is no filed denialofrelease,thecourtmustappointaconfidentialintermediaryand providetheintermediarywithacopyoftheappointmentorder.Id.
A. Qualification Requirements
Anindividualmayserveasaconfidentialintermediaryafterheorshe hascompletedtherequiredtraining,filed anoathofconfidentiality, andbeenapprovedbythecourt.16MCL710.68b(3). AccordingtoMCL710.68b(3),theoathofconfidentialitymuststate: I,..........,signingunderpenaltyofperjury,affirm allofthefollowing: (a) I will not disclose to a petitioner, directly or indirectly, any identifying information in sealed recordswithoutwrittenconsentoftheindividualto whomtheinformationpertains. (b) I will conduct a reasonable search for an individualbeingsought. Iwillmakeadiscreetand confidential inquiry as to whether the individual consents to the release of information to the petitioner,ortomeetingorcommunicatingwiththe petitioner,andIwillreporttothepetitionerandthe courttheresultsofmysearchandinquiry. (c)Ifthepetitionerandtheindividualbeingsought consent in writing to meet or communicate with each other, I will act in accordance with the instructions of those persons and, if applicable, the instructionsofthecourttofacilitateanymeetingor communicationbetweenthem. (d) I will not charge or accept any fee17 for my services except for reimbursement from the petitioner for actual expenses incurred in
16 See the Child & Family Services of Michigan, Inc., at http://www.cfsm.org/intermed.htm, for a list of
approvedconfidentialintermediariesforadultadoptees,birthparents,orsiblings.
17
SeeSection9.8(D)forinformationoncompensationforaconfidentialintermediary.
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Section9.8
performing my services, or as authorized by the court. (e)IrecognizethatImaybesubjecttocontemptof courtsanctionsanddismissalbythecourtifIpermit the release of confidential information without authorization.
B. Responsibilities
A confidential intermediary must make reasonable efforts to search for the individual being sought. MCL 710.68b(4). The intermediary mustfirstsearchthecourtrecords,andifnecessary,therecordsofthe childplacingagencyortheDHS.Id. Note: If it is necessary to obtain information from the childplacingagencyortheDHS,theintermediarymust provideacertifiedcopyoftheappointmentordertothe childplacingagencyortheDHSbeforerequestingany records.MCL710.68b(4).
1. Intermediary Locates the Sought For Individual

Insuccessfullylocatingthesoughtforindividual,theconfidential intermediary must discreetly and confidentially contact the individual to ascertain whether he or she is willing to meet or communicate with the petitioner, or if he or she is willing to releasehisorheridentifyinginformation.MCL710.68b(4). If the sought for individual is willing to meet or communicate with the petitioner, the intermediary must get mutual written consent from both the sought for individual and the petitioner. MCL710.68b(4).Theintermediarymayalsofacilitatethemeeting or means of communication between the sought for individual andthepetitioner.Id. Ifthesoughtforindividualgiveswrittenconsentforthereleaseof identifying information, the intermediary must release the information to the petitioner. MCL 710.68b(4). However, if the sought for individual refuses to authorize the release, the intermediary must report the denial to the petitioner and the court.Id. If the sought for individual is deceased, the intermediary must reportthattothepetitionerandthecourt.MCL710.68b(4).
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Section9.8
2. Intermediary Does Not Locate the Sought For Individual

Whentheconfidentialintermediaryfailstolocateaformerfamily memberwithinsixmonthsoftheintermediarysappointment,the adultadopteemaypetitionthecourtforreleaseofthefollowing information:18 (1)Hisorhernamepriortotheadoptionplacement. (2) The biological parents names at the time parentalrightswereterminated. (3) The biological parents current names and addresses. (4)Thename(s)ofhisorherbiologicalsibling(s)at thetimeofparentalrightstermination. (5) Any additional information the confidential intermediary obtained. MCL 710.68b(6); MCL 710.27(3)(a)MCL710.27(3)(d). Beforethecourtconductsahearingontheadopteespetition,the confidentialintermediarymustsubmitawrittenreportdescribing alltheeffortsheorshemadetolocatethesoughtforindividual. MCL710.68b(6).Theintermediarymust alsosubmit tothe court anyandallinformationheorsheobtainedduringthesearch.Id. Oncethecourtconductsthepetitionhearing,itmustdooneofthe following: (a) Order the confidential intermediary to search foranother6monthperiod. (b) Appoint a new confidential intermediary to searchfora6monthperiod. (c) Release to the adult adoptee the identifying information described in [MCL 710.27(3)] and any other information that the court considers appropriate,ifthecourtfindsthatadiligentsearch has been made and that there is good cause19 to releasetheinformation.Thecourtsfindingshallbe made on the record. MCL 710.68b(6)(a)MCL 710.68b(6)(c).
18SeeSCAOformPCA344,PetitionandOrderForReleaseofInformationFromConfidentialIntermediaryandCourt,at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca344.pdf. 19
SeeSection9.7(A)(1)(a)foradiscussionofgoodcause.
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C. Access to Original Birth Certificate

Aconfidentialintermediarymayrequestacopyofanadultadoptees originalbirthcertificate.MCL333.2832(1);MCL333.2882(3).Toobtain the birth certificate, the confidential intermediary must make a writtenrequest,attachacertifiedcopyoftheappointmentorder,and identify the adoptees name. MCL 333.2882(3). Upon receipt of the request, the state registrar must issue a copy of the adult adoptees birthcertificatetotheconfidentialintermediary.Id. The state registrar must mark the copy of the original certificate it provides to a confidential intermediary with the phrase, This document is a copy of a sealed record and is not the active birth certificateoftheindividualwhosenameappearsonthisdocument. MCL333.2882(4).
D. Compensation
Theconfidentialintermediarymustnotrequestoracceptanymoney or other thing of value for performing his or her duties as a confidentialintermediary.MCL710.68b(5).However,anintermediary may receive courtapproved reasonable fees and reimbursement for actual expenses incurred during the performance of his or her responsibilities20.Id.
E. Dismissal of Confidential Intermediary

Thecourtmaydismissaconfidentialintermediaryiftheintermediary engages in conduct that violates professional or ethical standards. MCL 710.68b(2). A confidential intermediary may also be held in contempt of court for releasing identifying information without authorization.SeeMCL710.68b(3)(e).
20
See SCAO form PCA 343, Petition and Order For Approval of Confidential Intermediary Fee, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca343.pdf.
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Chapter 10: Paying the Costs of Foster Care & Adoption
10.1 FosterCareFunding ........................................................................... 102 10.2 CompensationforAdoptionServices................................................. 102 10.3 SolicitingAdoptedChildrenandAdoptiveParents ............................ 105 10.4 ReportingandAccountingRequirements .......................................... 106 10.5 CourtApprovalofFees....................................................................... 109 10.6 AdoptiveParentSubsidies ............................................................... 1010 10.7 GuardianshipAssistance .................................................................. 1024 10.8 FederalFundingforSubsidies .......................................................... 1032
In this chapter ...

Thischapterdiscussesthemoneyissuesinvolvedinanadoptionandina guardianship.Toensurethatallofthepeopleandagenciesinvolvedin anadoptionproceedingreceiveonlytheconsiderationtowhichtheyare entitled,thepartiesarerequiredtofilepaperworkwiththecourt.Section 10.4discussestheaccountingandreportingrequirements. Thischapteralsodiscussesthesubsidiesavailableforadoptedchildren with special or medical needs, and for guardians of children with an unrealisticchanceofreunificationoradoption.Section10.6discussesthe adoptionsubsidiesavailableinMichigan,andSection10.7discussesthe guardianship assistance that is available. A brief discussion of how to appeal a subsidy determination is includedinthese sections.However, foradetaileddiscussionofhowtoappealasubsidydetermination,see Section7.3. InSection10.8,thischaptertouchesonthefederalfundingavailablefor adoptiveparentsubsidiesandguardianshipassistancepayments.
Section10.1
10.1 Foster Care Funding

Once parental rights have been terminated upon the execution of a release, a child must be committed to a child placing agency or to the Department of Human Services (DHS). MCL 710.29(7). If the child is released to a child placing agency, the court must authorize foster care funding pending expiration of the period of appeal or rehearing as provided in [MCL 710.64 and 710.65], and pending disposition of any appeal or rehearing. MCL 710.29(8). See Section 7.1 for a detailed discussionofrehearingonarelease. Note:Fostercarefundingdoesnotincludethechildplacing agencysadministrativecosts.MCL710.29(8). MCL 710.29(8) requires the courts county to pay the foster care costs throughitschildcarefund.SeeMCL400.117c.Afterthecourtordersthe foster care funding, it must send acopy of the order to the DHS. MCL 710.29(8).TheDHSwillreimbursethecountyschildcarefundthetotal amountofthecourtorderedpayment.1Id.
10.2 Compensation for Adoption Services

A. Services Adoptive Parents Must Pay
Counseling.Atthetimeofareleaseofparentalrightsoraconsentto adoption, a parent must indicate whether he or she has received counselingoriswaivingit.MCL710.29(5)(b)andMCL710.44(5)(b).2 If the parent or guardian has received counseling that relates to the adoption, the prospective adoptive parent must pay for the service. MCL710.54(5). Preplacement assessment and additional investigation. The adoptive parent must pay reasonable and actual charge[s] for the preparation of a preplacement assessment and any additional investigationorderedunderMCL710.46.MCL710.54(4).SeeSection 5.2(B) for information on preplacement assessments and Section 5.3 for information on investigative reports prepared pursuant to MCL 710.46.
B. Services Adoptive Parents May Pay

Theadoptiveparentmaypayreasonableandactualcharge[s]for:
1 2
Thereimbursementwillbemademonthly.MCL710.29(8). SeeSection2.1forinformationonreleaseofparentalrightsandSection2.6forinformationonconsents.
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Section10.2
(a)Theservicesofachildplacingagencyinconnection withanadoption. (b) Medical, hospital, nursing, or pharmaceutical expensesincurredbythebirthmotherorthe [adopted child]inconnectionwiththebirthoranyillnessofthe [adopted child], if not covered by the birth parents private health care payment or benefits plan or by Medicaid. (c) Counseling services related to the adoption for a parent,aguardian,orthe[adoptedchild]. (d)Livingexpensesofamotherbeforethebirthofthe childandfornomorethan6weeksafterthebirth. (e) Expenses incurred in ascertaining the information required under this chapter about an [adopted child] andthe[adoptedchilds]biologicalfamily.3 (f)Legalfeeschargedforconsultationandlegaladvice, preparationofpapers,andrepresentationinconnection with an adoption proceeding, including legal services performed for a biological parent or a guardian and necessarycourtcostsinanadoptionproceeding. (g) Traveling expenses necessitated by the adoption. MCL710.54(3)(a)MCL710.54(3)(g). Note: A payment made under MCL 710.54(3) must notbeconditionedontheplacementofthechildfor adoption, release of the child, consent to the adoption, or cooperation in the completion of the adoption.MCL710.54(6). If the adoption is not completed, any payments made under MCL 710.54(3)arenotrecoverable.MCL710.54(6).
C. Services a Person Must Not Pay Without Court Approval

Unlessapprovedbythecourt,apersonmustnotpayorgive,offerto pay or give, or request, receive, or accept any money or other considerationorthingofvalue,directlyorindirectly,foranyofthe followingservices:
Section6.2discussesthecompilationofinformationrequiredbytheAdoptionCode.
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Section10.2
(a)Adoptionplacements.SeeSection5.1forinformation on temporary placements, and Section 6.1 for informationonformalplacements. (b) Registration, recording, and communication regardingtheavailabilityofachildforadoption. (c)Releaseofparentalrights.SeeSection2.1. (d)Consenttoadoption.SeeSection2.6. (e) Petition for adoption. See Section 6.3. MCL 710.54(1)(a)MCL710.54(1)(e). MCL710.54(1)prohibitssurrogacycontracts.DoevAttorneyGeneral, 106MichApp169(1981).InDoevAttorneyGeneral,amarriedcouple wantedtoenterintoacontractwithasurrogatemother.Thecontract providedthatthecouplewouldpaythesurrogatemother$5,000plus medicalexpensesandsickleave,pregnancydisabilityinsurance,and medical insurance in exchange for the mothers willingness to be artificially inseminated and to sign a consent to adoption upon the childsbirth.Id.at172.ThemarriedcouplearguedthatMCL710.54s prohibition of a surrogacy contract was a constitutional violation of theirrighttobearchildren.Indisagreeingwiththecouple,theCourt ofAppealsheldthatMCL710.54wasnotaviolationofthemarried couplesrighttobearchildrenbecauseitdidnotprohibitthecouple from having the child as planned, but rather prohibited the couple frompayingasurrogatemothertobeartheirchildandtosignover consenttoadoption.Doe,supraat173174. Inregardstostepparentadoptions,4oftentimesanoncustodialparent willagreetosignaconsenttoadoptionifthecustodialparentagrees to drop child support arrearages. Whether the court may approve suchanagreementhasnotbeenreviewedbytheMichiganCourtof Appeals or the Michigan Supreme Court. The court may find guidanceinconsideringthefollowingfactors: (1) To whom is the child support owedthe custodial parent,thechild,and/orthestate? (2) Does a current support order exist? If a support order exists, the court may not retroactively modify a childsupportorder.MCL552.603(2). (3) Would court approval of the agreement make the consent or release contingent upon future behavior? Couldtheagreementeverbeenforced,andifso,how?
SeeSection8.2forinformationonstepparentadoptions.
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(4) Does the agreement include all interested parties? MCL710.21a(e). (5)Doestheagreementsafeguardandpromotethebest interests of the adopted child and protect the rights of allpartiesconcerned?MCL710.21a(b). (6)Willthearrangementassurethattheadoptedchildis freeforadoptiveplacementattheearliestpossibletime? MCL710.21a(c). (7) Will the agreement give the adopted child permanencyandstability?MCL710.21a(d). MCL710.29(5)(d)providesthataparentmustverifythatthevalidity andfinalityofthereleaseisnotaffectedbyanycollateralorseparate agreement.
D. Services For Which a Person Must Not Be Compensated

Apersonmustnotbecompensatedfor: (a) Assisting a parent or guardian in evaluating a potentialadoptiveparent. (b)Assistingapotentialadoptiveparentinevaluating aparentorguardianor[adoptedchild]. (c)Referringaprospectiveadoptiveparenttoaparent orguardianofachildforpurposesofadoption. (d) Referring a parent or guardian of a child to a prospectiveadoptiveparentforpurposesofadoption. MCL710.54(2)(a)MCL710.54(2)(d). Thisrestrictiondoesnotapplytoachildplacingagencyspreparation of a preplacement assessment or investigation. MCL 710.54(2). See Section 5.2(B) for information on preplacement assessments, and Section5.3forinformationoninvestigationreports.
10.3 Soliciting Adopted Children and Adoptive Parents

For the purposes of adoption, only a prospective adoptive parent may solicit a potential adopted childs biological parent or guardian. MCL 710.55(1). Only a biological parent or guardian, the court, the DHS, or a child placingagency(withauthoritytoplacethechild)maysolicitapotential adoptive parent for purposes of adoption. Id. See Section 5.1(A) for
Section10.4
information on who has the authority to make a temporary placement, and Section 6.1(A) forinformationon whohas the authorityto make a formalplacement. PursuanttoMCL710.55(2),solicitmeansto: [C]ontactinperson,bytelephoneortelegraph,byletteror other writing, or by other communication directed to a specific recipient. Solicit does not include public communicationthatisnotdirectedtospecificindividuals. Ifthecourtfindsthatanindividualoragencysolicitedanadoptedchild oradoptiveparentwithouthavingtheauthoritytodoso,thatindividual oragencyisguiltyofamisdemeanorforafirstviolation.MCL710.55(1). Specifically,MCL710.55(1),inpertinentpart,states: A person who violates [MCL 710.55] is guilty of a misdemeanorpunishablebyimprisonmentfornotmorethan 90 days or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both, for the first violation, and of a felony punishable by imprisonment fornotmorethan4yearsorafineofnotmorethan$2,000.00, orboth,foreachsubsequentviolation.Thecourtmayenjoin fromfurtherviolationsanypersonwhoviolatesthissection.
10.4 Reporting and Accounting Requirements

Inordertoensurethatthepersonsoragenciesinvolvedinanadoption havecompliedwiththeconsiderationprovisionsoftheAdoptionCode, MCL 710.54 and MCL 710.55, the persons and agencies involved in an adoption are required to file verified accounting statements with the court.SeeMCL710.54(7). Specifically, MCL 710.29(5) and MCL 710.44(5) require the parent or guardiantofileaverifiedaccountingstatementatthe timeareleaseor consent for direct placement is filed with the court. MCL 710.54(7) requires the petitioner, attorney for each petitioner, attorney for each parent or guardian, and the child placing agency or the DHS to file a verified accounting statement at least seven days prior to a formal placement.SeeSection6.1forinformationonformalplacements. Note:MCR3.803(B)(2)permitsthechildplacementorderto be entered prior to the filing of the verified accounting statementsunderMCL710.54(7). Anupdatedverifiedaccountingstatementmustbefiledwiththecourtat least21daysbeforeentryofthefinalorderofadoption.MCL710.54(8). The updated statement may include by reference the total expenses itemized in the accounting statement that was previously filed. MCR
Section10.4
3.803(A)(1). However, if there are no changes to the originally filed verifiedaccountingstatement,thenanupdatedstatementdoesnotneed tobefiled.MCR3.803(A)(2). Note:MCR3.803(B)(3)permitsthefinalorderofadoptionto beenteredbeforetheupdatedverifiedaccountingstatements arefiled.
A. Petitioners Verified Accounting Statement

The petitioner must sign a verified accounting statement that itemiz[es] all payments or disbursements of money or anything of valuemadeoragreedtobemadebyoronbehalfofthepetitionerin connection with the adoption.5 MCL 710.54(7)(a). The verified accountingstatementmustindicatedates,paymentordisbursement amounts, name and address of each recipient, and reason for each payment or disbursement. Id. The petitioner must also attach all receiptstotheverifiedaccountingstatement.Id.
B. Attorneys Verified Accounting Statement

Theattorneyforeachpetitionerandeachparentoftheadoptedchild mustsignaverifiedaccountingstatementthatitemiz[es]theservices performed and any fee, compensation, or other thing of value receivedby,oragreedtobepaidto,theattorneyfor,orincidentalto, theadoptionofthechild.6MCL710.54(7)(b),(c). Ifthisisadirectplacementadoptionandtheattorneyisanadoption attorney, the verified accounting statement must also contain the following: (i) The attorney meets the requirements for an adoptionattorneyunder[MCL710.22]. (ii) The attorney did not request or receive any compensation for services described in [MCL 710.54(2)]. MCL 710.54(7)(b)(i)MCL 710.54(7)(b)(ii), MCL710.54(7)(c)(i)(ii).
5SeeSCAOformPCA347,PetitionersVerifiedAccounting,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/
adoptions/pca347.pdf.
6
See SCAO form PCA 346, Statement of Services Performed by Attorney, at http://courts.michigan.gov/ scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca346.pdf.
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C. Child Placing Agencys or the DHSs Verified Accounting Statement

ThechildplacingagencyortheDHSmustsignaverifiedaccounting statement that itemiz[es] the services performed and any fee, compensation, or other thing of value received by, or agreed to be paidto,thechildplacingagencyorthe[DHS]for,orincidentalto,the adoptionofthechild.7MCL710.54(7)(d). The child placing agency or the DHS must also include a statement thatitdidnotrequestorreceivecompensationfor: (1) assisting the parent or guardian in evaluating a potentialadoptiveparent; (2)assistingthepotentialadoptiveparentinevaluating aparent,guardian,oradoptedchild; (3)referringtheprospectiveadoptiveparenttoaparent orguardian;or (4) referring the parent or guardian to a prospective adoptive parent. MCL 710.54(7)(d); MCL 710.54(2)(a) MCL710.54(2)(d).
D. Parents or Guardians Verified Accounting Statement

Theparentorguardianmustsignaverifiedaccountingstatementat the time a release or consent for direct placement is filed with the court.8MCL710.29(5);MCL710.44(5). The verified accounting statement must contain the following acknowledgments: (a)Theparentorguardianhasreceivedalistofsupport groups and information regarding the duties of adoptionfacilitators.SeeSection8.1(B)(2)foradetailed discussionofadoptionfacilitators. (b) The parent or guardian has received counseling or haswaivedcounseling. (c) The parent or guardian has not received or been promisedmoneyoranythingofvalueinexchangefora
7SeeSCAOformPCA345,StatementofServicesPerformedbyAgency/DepartmentofHumanServices,at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca345.pdf. 8 See SCAO form PCA 348, Parents or Guardians Verified Accounting For Adoption Release or Direct
PlacementConsent,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/adoptions/pca348.pdf.
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releaseofparentalrightsorconsenttoadoption,unless itisalawfulpaymentitemizedonaschedulefiledwith thereleaseorconsent.SeeSection10.2. (d) The parent or guardian has not entered into a collateral or separate agreement with the adoptive parentthatwouldimpactthevalidityandfinalityofthe releaseorconsent. (e)Theparentorguardianunderstandstheimportance of keeping the court and child placing agency or the DHS informed of any health problems the biological parentdevelopsthatmayimpactthechild. (f)Theparentorguardianunderstandstheimportance ofkeepinghisorheraddresscurrentwiththecourtand child placing agency or the DHS in order for an adoptive parentor adoptedchildwhohasreachedthe ageof18toaddressanyconcernsregardingmedicalor socialhistory.MCL710.29(5)(a)MCL710.29(5)(f);MCL 710.44(5)(a)MCL710.44(5)(f).
10.5 Court Approval of Fees

MCL710.54(10)requiresthecourttoapproveordisapproveallfeesand expensesdisclosedintheverifiedaccountingstatement.Thecourtneed only enter one order approving the fees, and it cannot be entered until aftertheverifiedstatementhasbeenupdated.MCR3.803(B)(1). The court may require a sworn statement from anyone directly or indirectlyinvolvedinanycontractorarrangementthatledtothe child beingplacedforadoption.MCL710.54(9). If the court finds that an individual or agency accepted or retained an amount in excess of the courtapproved amount, that individual or agencyisguiltyofamisdemeanorforafirstviolation.MCL710.54(10); MCL710.54(11).Specifically,MCL710.54(11)states: A person who violates [MCL 710.54] is guilty of a misdemeanorpunishablebyimprisonmentfornotmorethan 90 days or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both, for the first violation, and of a felony punishable by imprisonment fornotmorethan4yearsorafineofnotmorethan$2,000.00, orboth,foreachsubsequentviolation.Thecourtmayenjoin fromfurtherviolationsanypersonwhoviolatesthissection.
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10.6 Adoptive Parent Subsidies

In certain circumstances, the DHS is permitted to pay a subsidy to adoptiveparentsofeligiblechildrenunderportionsoftheSocialWelfare Act, MCL 400.115f et seq. The purpose of an adoption subsidy is to encouragetheadoptionofchildrenwhoareinfostercarebyrelievingthe financialburdenofadoption.InreKlaus,108MichApp394,403(1981). Michigan provides three adoption subsidy programs to assist adoptive parents: (1) support subsidies, (2) medical subsidies, and (3) nonrecurring adoption expenses subsidies. MCL 400.115g; MCL 400.115h;MCL400.115l. The DHS must prepare and distribute to adoption facilitators, prospective adoptive parents, and other interested persons a pamphlet that describes the adoption process and the adoption assistance and medical subsidy programs that are available.9 MCL 400.115m(1). The pamphletmustincludethefollowinginformation: (a)Thestepsthatmustbetakenundertheadoptioncodeto complete an adoption, and a description of all the options availableduringtheprocess. (b)Adescriptionoftheservicesthataretypicallyavailable fromeachtypeofadoptionfacilitator. (c) Recommended questions for a biological parent or prospective adoptive parent to ask an adoption facilitator beforeengagingthatadoptionfacilitatorsservices. (d) A list of the rights and responsibilities of biological parentsandprospectiveadoptiveparents. (e) A description of the information services available to biological and prospective adoptive parents including, but notlimitedto,allofthefollowing: (i) The registry of adoptive homes established and maintainedbytheDHSunder[MCL722.958]. (ii) The directory of children produced under [MCL 722.958]. (iii) The public information forms maintained by the DHSpursuantto[MCL722.124d].
See Michigans Adoption Subsidy Programs Information for Prospective Adoptive Parents, at http:// michigan.gov/documents/DHSPub538_132926_7.pdf.
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(f) A statement about the existence of the childrens ombudsmananditsauthorityasaninvestigativebody. (g) A statement about the importance and availability of counseling for all parties to an adoption and that a prospective adoptive parent must pay for counseling for a birthparentorguardianunlessthebirthparentorguardian waives the counseling.10 MCL 400.115m(2)(a)MCL 400.115m(2)(g).
A. Support Subsidies
Asupportsubsidyisapaymentforsupportofachildwhohasbeen placedforadoption.MCL400.115f(v). The DHS is responsible for determining eligibility for support subsidies, and must not take into account the adoptive parents income.MCL400.115g(2).Themaximumamountofthesubsidymust beequivalenttothefosterfamilycarerate,includingthedifficultyof carerate,thatwaspaidfortheadoptedchildwhilethechildwasin foster care, or that would have been paid if the child had been in fostercarebeforetheadoption.Id.However,thedeterminedamount must be increased to reflect increases made in the standard age appropriatefostercareratepaidbytheDHS.Id. Once an adoptive parent has requested a support subsidy, the DHS has 30 days to complete the certification process to determine whether an adoptive parent is eligible for a support subsidy. MCL 400.115g(3).
1. Eligibility
TheDHSmaypayasupportsubsidytoanadoptiveparentifallof thefollowingrequirementshavebeenmet: (a)TheDHScertifiesthat: (1)Theadoptedchildisundertheageof18. (2)Thecourtdeterminedthatthechildcannot bereturnedtohisorherparents. (3) The child cannot be placed with an adoptive parent without providing adoption assistance due to the childs ethnic or family background, age, membership in a minority orsiblinggroup,medicalcondition,physical,
10
SeeSection10.2(A)forinformationonaprospectiveadoptiveparentsobligationtopayforcounseling.
Page1011
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mental, or emotional disability, or length of time the child has been waiting for an adoptivehome. (4) Past efforts have been unsuccessfully made to place the child with an appropriate adoptiveparentwithoutprovidingassistance or the prospective placement is the only placementinthechildsbestinterests.11 (b) Certification is made before the adopted child turnstheageof18. (c) Certification is made and both the adoptive parent and the DHS have signed an adoption assistance agreement before the adoption is finalized. MCL 400.115g(1)(a)MCL 400.115g(1)(c). See Section 6.3 for more information on adoption petitions.
2. Adoption Assistance Agreement

IftheDHSfindsthatanadoptiveparentiseligibleforasupport subsidy, the DHS and the adoptive parent must enter into an adoption assistance agreement. MCL 400.115i(1). The agreement mustinclude: (a) The duration of the adoption assistance to be paid. (b) The amount to be paid and, if appropriate, eligibilityformedicalassistance. (c) Conditions for continued payment of the adoptionassistanceasestablishedbystatute. (d) Any services and other assistance to be providedundertheadoptionassistanceagreement. (e)Provisionstoprotecttheinterestsofthechildin cases in which the adoptive parent or adoptive parents move to another state while the adoption assistance agreement is in effect. MCL 400.115i(1)(a)MCL400.115i(1)(e). Note:Adoptionassistancereferstoasupport subsidy or medical assistance, or both. MCL 400.115f(b). Medical assistance refers to a
11
SeeMCL400.115f(h)(i)MCL400.115f(h)(iii).
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Section10.6
federally aided medical assistance program found under the Social Security Act, 42 USC 13961396r6 and 42 USC 1396r81396v. MCL 400.115f(m). Medical assistance is differentfromamedicalsubsidyasindicated inSection10.6(B). The DHS must provide a copy of the adoption assistance agreementtotheadoptiveparent.MCL400.115i(3). Anadoptionassistanceagreementdoesnotaffectthelegalstatus oftheadoptedchildorthelegalrightsandresponsibilitiesofthe adoptiveparent.MCL400.115i(5).
3. Report
Atleastonceayear,theadoptiveparentmustfileareportwiththe DHS.MCL400.115i(6).Thereportmustindicatethelocationofthe adopted child and other matters relating to the continuing eligibility of the [adopted child] for adoption assistance or a medicalsubsidy,orboth.Id. Failing to file a timely annual report is not a proper ground for terminatingasupportsubsidywherethefailuretofilethereport was not willful and there was substantial compliance with the reporting requirement. In re Klaus, 108 Mich App 394, 401402 (1981).
4. Duration of Support Subsidy and Medical Assistance

Except as provided in MCL 400.115j(2)(4), the support subsidy and medical assistance must continue until one of the following occurs: (a)Theadoptedchildreachestheageof18; (b)Theadoptedchildisemancipated; (c)Theadoptedchilddies; (d)Theadoptionisterminated;or (e) The DHS determines the child is no longer eligible.MCL400.115j(1)(a)(e). Under MCL 400.115j(2)(4), adoption subsidy agreements and medical subsidy agreements may be extended for an adopted childundertheageof21undercertaincircumstances.SeeSection 10.6(E).:
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Section10.6
(2) If sufficient funds are appropriated by the legislature in the departments annual budget, adoption support subsidy agreements or adoption medical subsidy agreements, or both, may be extended through state funding for an adoptee under21yearsofageifallofthefollowingcriteria aremet: (a) The adoptee has not completed high schooloraGEDprogram. (b) The adoptee is regularly attending high school or a GED program or a program for children with disabilities on a fulltime basis and is progressing toward achieving a high school diploma, certificate of completion, or GED. (c) The adoptee is not eligible for supplementalsecurityincome. (3) Adoption support subsidy agreements may be extended through title IVE funding for an eligible adopteeuptotheageof21yearsifthedepartment [(DHS)] determines that the child has a mental or physical disability that warrants continuation of adoption assistance and the child was adopted before16yearsofage. (4) Adoption support subsidy agreements may be extended for a child adopted on or after his or her sixteenth birthday if the [DHS] determines that the eligibleadopteemeetstherequirementssetforthin the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act. MCL 400.115j(2)(4).12 Note: Under the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act, the DHS may provide extended adoption assistance13 for an adoptee between the ages of 1820 if the adoptee began receiving adoption assistance at 16 years of age or older and the
12
Although MCL 400.115j was amended effective November 22, 2011, funding for the program is not availableuntiltheTitleIVEstateplanisfederallyapproved.TheDHShasatargetdateofApril1,2012,for implementingtheprogram.
13 The [DHS] shall provide extended adoption assistance foranadoptee in accordancewiththestates
approved[T]itleIVEplan.MCL400.671(2).
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adopteemeets one of the following eligibility conditions: (a) The [adoptee] has a mental or physical disability that warrants continuationofadoptionassistance. (b) The [adoptee] is completing secondary education or a program leadingtoanequivalentcredential. (c) The [adoptee] is enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary orvocationaleducation. (d) The [adoptee] is participating in a programoractivitydesignedtopromote employment or remove barriers to employment. (e) The [adoptee] is employed for at least80hourspermonth. (f) The [adoptee] is incapable of doing anypartoftheactivitiesinsubdivisions (b)to(e)duetoamedicalcondition.This incapacity must be supported by regularly updated information. MCL 400.671(1). Asupportsubsidy andmedicalassistancemustcontinue evenif the adoptive parent or the adoptee leaves the state. MCL 400.115j(5). A support subsidy must continue even if an adopted child is removed from his or her home for delinquency purposes and made a temporary ward of the court under MCL 712A.2. MCL 400.115j(6). Upon the death of an adoptive parent, the support subsidy, through state funding, must continue to the adopted childs appointed guardian. MCL 400.115j(7). See MCL 700.5202 and 700.5204forinformationontheappointmentofaguardianforan unmarriedminor.
B. Medical Subsidies
Amedicalsubsidyisapaymentformedical,surgical,hospital,and related expenses necessitated by a specified physical, mental, or emotional condition of a child who has been placed for adoption. MCL400.115f(n).
Section10.6
Theadoptiveparentmayrequestamedicalsubsidybeforeorafterthe confirmationofanadoption.MCL400.115h(3). Note:Ifthemedicalsubsidyisrequestedafterthechild isadopted,themedicalsubsidywillbeeffectiveonthe date the DHS receives the request so long as the necessary documentation for certification is received within90daysaftertherequest.Id. The DHS is responsible for determining the amount of a medical subsidy,andmustnottakeintoaccounttheadoptiveparentsincome. MCL400.115h(2).Whenallocatingtheavailablefunds,theDHSmust distribute the funds based on the childs needs and not give any preferential treatment to requests made before the confirmation of adoption.MCL400.115h(3). The DHS must not pay a medical subsidy until after all available public money and health coverage is used. MCL 400.115h(2). However,theDHSmaypaythemedicalsubsidyifunduehardshipis found.Id. Note: Health coverage is considered available if an adoptive parent has an option to obtain his or her employershealthcoveragefortheadoptedchild(with or without cost to the adoptive parent) at or after the timeofcertification.MCL400.115h(2).
1. Eligibility
TheDHSmaypayamedicalsubsidytoanadoptiveparentifallof thefollowingrequirementsaremet: (a) The expenses to be covered by the medical subsidy are necessitated by a physical, mental, or emotional condition of the [adopted child] that existed or the cause of which existed before the adoption petition was filed or certification was established,whicheveroccurredfirst. (b) The [adopted child] was in foster care at the time the petition for adoption was filed. This subdivision does not apply to adoptions confirmed pursuanttotheadoptioncodebeforeJune28,1992. (c) Certification was made before the [adopted childs] eighteenth birthday. MCL 400.115h(1)(a) MCL400.115h(1)(c).
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Section10.6
The payment of a medical subsidy for treatment of a mental or emotionalconditionislimitedtooutpatienttreatmentonly,unless oneormoreofthefollowingapply: (a)Beforetheadoptionconfirmationdate,thechild wascertifiedforthemedicalsubsidy. (b) Before the petition for adoption was filed,14 the adoptedchildwasplacedorcommittedtoaprivate or public institution or agency under MCL 712A.18(1)(d)or(e). Note: See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Juvenile Justice Benchbook, Chapter 10 for a detailed discussion of MCL 712A.18(1)(d) MCL712A.18(1)(e). (c)Theadoptedchildhasbeencertifiedforasupport subsidy.SeeSection10.6(A)foradetaileddiscussion of support subsidy. MCL 400.115h(4)(a)MCL 400.115h(4)(c).
2. Medical Subsidy Agreement

When medical subsidy eligibility is certified, the DHS and the adoptive parent must enter into a medical subsidy agreement. MCL400.115i(2).Themedicalsubsidyagreementmustinclude: (a) Identification of the physical, mental, or emotionalconditioncoveredbythemedicalsubsidy. (b)Thedurationofthemedicalsubsidyagreement. (c) Conditions for continued eligibility for the medical subsidy as established by statute. MCL 400.115i(2)(a)MCL400.115i(2)(c). TheDHSmustprovideacopyofthemedicalsubsidyagreement totheadoptiveparent.MCL400.115i(3). Amedicalsubsidyagreementdoesnotaffectthelegalstatusofthe adopted child or the legal rights and responsibilities of the adoptiveparent.MCL400.115i(5).
14
SeeSection6.3forinformationonadoptionpetitions.
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Section10.6
3. Report
Atleastonceayear,theadoptiveparentmustfileareportwiththe DHS.MCL400.115i(6).Thereportmustindicatethelocationofthe adopted child and other matters relating to the continuing eligibility of the [adopted child] for adoption assistance or a medicalsubsidy,orboth.Id.
4. Duration of Medical Subsidy

Except as provided in MCL 400.115j(2)(4), the DHS must not modify or discontinue a medical subsidy unless the adopted childsmedicalconditionnolongerexistsoranyofthefollowing occur: (a)Theadoptedchildreachesage18; (b)Theadoptedchildisemancipated; (c)Theadoptedchilddies; (d)Theadoptionisterminated;or (e) The DHS determines the child is no longer eligible.MCL400.115i(4);MCL400.115j(1)(a)(e). Under MCL 400.115j(2)(4), adoption subsidy agreements and medical subsidy agreements may be extended for an adopted childundertheageof21undercertaincircumstances.SeeSection 10.6(E). Adoption subsidy agreements and medical subsidy agreements maybeextendedforanadoptedchildundertheageof21under certaincircumstances: (2) If sufficient funds are appropriated by the legislature in the departments annual budget, adoption support subsidy agreements or adoption medical subsidy agreements, or both, may be extended through state funding for an adoptee under21yearsofageifallofthefollowingcriteria aremet: (a) The adoptee has not completed high schooloraGEDprogram. (b) The adoptee is regularly attending high school or a GED program or a program for children with disabilities on a fulltime basis and is progressing toward achieving a high
Section10.6
school diploma, certificate of completion, or GED. (c) The adoptee is not eligible for supplementalsecurityincome. (3) Adoption support subsidy agreements may be extended through title IVE funding for an eligible adopteeuptotheageof21yearsifthedepartment [(DHS)] determines that the child has a mental or physical disability that warrants continuation of adoption assistance and the child was adopted before16yearsofage. (4) Adoption support subsidy agreements may be extended for a child adopted on or after his or her sixteenth birthday if the [DHS] determines that the eligibleadopteemeetstherequirementssetforthin the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act. MCL 400.115j(2)(4).15 Note: Under the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act, the DHS may provide extended adoption assistance16 for an adoptee between the ages of 1820 if the adoptee began receiving adoption assistance at 16 years of age or older and the adoptee meets one of the following eligibility conditions: (a) The [adoptee] has a mental or physical disability that warrants continuationofadoptionassistance. (b) The [adoptee] is completing secondary education or a program leadingtoanequivalentcredential. (c) The [adoptee] is enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary orvocationaleducation. (d) The [adoptee] is participating in a programoractivitydesignedtopromote
15
Although MCL 400.115j was amended effective November 22, 2011, funding for the program is not availableuntiltheTitleIVEstateplanisfederallyapproved.TheDHShasatargetdateofApril1,2012,for implementingtheprogram.
16 The [DHS] shallprovide extended adoption assistance foranadoptee in accordancewiththestates
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Section10.6
employment or remove barriers to employment. (e) The [adoptee] is employed for at least80hourspermonth. (f) The [adoptee] is incapable of doing anypartoftheactivitiesinsubdivisions (b)to(e)duetoamedicalcondition.This incapacity must be supported by regularly updated information. MCL 400.671(1). A medical subsidy must continue even if the adoptive parent or theadopteeleavesthestate.MCL400.115j(5). Upon the death of an adoptive parent, the medical subsidy eligibility must, through state funding, continue to the adopted childs appointed guardian. MCL 400.115j(7). See MCL 700.5202 and MCL 700.5204 for information on the appointment of a guardianforanunmarriedminor.
C. Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses

Nonrecurring adoption expenses are reasonable and necessary adoptionfees,courtcosts,attorneyfees,andotherexpensesthatare directly related to the legal adoption of a child with special needs. MCL400.115f(p).Itdoesnotincludeanycostsorexpensesincurred asaresultofviolatingastateorfederallaworreimbursementsfrom othersources.Id. Note: According to MCL400.115f(q),Other expenses thataredirectlyrelatedtothelegaladoptionofachild withspecialneedsmeansadoptioncostsincurredbyor on behalf of the adoptive parent and for which the adoptive parent carries the ultimate liability for payment, including the adoption study, health and psychological examinations, supervision of the placement before adoption, and transportation and reasonable costs of lodging and food for the child or adoptiveparentifnecessarytocompletetheadoptionor placementprocess. It is the DHSs responsibility to take all actions necessary and appropriate to notify potential claimants under [MCL 400.115l], includingcompliancewithfederalregulations.MCL400.115l(3).
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1. Eligibility
TheDHSmustpayanadoptiveparentthenonrecurringadoption expenses if the adopted child is found to be a child with special needs. See MCL 400.115l(1). An adopted child is a child with specialneedswhen: (1)Theadoptedchildisundertheageof18; (2) The court determined that the child cannot be returnedtohisorherparents; (3) The child cannot be placed with an adoptive parentwithoutprovidingadoptionassistancedueto the childs ethnic or family background, age, membershipinaminorityorsiblinggroup,medical condition, physical, mental, or emotional disability, or length of time the child has been waiting for an adoptivehome;and (4) Past efforts have been unsuccessfully made to placethechildwithanappropriateadoptiveparent without providing assistance or the prospective placement is the only placement in the childs best interests.MCL400.115f(h)(i)MCL400.115f(h)(iii).
2. Agreement for Payment of Expenses

Iftheadoptedchildisfoundtobeachildwithspecialneeds,the DHS and adoptive parent must enter into an agreement for the payment of nonrecurring adoption expenses incurred by the adoptive parent. MCL 400.115l(1). The agreement must include thenatureandamountofnonrecurringadoptionexpensestobe paid by the [DHS], which shall not exceed $2,000.00 for each adoptiveplacementmeetingtherequirementsofthissection.Id. The agreement may be included in the adoption assistance agreement17orcreatedasaseparateagreement.MCL400.115l(1). Theagreementmustbesignedatorbeforeentryoftheadoption order.MCL400.115l(2).Oncetheagreementissigned,theDHSis obligated to make the agreed upon payments. MCL 400.115l(1). Anadoptiveparentmustfileaclaimforpaymentofnonrecurring adoption expenses within two years after entry of the order of adoption.MCL400.115l(2).
17
SeeSection10.6(A)(2)forinformationonanadoptionassistanceagreement.
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Section10.6
D. Appeal of Subsidy Determination

An adopted child, the adopted childs guardian, or the adoptive parentmayappealadecisionmadebytheDHSregardingasupport subsidy, medical subsidy, or nonrecurring adoption expense. MCL 400.115k(1). See Section 7.3 for a detailed discussion of appealing a subsidydetermination. ItistheDHSsresponsibilitytonotifytheadoptedchildandadoptive parents of their right to appeal the DHSs subsidy determination(s). MCL400.115k(2).
E. Extension of Adoption Subsidy Agreements and Medical Subsidy Agreements

Under MCL 400.115j(2)(4), adoption subsidy agreements and medical subsidy agreements may be extended for an adopted child undertheageof21undercertaincircumstances: (2) If sufficient funds are appropriated by the legislatureinthedepartmentsannualbudget,adoption support subsidy agreements or adoption medical subsidyagreements,orboth,maybeextendedthrough statefundingforanadopteeunder21yearsofageifall ofthefollowingcriteriaaremet: (a)Theadopteehasnotcompletedhighschoolora GEDprogram. (b)Theadopteeisregularlyattending highschool or a GED program or a program for children with disabilities on a fulltime basis and is progressing toward achieving a high school diploma, certificate ofcompletion,orGED. (c) The adoptee is not eligible for supplemental securityincome. (3) Adoption support subsidy agreements may be extended through title IVE funding for an eligible adoptee up to the age of 21 years if the department [(DHS)] determines that the child has a mental or physical disability that warrants continuation of adoptionassistanceandthechildwasadoptedbefore16 yearsofage. (4) Adoption support subsidy agreements may be extended for a child adopted on or after his or her sixteenth birthday if the [DHS] determines that the
Section10.6
eligibleadopteemeetstherequirementssetforthinthe Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act. MCL 400.115j(2)(4).18 Note:UndertheYoungAdultVoluntaryFosterCare Act, the DHS may provide extended adoption assistance19foranadopteebetweentheagesof1820 iftheadopteebeganreceivingadoptionassistanceat 16yearsofageorolderandtheadopteemeetsoneof thefollowingeligibilityconditions: (a) The [adoptee] has a mental or physical disability that warrants continuation of adoptionassistance. (b) The [adoptee] is completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalentcredential. (c)The[adoptee]isenrolledinaninstitution that provides postsecondary or vocational education. (d) The [adoptee] is participating in a program or activity designed to promote employment or remove barriers to employment. (e)The[adoptee]isemployedforatleast80 hourspermonth. (f) The [adoptee] is incapable of doing any partoftheactivitiesinsubdivisions(b)to(e) due to a medical condition. This incapacity must be supported by regularly updated information.MCL400.671(1). The extensionofadoptionsubsidyagreementsandmedicalsubsidy agreements do[] not require any court involvement or oversight. SCAOAdministrativeMemorandum201204,p6,availableathttp:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/other/scaoadm/2012/201204.pdf. The [Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act] allows [the] DHS to
18 Although MCL 400.115j was amended effective November 22, 2011, funding for the program is not
available until the Title IVE state plan is federally approved. Michigans plan is still awaiting federal approval,but[the]DHSplanstoimplement...thenewYoungAdultVoluntaryFosterCareActprogram[] onApril2,2012,evenifithasnotyetreceivedformalapproval.SCAOAdministrativeMemorandum2012 04,p6,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/other/scaoadm/2012/201204.pdf.
19 The [DHS] shallprovide extended adoption assistance foranadoptee in accordancewiththestates
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Section10.7
extendadoptionsubsidyassistanceforanadopteewhowasadopted between the ages of 16 and 18, and who meets the eligibility requirements [under MCL 400.671(1)]. SCAO Administrative Memorandum201204,supraatp6. For additional information on extending adoption subsidy agreementsandmedicalsubsidyagreements,seetheDHSsAdoption Subsidy Manual (AAM), Extensions for Youth Adopted at Ages 1617 AAM 631, available at http://www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/aam/ 631.pdf.
10.7 Guardianship Assistance

In certain circumstances, the DHS is permitted to provide assistance payments to guardians of eligible children under the Guardianship Assistance Act, MCL 722.871 et seq. The purpose of guardianship assistanceistoencourageguardianshipsofchildrenforwhomthemore preferred permanency goals of reunification and adoption are inappropriate.SeeMCL722.873. [T]he[DHS]maypayguardianshipassistancetoaneligibleguardianon behalf of an eligible child. MCL 722.875(1). The prospective guardian mustapplytotheDHSfortheguardianshipassistance.MCL722.875(2). After the prospective guardian applies, the DHS has 30 days to determinewhethertogranttherequest.MCL722.875(8). Note: If guardianship assistance is requested, the determinationofeligibilityforguardianshipassistanceanda signed guardianship assistance agreement must be completed before the court enters the order appointing the guardian. DHSs Child Guardianship Manual (GDM), Juvenile Guardianship GDM 600, p 9, available at http:// www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/gdm/600.pdf. Theguardianmustalsoapplyforandmaintainmedicalinsuranceforthe child.MCL722.877.
A. Eligibility
TheDHSmaypayguardianshipassistancetoaneligibleguardianon behalfofaneligiblechild.MCL722.875(1). Achildiseligibleforguardianshipassistanceif: (a)Thechildhasbeenremovedfromhisorherhome asaresultofajudicialdeterminationthatallowingthe child to remain in the home would be contrary to the childswelfare.
Section10.7
(b) The child has resided in the home of the prospectiveguardianfor,ata minimum,6consecutive months. (c) Reunification or placing the child for adoption is notanappropriatepermanencyoption. (d)Thechilddemonstratesastrongattachmenttothe prospective guardian and the guardian has a strong commitmenttocaringpermanentlyforthechild. (e) If the child has reached 14 years of age, he or she has been consulted regarding the guardianship arrangement.MCL722.873(a)MCL722.873(e). Inorderforaguardiantobeeligibleforguardianshipassistance,he orshemustsatisfytheconditionsinMCL722.874: (1)Subjecttosubsection(2),aguardianwhomeetsall of the following criteria may receive guardianship assistanceonbehalfofaneligiblechild: (a) The guardian is the eligible childs relative or legalcustodian. (b) The guardian is a licensed foster parent and approved for guardianship assistance by the department. The approval process shall include criminalrecordchecksandchild abuseandneglect centralregistrychecksontheguardianandalladults livingintheguardianshomeaswellasfingerprint basedcriminalrecordchecksontheguardian.Ifthe guardians fingerprints are stored in the automated fingerprint identification system under . . . MCL 722.115k,thedepartmentshallusethosefingerprints for the criminal record check required in this subdivision. (c) The eligible child has resided with the prospective guardian in the prospective guardians residence for a minimum of 6 months before the application for guardianship assistance is received bythedepartment. (2) Only a relative who is a licensed foster parent caring for a child who is eligible to receive title IVE fundedfostercarepaymentsfor6consecutivemonthsis eligible for federal funding under title IVE for guardianshipassistance.Achildwhoisnoteligiblefor title IVE funding who is placed with a licensed foster
Section10.7
parent, related or unrelated, and who meets the requirements of section 3(a) to (e) may be eligible for statefundedguardianshipassistance. (3) If a child is eligible for title IVEfunded guardianship assistance under section 3 but has a sibling who is not eligible under section 3, both of the followingapply: (a) The child and any of the childs siblings may be placed in the same relative guardianship arrangement in accordance with . . . MCL 712A.1 to 712A.32, if the department and the relative agree on the appropriateness of the arrangement for the sibling. (b) Title IVEfunded relative guardianship assistancepaymentsmaybepaidonbehalfof each sibling placed in accordance with this subsection. Note: MCL 722.872(e) defines a legal custodian as an individual who is at least 18 years of age in whose care a child remains or is placed after a court makes a finding under [MCL 712A.13a]. MCL722.872(g)definesarelativeasanindividualwhoisatleast18 yearsofageandrelatedtothechildbyblood,marriage,oradoption, as grandparent, greatgrandparent, greatgreatgrandparent, aunt or uncle,greatauntorgreatuncle,greatgreatauntorgreatgreatuncle, sibling,stepsibling,nepheworniece,firstcousinorfirstcousinonce removed,orthespouseofanyoftheabove,evenafterthemarriage hasendedbydeathordivorce.Theparentofamanwhothecourthas found probable cause to believe is the putative father if there is no manwithlegallyestablishedrightstothechildmaybeconsidereda relative under this act but this is not to be considered a finding of paternityanddoesnotconferlegalstandingontheputativefather. SeeChapter3foradetaileddiscussionofidentifyingthefather.
B. Guardianship Assistance Agreement

If the DHS finds that a guardian is eligible for guardianship assistance,theDHSandtheguardianmayenterintoaguardianship assistanceagreement.SeeMCL722.872(e)andMCL722.875(3).
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According to MCL 722.872(e), a guardianship assistance agreement referstoanegotiatedbindingagreementregardingfinancialsupport as described in [MCL 722.875] for children who meet the qualificationsforguardianshipassistanceasspecifiedinthisactorin the[DHSs]administrativerules. A guardianship assistance agreement must specify all of the following: (a) The amount of the guardianship assistance to be provided under the agreement for each eligible child, andthemannerinwhichthepaymentmaybeadjusted periodicallyinconsultationwiththeguardian,basedon theguardianscircumstancesandthechildsneeds. (b)Theadditionalservicesandassistancethechildand theguardianwillbeeligibleforundertheguardianship assistanceagreement. (c) The procedure by which the guardian may apply foradditionalservices,ifneeded. (d) That the department will pay the total cost of nonrecurring expenses associated with obtaining legal guardianshipofaneligiblechild,totheextentthetotal cost does not exceed $2,000.00. MCL 722.875(4)(a) MCL722.875(4)(d).
C. Annual Review
TheDHSmustannuallyreviewtheguardiansandchildseligibility to determine whether the guardianship assistance should continue. MCL722.875(7). MCL 722.875(7) requires the guardian to provide all eligibility information requested by the DHS or the court for purposes of the annualreview. Note:ItistheDHSsresponsibilitytocollect,assemble, and report all data and information required for reportingpurposes.MCL722.878(1).Theguardianmust providealltheinformationwithinhisorherpossession that the DHS requests for reporting purposes. MCL 722.878(2).
D. Duration of Guardianship Assistance

Except as provided in MCL 722.876(2), the DHS must not provide guardianshipassistanceafteroneofthefollowingoccurs:
Section10.7
(a)Thechildreaches18yearsofage. (b)Thedepartmentdeterminesthattheguardianisno longerlegallyresponsibleforsupportofthechild. (c) The department determines that the child is no longer receiving any support from the relative guardian. (d)Thedeathofthechild. (e) The child is adopted by the guardian or another individualundertheMichiganadoptioncode,...MCL 710.21to710.70,ortheadoptionlawsofanyotherstate orcountry. (f) The guardianship is terminated by order of the court having jurisdiction in the guardianship proceeding. (g)Thedeathoftheguardian.MCL722.876(1). MCL722.876(2)permitstheDHStoprovideextendedguardianship assistanceuntilthe[child]reachestheageof21ifthe[child]meetsthe requirements set forth in the [Y]oung [A]dult [V]oluntary [F]oster [C]are[A]ct.20SeeSection10.7(H). If the DHS terminates a guardians assistance, the DHS must mail notice of the termination to the guardians current or last known address and to the court with jurisdiction over the guardianship. MCL 722.876(2). MCL 722.876(2) requires the DHS, in its notice of termination, to inform the guardian and the court why it is terminatingtheguardianshipassistance. Aguardianshipassistanceagreementremainsineffectregardlessof theguardiansstateresidency.MCL722.875(5).
E. Appeal
A guardian may appeal the DHSs decision denying guardianship assistance. MCL 722.879. MCL 722.879 also permits a guardian or child who has received assistance to appeal the DHSs decision to modifyorterminatetheguardianshipassistance.SeeSection7.3fora detailed discussion of appealing a guardianship assistance determination.
20 Although MCL 722.876 was amended effective November 22, 2011, funding for the program is not
availableuntiltheTitleIVEstateplanisfederallyapproved.TheDHShasatargetdateofApril1,2012,for implementingtheprogram.
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Section10.7
F. Courts Role
Thecourtisauthorizedtoappointaguardianafterparentalrightsto thechildhavebeenterminated.SeeMCL712A.19c(2).TheDHS,not the court, determines whether a guardian will receive guardianship assistance.SeetheGuardianshipAssistanceAct,MCL722.871etseq. The legal guardianship shall be a judicially created relationship as provided for under . . . MCL 712A.19a and712A.19c,betweenthechildandhisorherguardian thatisintendedtobepermanentandselfsustainingas evidenced by the transfer to the guardian of the followingparentalrightswithrespecttothechild: (a)Protection. (b)Education. (c)Careandcontroloftheperson. (d)Custodyoftheperson. (e) Decision making. MCL 722.875b(a)MCL 722.875b(e). Appointmentofaguardianshiftsthelegalresponsibilityforthechild to theguardian.MCL712A.19c(7),(9).Aguardianappointedunder MCL 712A.19c has all the powers and duties described in MCL 700.5215.MCL712A.19c(7). Note: If guardianship assistance is requested, the determination of eligibility for guardianship assistance and a signed guardianship assistance agreement must be completed before the court enters the order appointing the guardian. DHSs Child Guardianship Manual (GDM), Juvenile Guardianship GDM 600, p 9, available at http://www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/ gdm/600.pdf. The courts jurisdiction over the child terminates after a guardian is appointed and a review hearing is held under MCL 712A.19. MCL 712A.19c(9).However, thecourts jurisdictionoverthe guardianship continues until released by court order. MCL 712A.19c(10); MCR 3.979(C). The court must annually review a guardianship and may conductadditionalreviewsasitdeemsnecessaryoritmayorderthe DHS or a court employee to conduct an investigation and file a writtenreport.MCL712A.19c(10);MCR3.979(D).
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Section10.7
G. DHSs Role When Assistance Is Provided

TheDHSsroleafterachildisplacedinaguardianshipisoutlinedin MCL722.875a: For a child whose permanency plan includes placementwithaguardianandwillincludethereceipt of guardianship assistance payments, the department shallincludeinthecaseserviceplanforthechildallof thefollowing: (a) The steps that the child placing agency or the department has taken to determine that reunificationorplacingthechildforadoptionisnot anappropriatepermanencyoption. (b)Thereasonforanyseparationofsiblingsduring placement. (c) The reason a permanent placement through guardianshipisinthechildsbestinterest. (d)Thewayinwhichthechildmeetstheeligibility criteriaforaguardianshipassistancepayment. (e) The efforts the child placing agency or the department has made to discuss adoption by the prospective guardian as a permanent alternative to legal guardianship and, in the case of a relative foster parent who has chosen not to pursue adoption,documentationofthereasons. (f)Incaseswheretheparentalrightshavenotbeen terminated, the efforts the department has made to discuss with the childs birth parent or parents the guardianshipassistancearrangement,orthereasons whytheeffortswerenotmade.
H. Young Adult Guardianship Extension (YAGE)

MCL722.876(2)permitstheDHStoprovideextendedguardianship assistanceuntiltheyouthreachestheageof21iftheyouthmeetsthe requirements set forth in the [Y]oung [A]dult [V]oluntary [F]oster [C]are[A]ct.21
21 Although MCL 722.876 was amended effective November 22, 2011, funding for the program is not
available until the Title IVE state plan is federally approved. Michigans plan is still awaiting federal approval,but[the]DHSplanstoimplement...thenewYoungAdultVoluntaryFosterCareActprogram[] onApril2,2012,evenifithasnotyetreceivedformalapproval.SCAOAdministrativeMemorandum2012 04,p6,athttp://courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/other/scaoadm/2012/201204.pdf.
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Section10.7
Under the Young Adult Voluntary Care Act, the DHS may provide extendedguardianshipassistancetoayouthbetweentheagesof18 20iftheyouthbeganreceivingguardianshipassistanceat16yearsof ageorolderandtheyouthmeetsoneoftheeligibilityconditionsset out in MCL 400.667.22 MCL 400.665; MCL 400.667. Under MCL 400.667, the youth must meet one of the following eligibility conditions: (a)Theyouthiscompletingsecondaryeducationora programleadingtoanequivalentcredential. (b)Theyouthisenrolledinaninstitutionthatprovides postsecondaryorvocationaleducation. (c)Theyouthisparticipatinginaprogramoractivity designedtopromoteemploymentorremovebarriersto employment. (d) The youth is employed for at least 80 hours per month. (e) The youth is incapable of doing any part of the activities in subdivisions (a) to (d) due to a medical condition. This assertion of incapacity must be supported by regularly updated information. MCL 400.667. Foradditionalinformationonextendingguardianshipassistance,see the DHSs Child Guardianship Manual (GDM), Extensions for Youth Entering Guardianship at Ages 1617 GDM 716, available at http:// www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/gdm/716.pdf.
1. Notice
TheDHSwillmailanapplication[23]andnoticeofeligibilityfor [the Young Adult Guardianship Extension (YAGE) program] to the guardian no later than 90 days before the youths 18th birthday. SCAO Administrative Memorandum 201204, p 5, available at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/other/ scaoadm/2012/201204.pdf.TheDHSwillalsosendanoticetothe courtwithjurisdictionoverthejuvenileguardianshiptoinform thecourtthattheyouthmaybeeligibleforanextension,and[to] request[] [that] the court [] keep the guardianship case open for 120 calendar days following the youths 18th birthday to allow
22 23
The [DHS] shall determine a youths initial and subsequent eligibility for extended guardianship assistanceinaccordancewiththestatesapproved[T]itleIVEplan.MCL400.665(2). See DHS form DHS1339G, Young Adult Guardianship Assistance Extension, at http:// www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,4562,71245455_7199_53619,00.html.
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Section10.7
time to complete the application and eligibility determination process.SCAOAdministrativeMemorandum201204,supraatp 5.
2. Approval
[The] DHS determines the youths initial and subsequent eligibility for extended guardianship assistance. SCAO Administrative Memorandum 201204, supra at p 4. If the DHS approvestheextension,itwillmailavoluntaryagreement24tothe guardian for the guardian and youth to sign. DHSs Child Guardianship Manual (GDM), Extensions for Youth Entering Guardianship at Ages 1617 GDM 716, p 5, available at http:// www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/gdm/716.pdf. Note: Both the youth and the guardian must sign [the] voluntary agreement with [the] DHS under which the youth and guardian pledge compliance with [MCL 400.667]. SCAO Administrative Memorandum201204,supraatp4. If [the] DHS approves the application [and upon receipt of the signed voluntary agreement], it will send a copy of the signed voluntaryagreementtothecourt,requestingthecourttocontinue the guardianship.25 SCAO Administrative Memorandum 2012 04,supraatp 5. The court shalldeterminewhether the juvenile guardianship remains in the youths best interests and issue an order.26Id. Note: [The] SCAO recommends that, upon receivingavoluntaryagreementandrequesttokeep the case open, the court schedule the required annualreviewhearingtoensurethatabestinterests determination is made within 365 days after the youths18thbirthdayandannuallythereafter.
24SeeDHSformDHS3313YA,YoungAdultGuardianshipAssistanceExtensionAgreement. 25Within30calendardaysofthedatetheDHS3313YA,YoungAdultGuardianshipAssistanceExtension
Agreement,wassignedbytheDHSSubsidyOfficemanager,theDHSSubsidyOfficewillprovideacopyof the agreement to the guardian and the court with jurisdiction over the guardianship. DHSs Child Guardianship Manual (GDM), Extensions for Youth Entering Guardianship at Ages 1617 GDM 716, p 5, availableathttp://www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/gdm/716.pdf(emphasisadded).
26AmendmentstoMCR3.979(A)(1)arepending[,and][t]heproposedcourtruleswillrequirethecourtto
servetheordersontheyouth,theguardian[,]and[the]DHS.SCAOAdministrativeMemorandum2012 04, p 5, available at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/other/scaoadm/2012/201204.pdf. The court order should be sent to the DHS at the following address: DHS Adoption Subsidy Office, P.O. Box 30037,Lansing,MI48909.SCAOAdministrativeMemorandum201204,supra.
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Section10.8
10.8 Federal Funding for Subsidies

TheAdoptionandSafeFamiliesAct(ASFA)willprovidefederalfunding fortheadoptiveparentandguardianshipsubsidiessolongasaplanis created that includes specific provisions and assurances, as laid out withintheASFA,andtheplanisapprovedbytheSecretaryoftheUnited StatesDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices(DHHS).42USC670; 42USC671. The ASFA requires the following provisions and assurances to be includedintheStatesadoptionplan:
provisions for adoption and guardianship assistance
programsinaccordancewith42USC673.42USC671(a)(1). See Sections 10.6 and 10.7 for information on Michigans assistanceprograms.
provisions for periodic review of adoption assistance
payments to assure their continuing appropriateness. 42 USC671(a)(11).SeeMCL400.115g(2).

provisionsindicatingthatreasonableeffortstoplaceachild
for adoption or with a legal guardian may be made concurrently with reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify families. 42 USC 671(a)(15)(F). See MCL 712A.19(13).
provisionsthatneithertheStatenoranyotherentityinthe
Statethatreceivesfundsfromthefederalgovernmentand isinvolvedinadoptionproceedingsmaydenyanyperson theopportunitytobecomeanadoptiveparent,ortohavea child placedwithhimorherforadoption, onthe basisof the race, color, or national origin of the person, or of the child involved, or may delay or deny the placement of a childforadoptiononthebasisoftherace,color,ornational origin of the adoptive parent or the child. 42 USC 671(a)(18)(A)42 USC 671(a)(18)(B). See Section 4.1(B) for information on prohibited placements for temporary and formalplacements.
provisionsthattheStatemustconsidergivingpreferenceto
an adult relative over a nonrelative caregiver when determining a placement for a child, provided that the relative caregiver meets all relevant State child protection standards.42USC671(a)(19).
provisionsforproceduresforcriminalrecordchecksofany
prospectiveadoptiveparentbeforeapprovingtheadoptive parentforchildplacementregardlessofwhetheradoption
Section10.8
assistance payments are to be made under the State plan, andiftherecordcheckrevealsafelonyconvictionforchild abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, a crime against children (including child pornography), or a crime involving violence (including rape, sexual assault, or homicide), or therecordcheckrevealsafelonyconvictionwithinthelast five years for a physical assault, battery, or a drugrelated offense, the final approval must not be granted. 42 USC 671(a)(20)(A)(i)42USC671(a)(20)(A)(ii). Note:TheStatemustcheckanychildabuseandneglect registrymaintainedbytheStateforinformationonany adoptive parent or any other adult livinginthehome, and request to check the registry of any other State wheretheprospectiveparentorotheradulthasresided within the past five years. 42 USC 671(a)(20)(B)(i). The State must comply with any request it receives from another State, and must have safeguards in place to prevent unauthorized disclosure of child abuse and neglectregistryinformation.42USC671(a)(20)(B)(ii)42 USC671(a)(20)(B)(iii).
provisionsforhealthinsurancecoverageforanychildwho
has been determined to be a child with special needs and for whom there is in effect an adoption assistance agreement27betweentheStateandtheadoptiveparent.42 USC 671(a)(21). For more information on the specific requirementsofthehealthinsurancecoverage,see42USC 671(a)(21)(A)42USC671(a)(21)(D).
provisions that the State must not deny or delay the
placementofachildforadoptionwhenanapprovedfamily is available outside of the jurisdiction with responsibility forhandlingthechildscase.42USC671(a)(23)(A).

attheStatesoption,provisionsthattheStatemayenterinto
relative guardianship assistance agreements to provide relative guardianship assistance payments to a childs relativeorlegalguardianwhentherelativeorguardianhas committedtocaringforthechildonapermanentbasis.42 USC 671(a)(28). See Section 10.7 for information on Michigansguardianshipassistance.
provisionsthattheStatemustprovidereasonableeffortsto
placesiblingstogetherinadoptiveplacementsandrelative guardianships or, in the alternative, provide for frequent

27
SeeSection10.6(A)(2)forinformationonadoptionassistanceagreements.
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Section10.8
visitation,unlessitiscontrarytothesafetyandwellbeing ofthesiblings.42USC671(a)(31)(A)42USC671(a)(31)(B).
provisionsforthediligentrecruitmentofpotentialadoptive
families that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of childrenintheStateforwhomadoptivehomesareneeded. 42USC622(b)(7).
assurancesthattheStatewilldevelopaserviceprogramto
helpchildrenbeplacedforadoptionwithalegalguardian, or, if adoption or legal guardianship is determined inappropriate for the child, then some other planned, permanentlivingarrangement.42USC622(b)(8)(A)(iii)(II).
provisionsthattheStatewilldevelopmeasurestocomply
with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). 42 USC 622(b)(9).(SeeChapter11forinformationontheICWA).

assurancesthattheStatewilldevelopplansfortheeffective
use of crossjurisdictional resources to facilitate timely adoptiveorpermanentplacementsforwaitingchildren.42 USC622(b)(10).

assurances that the State has undertaken activities for
children adopted from other countries, including the provision of adoption and postadoption services.42 USC 622(b)(11).
provisionsthattheStatewillcollectandreportinformation
onchildrenwhoareadoptedfromothercountriesandwho enter into State custody as a result of the disruption of a placement for adoption or the dissolution of an adoption, including the number of children, the agencies who handledtheplacementoradoption,theplansforthechild, and the reasons for the disruption or dissolution. 42 USC 622(b)(12). Note: This is not an exhaustive list of the ASFAs required provisions and assurances. However, the list includes all that the ASFA requires for adoptions and guardianships. Most of the ASFAs provisions and assurances specifically apply to child protective proceedings.28 For an exhaustive list of the ASFAs required provisions and assurances, see 42 USC 671(a) and42USC622(b).
28
SeetheMichiganJudicialInstitutesChildProtectiveProceedingsBenchbook,Chapter14.
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Section10.8
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Chapter 11: Adoption Proceedings Involving an Indian Child
11.1 GeneralRequirementsoftheIndianChildWelfareAct(ICWA) ........ 112 11.2 PurposeoftheICWA .......................................................................... 112 11.3 WhentheICWAApplies ..................................................................... 113 11.4 NoticeofProceedingstoParentandTribeorSecretaryofInterior .. 118 11.5 Jurisdiction ....................................................................................... 1115 11.6 AppointmentofCounsel .................................................................. 1120 11.7 RighttoInterveneinProceedings.................................................... 1121 11.8 VoluntaryProceedings ..................................................................... 1121 11.9 InvoluntaryProceedings .................................................................. 1126 11.10 PreferredPlacementsofIndianChildren ......................................... 1130 11.11 QualifiedExpertWitnesses .............................................................. 1133 11.12 ChangeofPlacementandPetitionforReturnofChild .................... 1133 11.13 CentralAdoptionRegistryforIndianChildren ................................. 1135 11.14 RecordkeepingandDisclosureofInformation................................. 1136 11.15 ImproperRemoval ........................................................................... 1139 11.16 InvalidationofStateCourtActionforViolationoftheICWA........... 1139
ThischapterdiscussestheIndianChildWelfareAct(ICWA),25USC1901 et seq., as it applies to adoptions. The ICWA also applies to child protective proceedings filed pursuant to the Juvenile Code, including those that lead to an adoption. A brief discussion of the ICWA in the contextofisincludedinthischapter.However,adetaileddiscussionof the ICWA as it applies to child protective proceedings is beyond the scope of this benchbook. See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Child ProtectiveProceedingsBenchbook,Chapter19,forinformationonthistopic.
Section11.1
InanefforttohelpMichiganjudgeslearnaboutthefederalIndianChild Welfare Act of 1978, the need for states to comply with the Act, and discuss its implementation in Michigan[,] the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) developed the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978:ACourtResourceGuide.Thisresourceguideisaccessibleathttp:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/publications/manuals/cws/ ICWACtResourceGuide.pdf. The Permanency Planning for Children Department of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges also created a series of checkliststoassistjuvenileandfamilycourtjudgesinassuringthatthe necessaryinquiriesarebeingmadetodetermineasearlyaspossible in everycasewhetherthe[ICWA]applies.Thechecklistsareaccessibleat http://www.ncjfcj.org/sites/default/files/ICWAChecklistFullDoc.pdf.
11.1 General Requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)

TheIndianChildWelfareAct(ICWA),25USC1901etseq.,mandatesthat statecourtsadheretocertainminimumproceduralrequirementsbefore removingIndianchildrenfromtheirhomesandplacingtheminfosteror adoptive homes. 25 USC 1902. Because the ICWA is federal law, it preempts conflicting state law. It is important to remember that the ICWAprovidesadditionalrequirementsfortheterminationofparental rights,placements,andadoptions.Thecourtmustmeettherequirements of the state law and, when the ICWA applies, it must also meet the additionalrequirementsoftheICWA. However, several of the procedural requirements of the ICWA are less stringentthanstatutoryandcourtrulerequirementsinMichigan.When applicable state law contains higher standards than the ICWA, a court mustapplythosehigherstandards.See25USC1921.1
11.2 Purpose of the ICWA

The purpose of the ICWA is to protect the best interests of Indian children2andtopromotethestabilityandsecurityofIndiantribesand families. The ICWA promotes this purpose by establishing minimum federalstandardsfortheremovalofIndianchildrenfromtheirfamilies and for their placement in foster or adoptive homes that reflect the unique values of Indian culture. The ICWAs purpose also includes
1 2
Thesehigherstandardsarenotedinthischapterwhenrelevant. SeeSection11.3(A)fortheICWAsdefinitionofanIndianChild.
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providingassistancetoIndiantribesintheoperationofchildandfamily serviceprograms.25USC1902.
11.3 When the ICWA Applies

TheICWAapplieswhen: (1)ThereisanIndianchild,and (2)Thechildisinvolvedinachildcustodyproceeding. Note:TheICWAdefineschildcustodyproceedings differently than does Michigan statutory law. See Section 11.3(B) for the ICWAs definition of child custodyproceedings.
A. An Indian Child Under the ICWA

TheICWAdefinesanIndianchildas: [A]nyunmarriedpersonwhoisunderage[18]andis either (a)a memberofanIndiantribe or (b)is eligible formembershipinanIndiantribeandisthebiological childofamemberofanIndiantribe[.]25USC1903(4). SeealsoMCR3.002(5). Attheearliestpossibletimeinachildcustodyproceeding,thecourt should inquire of the parties if the child is either a member of an Indian tribe or is eligible for membership in an Indian tribe, and whether the child is the biological child of a member of an Indian tribe. Note:Thebenchbookadvisorycommitteerecommends that as soon as attorneys or adoption agencies have reasontobelievethatanadopteeisanIndianchild,they shouldsendalettertothetriberequestinginformation about the adoptee, even if court proceedings have not yetbeeninitiated.Theresponsefromthetribeshouldbe submittedtothecourtattheearliestpossibletimeinthe proceedings. IfthecourthasreasontobelievethechildisanIndianchild,thecourt mustseekverificationofthechildsstatusfromeithertheBureauof Indian Affairs (BIA) or the childs tribe. Bureau of Indian Affairs, GuidelinesforStateCourts;IndianChildCustodyProceedings,44Federal Register67584,B.1(a)(1979).1
1
Availableathttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf.
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Note: The BIA determination of whether a child is an Indianchildisconclusive,unlessthetribeallegedtobe theIndianchildstribedeterminesotherwise.Guidelines forStateCourts,supraatB.1(b)(ii). Thetribesdeterminationofitsmembershipisconclusive.Guidelines for State Courts, supra at B.1(b)(i). See also Santa Clara Pueblo v Martinez,436US49,72n32(1978). AcourthasreasontobelievethatachildisanIndianchildwhen: (i) Any party to the case, Indian tribe, Indian organization or public or private agency informs the courtthatthechildisanIndianchild. (ii) Any public or statelicensed agency involved in child protection services or family support has discoveredinformationthatsuggeststhatthechildisan Indianchild. (iii) The child who is the subject of the proceeding givesthecourtreasontobelieveheorsheisanIndian child. (iv) The residence or the domicile of the child, his or herbiologicalparents,ortheIndiancustodianisknown by the court to be or is shown to be a predominantly Indiancommunity. (v)Anofficerof thecourt involved intheproceeding hasknowledgethatthechildmaybeanIndianchild. (vi)Anyothercircumstancesthatwouldleadthecourt tobelievethatthechildisanIndianchild.Guidelinesfor StateCourts,supraatB.1(c). The best source for determining whether a particular child is an IndianchildistheIndiantribe.GuidelinesforStateCourts,supraatB.1. Commentary.
1. Indian Tribe
TheICWAdefinesanIndiantribeas: [A]nyIndiantribe,band,nation,orotherorganized group or community of Indians recognized as eligible for the services provided to Indians by the Secretary [of the Interior] because of their status as Indians[.]25USC1903(8).SeealsoMCR3.002(9).
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The court determines whether a tribe is an Indian tribe. In re NEGP,245MichApp126,133134(2001). Note: The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, 72 Federal Register 13648 (2007), at http:// edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/e75220.pdf, containsalistoffederallyrecognizedIndiantribes. However, the list is not necessarily allinclusive because the Secretary may federally recognize an Indian tribe after the list of federally recognized tribeswaslastposted. TheICWAdoesnotapplytoanIndiantribethatisnotfederally recognized.InreFried,266MichApp535,540(2005).InInreFried, therespondentfatherclaimedthatthetrialcourterredinfailing to apply the ICWA to the proceedings because the child was eligible for membership in the Lost Cherokee Nation. Id. at 538. The Court of Appeals held that because the tribe to which respondent[father]belongsisnotatriberecognizedaseligiblefor servicesprovidedtoIndiansbytheSecretaryoftheInterior,itis not an Indian tribe within the meaning of the ICWA. 25 USC 1903(8)and(11).Fried,supraat540. Tribes set their own eligibility requirements, and there is no specific degree of Indian ancestry that qualifies a child for tribal membership.InreElliott,218MichApp196,201206(1996).InIn re Elliott, the respondentmother claimed that the trial court violated the ICWA when it held that the issue of the childs membershiporeligibilityformembershipinanIndiantribeneed not be addressed in the termination hearing because the Native Americanculturewasnotaconsistentcomponentofthechildsor motherslife.Id. at200201.Inreversingthetrialcourt,theCourt of Appeals held that the trial court erroneously made an independent determination as to whether the child was being removedfromanexistingIndianfamilyindecidingwhetherthe ICWA applied. Id. at 203. Specifically, the Court of Appeals concluded: [T]he probate court created an exception to strict application of the ICWA by finding that testimony ofqualifiedexpertwitnesseswasunnecessarygiven thelackofinvolvementbythemotherorminorchild in Indian culture. We agree with respondents that the court committed clear legal error in its interpretation of the ICWA and that the courts termination order is invalid. Although some jurisdictions have adopted the existing Indian
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family exception to the ICWA, we do not find the analysisofthosecasestobepersuasive. Instead,weprefertheviewadoptedbythosecourts that have rejected the judicially created existing IndianfamilyexceptiontoapplicationoftheICWA. We agree with these courts that application of the exception undercuts the plain import of the ICWA andfailstoconsideradequatelytheinterestsofthe Indian tribes themselves, especially in the involuntaryproceedings,suchasinthiscase.... We also believe that the existing Indian family exception was implicitly rejected by the United StatesSupremeCourtin[MississippiBandofChoctaw Indians v] Holyfield, [490 US 30 (1989)], where the Court thoroughly examined the legislative history andunderlyingpoliciesoftheICWA.... [Thus] we hold that an existing Indian family exception would be in direct conflict with the concept of tribal sovereignty and the important publicpolicyofimprovingtribaltiesreflectedinthe ICWA. In re Elliott, supra at 203206. (Internal citationsomitted.) A parents enrollment in an Indian tribe is not a prerequisite to application of the ICWA. In re IEM, 233 Mich App 438, 445, n 3 (1999); In re NEGP,245MichAppat133,n 4(2001),decliningto follow In re Shawboose, 175 Mich App 637, 639 (1989) (the ICWA was inapplicable because respondent was not enrolled as a memberofanytribe).
2. Confidentiality
Where a parent indicates a desire for anonymity during a voluntary placement proceeding, the court must seek the childs verification in a manner that maintains the parents anonymity. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child CustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,B.1(a)(1979).1 25USC1915(c)requiresthecourttorespectaconsentingparents desireforanonymity.TheBureauofIndianAffairs,Guidelinesfor State Courts; Indian Child Custody Proceedings provides the following:
Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf.
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Underthe[ICWA]confidential[ity]isgivenamuch higher priority in voluntary proceedings than in involuntary ones. The [ICWA] mandates a tribal right of notice and intervention in involuntary proceedingsbutnotinvoluntaryones.Cf.25U.S.C. 1912 with 25 U.S.C. 1913. For voluntary placements,however,the[ICWA]specificallydirects state courts to respect parental requests for confidentiality. 25 U.S.C. 1915(c)[.] The most common voluntary placement involves a newborn infant.Confidentialityhastraditionallybeenahigh priorityinsuchplacements.The[ICWA]reflectsthat traditional approach by requiring deference to requestsforanonymityinvoluntaryplacementsbut not in involuntary ones. This guideline specifically provides that anonymity not be compromised in seeking verification of Indian status. Guidelines for StateCourts,supraatB.1.Commentary. It is recommended that the court seek verification of the childs tribal status from the BIA in voluntary proceedings where the parent is requesting anonymity and the tribe does not have a system for keeping the information confidential. Guidelines for StateCourts,supraatB.1.Commentary.
B. Child Custody Proceedings

If the proceedings involve an Indian child, the ICWA applies to the followinguniquelydefinedmatters: (i)fostercareplacementwhichshallmeananyaction removing an Indian child from its parent or Indian custodianfortemporaryplacementinafosterhomeor institution or the home of a guardian or conservator where the parent or Indian custodian cannot have the childreturnedupondemand,butwhereparentalrights havenotbeenterminated; (ii) termination of parental rights which shall mean any action resulting in the termination of the parent childrelationship; (iii) preadoptive placement which shall mean the temporary placement1 of an Indian child in a foster home or institution after the termination of parental rights,butpriortoorinlieuofadoptiveplacement;and
1
SeeChapter5forinformationontemporaryplacements.
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(iv) adoptive placement which shall mean the permanentplacement1ofanIndianchildforadoption, including any action resulting in a final decree of adoption. 25 USC 1903(1)(i)(iv). See also MCR 3.002(1). Note: See Section 11.8 for voluntary proceedings, andSection11.9forinvoluntaryproceedings. Essentially, theICWA applies whenanIndian child is beingplaced, temporarily or permanently, with someone other than his or her parent or custodian. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts;IndianChildCustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,B.3. Commentary(1979).2 TheICWAdefinesaparentas: [A]nybiologicalparentorparentsofanIndianchildor anyIndianpersonwhohaslawfullyadoptedanIndian child,includingadoptionsundertriballaworcustom.It does not include the unwed father where paternity3 has not been acknowledged or established[.] 25 USC 1903(9) (emphasisadded).SeealsoMCR3.002(10). TheICWAdefinesanIndiancustodianas: [A]ny Indian person who has legal custody of an IndianchildundertriballaworcustomorunderState lawortowhomtemporaryphysicalcare,custody,and control has been transferred by the parent of such child[.]25USC1903(6).SeealsoMCR3.002(7).
11.4 Notice of Proceedings to Parent and Tribe or Secretary of Interior

A. Voluntary Proceedings
WhereanIndianchildisinvolvedinanadoptionproceedingandthe Indiantribedoesnothaveexclusivejurisdictionovertheproceeding, thepetitionermust,bypersonalserviceorregisteredmailwithreturn receipt requested, notify the parent or Indian custodian, and the Indian childs tribe of the pending proceedings and the right to intervene.4MCR3.802(A)(3)(a).
1SeeChapter6forinformationonformalplacements. 2 3
Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf. SeeChapter3forinformationonestablishingpaternity.
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Note: The ICWA mandates a tribal right of notice and intervention in involuntary proceedings but not in voluntary ones. See 25 USC 1912(a). However, numerous court rules were amended and created to provide specific procedures for proceedings under the jurisdiction of the ICWA, including extending a tribal right of notice and intervention to voluntary proceedings.1 IftheidentityorlocationoftheIndianparent(s),Indiancustodian(s), ortribecannotbedetermined,noticeofthependingproceedingmust be sent by registered mail with return receipt requested to the Secretary of the Interiors Area Director, which for Michigan is the MinneapolisAreaDirector.MCR3.802(A)(2);25CFR23.11(c)(2).The contactinformationfortheMinneapolisAreaOfficemaybeobtained at http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/mn/ mplsbia.html#MINNEAPOLIS%20AREA%20OFFICE.
B. Involuntary Proceedings
OncethecourtknowsorhasreasontoknowthatanIndianchildis involved in an involuntary proceeding, the ICWA notice requirementsareapplicable.225USC1912(a).Onceitbecomesknown thatachildispossiblyofIndianancestry,noticebecomesmandatory regardless of where the court is in its proceedings. In re TM (After Remand),245MichApp181,188(2001).
1. Identity and Location of Parents, Custodians, or Tribe Are Known

Inaninvoluntaryproceedingwheretheidentityandlocationofa childsIndianparent(s),Indiancustodian(s),ortribe(s)areknown, thepartyseekingthefostercareplacementof,orterminationof parentalrightsto,anIndianchildshallnotifytheparentorIndian custodian and the Indian childs tribe, by registered mail with returnreceiptrequested,ofthependingproceedingsandoftheir rightofintervention.325USC1912(a).SeealsoMCR3.802(A)(3). Copies of these notices must be sent to the Secretary of the Interiors Area Director, which for Michigan is the Minneapolis Area Director. 25 CFR 23.11(a), 25 CFR 23.11(c)(2). The contact
4 SeeSection11.5forinformationonthetribalcourtsjurisdiction,andSection11.7forinformationonthe tribesorIndiancustodiansrightofintervention. 1EffectiveMay1,2010. 2SeetheICWAform,IndianChildWelfareActNotice,25U.S.C.1912(a),athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/ 1.pdf. 3
SeeSection11.3fortheICWAsdefinitionofparent,custodian,andtribe.
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information for the Minneapolis Area Office may be obtained at http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/mn/ mplsbia.html#MINNEAPOLIS%20AREAOFFICE. Note:Wherethereismorethanonetribeinvolved,a courtmaynotchoosewhichtribetonotice.Seethe IndianChildWelfareActof1978:ACourtResource Guide, Identifying an Indian Child or Indian Tribe; Notification Requirements, at http:// courts.michigan.gov/scao/resources/publications/ manuals/cws/ICWACtResourceGuide.pdf. Rather, notice must be provided to each federally recognized tribe of which an Indian child is a member or for which the child is eligible for membership.Id.;BureauofIndianAffairs,Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child Custody Proceedings, 44 FederalRegister67584,B.2.Commentary(1979).
2. Identity or Location of Parents, Custodians, or Tribe Are Unknown

When the identity or location of the Indian parent(s), Indian custodian(s), or tribe is unknown, notice of the pending proceeding must be sent by certified mail with return receipt requestedtotheSecretaryoftheInteriorsAreaDirector,whichfor Michigan is the Minneapolis Area Director. MCR 3.802(A)(3); 25 CFR 23.11(b),25 CFR23.11(c)(2).Thecontactinformation forthe Minneapolis Area Office may be obtained at http:// www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/mn/ mplsbia.html#MINNEAPOLISAREAOFFICE. Note: If notice to the Secretary of the Interior is required, the Secretary must make reasonable documented efforts to locate and notify the childs tribe and the childs Indian parents or Indian custodians. 25 CFR 23.11(f). The Secretary has 15 days after receiving the notice to notify the childs tribe and parents or Indian custodians. 25 USC 1912(a);25CFR23.11(f).If,withinthe15dayperiod, theSecretaryisunabletolocatetheparentsorIndian custodians,theSecretarymustnotifythecourt,prior to the initiation of the proceedings, regarding the amount of additional time, if any, needed to completethesearch.25CFR23.11(f).
C. Notice Requirements
Thenoticemustincludethefollowinginformation:
Section11.4
(1)ThenameoftheIndianchildandthechildsdateand placeofbirth. (2)The name of theIndian tribe ortribes inwhich the childisenrolledormaybeeligibleforenrollment. (3) All names (known and current) and former addresses of the Indian childs biological mother, biological father, maternal and paternal grandparents, andgreatgrandparentsorIndiancustodians(including maiden, married, and former names or aliases), birthdates, places of birth and death, tribal enrollment numbers,and/orotheridentifyinginformation. (4)Acopyofthepetition,complaint,orotherdocument bywhichtheproceedingwasinitiated. (5) The name of the petitioner and the name and addressofthepetitionersattorney. (6)Astatementoftherightofthebiologicalparentsor Indian custodians and the Indian childs tribe to interveneintheproceeding. (7)AstatementthatiftheparentsorIndiancustodians are unable to afford counsel, and where a state court determines indigency, counsel will be appointed to representthem. (8) A statement of the right of the natural parents or Indian custodians and the Indian childs tribe to have, onrequest,20days(orsuchadditionaltimeasmaybe permitted under state law) to prepare for the proceeding. (9) The location, mailing address, and telephone number of the court and all parties notified of the pendingaction. (10) A statement of the right of the parents or Indian custodians or the Indian childs tribe to petition the court to transfer the proceeding to the Indian childs tribal court, absent an objection by either parent and provided that the tribal court does not decline jurisdiction. (11)Thepotentiallegalconsequencesofanadjudication on future custodial rights of the parents or Indian custodians.
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(12)Astatementinthenoticetothetribeindicatingthat because child custody proceedings are usually conducted on a confidential basis, all parties notified mustkeepconfidentialtheinformationcontainedinthe noticeconcerningtheparticularproceeding.Thenotices mustnotberevealedtoanyonewhodoesnotneedthe informationinordertoexercisethetribesrightsunder the ICWA. 25 CFR 23.11(d)(1)25 CFR 23.11(d)(4), 25 CFR 23.11(e)(1)25 CFR 23.11(e)(7); Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child Custody Proceedings, 44 Federal Register 67584, B.5(b)(i)(xi) (1979).1 The court must wait a minimum of ten days after the parents or IndiancustodiansandtheIndiantribeortheSecretaryoftheInterior have received notice before going forward with a foster care placement or termination of parental rights proceeding. 25 USC 1912(a). Upon request, the court must grant parents, Indian custodians,oranIndiantribeanadditional20daystoprepareforthe proceeding.2Id. Caselaw.Thefollowingcasesdiscussnoticerequirementsunderthe ICWA.
InreIEM,233MichApp438(1999)
Although the brief testimony regarding the respondentmothers Indian ancestry was inconclusive regarding her tribal membership, the information was sufficient enough to raise the ICWA notice requirements during the termination proceeding. The Court of Appealsexplained: [P]ermittingtheprobatecourtandthe[DHS]tosimply ignore the testimony of record implicating the ICWA notification requirement would contravene the explicitlystatedcongressionalobjectivetopromotethe stability and security of Indian tribes and families, 25 USC 1902, and we decline to permit the court and the [DHS]todisregardtheCongressexpressedintent. Because the probate court had reason to believe [the child]hadsomeunspecifiedIndianheritage,the[DHS] was required to send notice of the probate court proceedings and of the applicable tribes right of intervention through registered mail, return receipt
1 2
Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf. SeetheICWAform,MotionforExtensionofTime,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/6.pdf.
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requested, to the Secretary of the Interior. 25 USC 1912(a); MCR [3.920(C)(1)1]. The lower court record, however, does not reflect that the [DHS] subsequently pursued the matter. The [DHS] includes in its brief on appeal a document requesting a determination regarding [the childs] possible tribal affiliation that it allegedly sent to the Michigan Child Welfare Agency, and notes that it made a telephone call to the local OdawaIndianTribe.Theseeffortsbythe[DHS]fallfar shortofsatisfyingtheICWAsnoticerequirements.First, no indication exists that the [DHS] sent the document by registered mail, return receipt requested. 25 USC 1912(a). Second, the document was not correctly addressedtotheSecretaryoftheInterior.Id.Third,the document nowhere informs any potentially interested tribe of its right of intervention. Id. The [DHSs] telephone call also did not satisfy any of these ICWA requirements. *** [However],weconcludethatweneednotreversethe probate courts order of termination. We instead adopt the same approach taken by many other states appellate courts that have addressed a lower courts failuretoprovideadequatenoticeunder25USC1912(a) andconditionallyaffirmtheprobatecourtstermination order,butremandsothatthecourtandthe[DHS]may providepropernoticetoanyinterestedtribe.InreIEM, supraat448450.
InreTM(AfterRemand),245MichApp181(2001)
AlthoughnoticewasnotsenttoanytribeortotheBureauofIndian Affairs(BIA)byregisteredmail,returnreceiptrequested,thecourts terminationorder did notneedtobe setasidefor failure to comply with the ICWA notice provisions when the record reflected that the tribes and the BIA received actual notice, and none of the tribes expressedadesiretointervene.Specifically, The record in this case does not establish that notice wassenttoanytribeorofficeoftheBIAbyregistered mail, return receipt requested. The parties failed to develop the issue of the manner of notice in the trial court, even on remand, and the trial court made no finding with regard to whether notice was made by
FormerlyMCR5.980(A)(2).
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registeredmail,returnreceiptrequested.Ourreviewof therecordindicatesthatnoticemayhavebeenmadeby certifiedmail,withno returnreceiptrequested.Inany event,becausetherecordshowsthatallthreefederally recognized Cherokee tribes and the appropriate office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs received actual notice, andnotribecameforward,thecourtsorderterminating respondent[mother]s parental rights need not be set asideforfailuretocomplywiththenoticeprovisionsof theICWA. *** In this particular case, given that actual notice was otherwise shown and no tribes chose to intervene, neither[thechild]northetribeswereprejudiced,anda remand so that notifications could be sent out by registered mail with return receipts requested would notfurtherservethegoalsoftheICWA.InreTM,supra at188189,192. Note: If the tribe is unknown, the ICWA only requiresthattheDHSsendnoticetotheBIA;itdoes notrequirethattheDHSdemonstratethatalltribes receivednotificationfromtheBIA.InreTM,supraat 189190.
InreNEGP,245MichApp126(2001)
The ICWA notice requirements were not met where the record contained no proof that the DHS sent notification to the identified tribeorthatthetriberespondedtoanynotice.Duringtherespondent fathers termination hearing the trial court learned the respondent father was possibly of Indian ancestry. The trial court directed the DHStosendnotificationtotheidentifiedtribe,butcontinuedtaking proofs.TheDHSsubmittedarequesttotheSecretaryoftheInterior for a search of the childs possible Indian ancestry. The Secretary of theInteriorrespondedwithaletterindicatingthattherewasnotany informationavailableregardingthechildsorparentsmembershipor affiliation with the tribe, and the trial court accepted the letter as conclusive evidence. The Court of Appeals remanded the matter, holdingthatthetrialcourterredbyfailingtoconclusivelydetermine whether the child was an Indian child before the close of proofs. Specifically,theCourtofAppealsexplained: Here,thetrialcourtdidnotlearnofthechildspossible Indian heritage until the second day of respondent[ father]s termination hearing. The court directed [the DHS]toinvestigatethematterandcontinuedwiththe
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proofs in the case, noting that it might have to ultimatelyjudgetheproofsusinganincreasedstandard if the child was later determined to be an Indian child undertheICWA.Therecordreflectsthat[theDHS]sent notice of the proceedings by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with 25 USC 1912(a). Nevertheless, the statute also required [the DHS] to send notice to the childstribe.Boththecourtand[theDHS]kneworhad reason to know, by virtue of [the DHSs] inclusion of Anishinabee on the forms that it mailed to the SecretaryoftheInterior,thatthechildwaspotentiallya member of that tribe. The lower court record contains noproofthat[theDHS]eithersentthetribetherequired notice, return receipt requested, or that the tribe responded to any notice. [The DHS] never indicated that it could not determine the location of the tribe. Therefore, [the DHS] did not comply with the requirements of 25 USC 1912(a). In re NEGP, supra at 131132.(Internalcitationsomitted.) Note: The In re IEM matter is distinguishable from the In re NEGP matter because the Indian ancestry was unspecified in the In re IEM matter, but was identifiedintheInreNEGPmatter.InreNEGP,supra at132n2.
11.5 Jurisdiction
State jurisdiction. A state court has jurisdiction over a child custody proceedinginvolvinganIndianchildinthreesituations: (1) Concurrent jurisdiction where the child is domiciled or resides off an Indian reservation and is not a ward of the tribalcourt,25USC1911(b); (2) A tribalstate agreement where the tribe allocates jurisdictiontothestate,25USC1919(a);and Note: A tribe or a state may revoke a tribalstate agreementbyprovidinga180daywrittennoticetothe other party. 25 USC 1919(b). Unless specified, a revocationwillnotimpactanactionorproceedingover whichthestatecourthasalreadyassumedjurisdiction. Id. (3) Limited emergency jurisdiction where a reservation resident Indian child is temporarily off the reservation and
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thestatehasremovedthechildinanemergencysituationto preventimminentphysicaldamageorharmtothechild.125 USC1922;MCR3.974(B)(1). Note:Theemergencyjurisdictionterminateswhensuch removalorplacementisnolongernecessarytoprevent imminentphysicaldamageorharmtothechild.25USC 1922;MCR3.905(B). Tribal court jurisdiction. A tribe has jurisdiction over a child custody proceedinginthreesituations: (1)ThechildisdomiciledorresidesonanIndianreservation, 25USC1911(a),MCR3.002(2); (2) The child is a ward of the tribal court (regardless of the childsdomicileorresidence),25USC1911(a),MCR3.002(2); and (3) Concurrent jurisdiction where the child is domiciled or resides off an Indian reservation and is not a ward of the tribescourt.25USC1911(b).
A. Mandatory Transfer of Case to Tribal Court

When a case is transferred to a tribal court, the state court must provide the tribal court with all available information on the case. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child CustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,C.4(d)(1979).2 Note:SeetheICWAform,MotiontoTransferJurisdiction andDismissCase,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/12.pdf. If an Indian tribe has exclusive jurisdiction over an adoption proceeding,thestatecourtmustdismissthematter.MCR3.807(B)(1).
1. Childs Domicile or Residence is on an Indian Reservation

Indian tribes have exclusive jurisdiction over child custody proceedingsinvolvinganIndianchildwhoresidesorisdomiciled onthetribesreservation.25USC1911(a);MCR3.002(2). Thechildsdomicileistypicallydeterminedbythechildsparent; therefore,achildborninwedlocktakestheparentsdomicile,but
1 See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Child Protective Proceedings Benchbook, Chapter 15, for more informationonemergencyremovals. 2
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a child born out of wedlock takes the childs mothers domicile. Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians v Holyfield, 490 US 30, 4348 (1989).InMississippiBandofChoctawIndians,themothertraveled 200milesfromtheIndianreservation,whereshewasdomiciled, togivebirthtotwinbabies,andthensignedaconsenttoadoption. An adoption decree was subsequently granted to the adopting parents. Two months after the final adoption order, the MississippiBandofChoctawIndiansfiledamotiontovacatethe adoption decree on the ground that, pursuant to the ICWA, exclusivejurisdictionwasvestedinthetribalcourt.Thetrialcourt deniedthemotionandindicatedthatthechildrenhadneverbeen on,residedin,orbeendomiciledontheIndianreservation,and, therefore, exclusive jurisdiction did not rest with the tribe. The Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed the trial courts ruling. The United States Supreme Court disagreed, overturned the Mississippi Supreme Court, and held that the twin babies were domiciledontheIndianreservationeventhoughthetwinbabies were never physically present on the Indian reservation. Specifically, For adults, domicile is established by physical presenceinaplaceinconnectionwithacertainstate ofmindconcerningonesintenttoremainthere.One acquires a domicile of origin at birth, and that domicile continues until a new one (a domicile of choice) is acquired. Since most minors are legally incapableofformingtherequisiteintenttoestablish a domicile, their domicile is determined by that of theirparents.Inthecaseofanillegitimatechild,that hastraditionallymeantthedomicileofitsmother... .Itisundisputedinthiscasethatthedomicileofthe mother(aswellasthefather)hasbeen,atallrelevant times,ontheChoctawReservation.Thus,itisclear that at their birth the twin babies were also domiciled on the reservation, even though they themselveshadneverbeenthere.MississippiBandof Choctaw Indians, supra at 4849. (Internal citations omitted.)
2. Child is a Ward of the Tribal Court

Regardlessofthechildsdomicileorresidence,anIndiantribehas exclusivejurisdictionwhereanIndianchildisawardofthetribal court.25USC1911(a).
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Section11.5
B. NonMandatory Transfer of Case to Tribal Court (Concurrent Jurisdiction)

WhenthechildisdomiciledorresidesofftheIndianreservationand is not a ward of the tribal court, both the tribal court and the state courthaveconcurrentjurisdiction.25USC1911(b). Note: If the tribe does not have exclusive jurisdiction over the adoption proceeding, the court must ensure thatthepetitionergavenoticeoftheproceedingstothe interested parties.1 MCR 3.807(B)(2). See MCL 710.24a andMCR3.800(B)forlistsoftheinterestedparties. However, if either parent, the custodian, or the Indian childs tribe requests that the proceeding be transferred to the tribal court, the court must transfer the case to the tribal court unless either parent objects, the court finds good cause not to transfer the case to tribal court jurisdiction, or the tribal court declines jurisdiction. 25 USC 1911(b);MCR3.807(B)(2)(a). Note: If the case is transferred to the tribal court, the state court must provide the tribal court with all available information regarding the case. Guidelines for StateCourts,supraatC.4(d). Arequesttotransfertheadoptionproceedingtoatribalcourtmaybe made at any time. MCR 3.807(B)(2)(d). The request may be made orally.BureauofIndianAffairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;IndianChild Custody Proceedings, 44 Federal Register 67584, C.1. Commentary (1979).2However,iftherequestismadeorally,thecourtmustreduce ittowritingandmakeitapartoftherecord.Id.atC.1.
1. Parental Objection to a Transfer

Eitherparentmaypreventthestatefromtransferringacasetothe tribal court by objecting to the request that the proceeding be transferred.25USC1911(b);MCR3.807(B)(2)(a). TheICWAdefinesaparentas: [A]ny biological parent or parents of an Indian child or any Indian person who has lawfully adoptedanIndianchild,includingadoptionsunder tribal law or custom. It does not include the unwed father where paternity3 has not been acknowledged or
1 2
SeeSection11.4forinformationonnoticerequirements. Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf.
Page1118
Section11.5
established. 25 USC 1903(9) (emphasis added). See alsoMCR3.002(10).
2. Good Cause Not to Transfer

Thecourtmustnottransfertheproceedingtothetribalcourtifit finds good cause not to transfer it. 25 USC 1911(b); MCR 3.807(B)(2)(a). Good cause may exist if one of the following circumstances is found: (1) The Indian childs tribe does not have a tribal court. (2)Thepetitionerfailedtopromptlyfiletherequest for transfer and the proceeding is at an advanced stage. (3) The Indian child is 13 years old or older and objectstothetransfer. (4)Apartyorwitnesswouldsufferunduehardship ifthecasewastransferred. (5) The Indian child is six years old or older, the childs parents are unavailable, and the child has littleornocontactwiththechildstribe.Guidelinesfor StateCourts,supraatC.3(a),(b)(i)(iv).1 However, the socioeconomic conditions and the perceived adequacyoftribalorBIAsocialservicesorjudicialsystems may notbeconsideredinadeterminationofgoodcause.Guidelinesfor StateCourts,supraatC.3(c).2 The burden of establishing good cause is on the party opposing thetransfer.GuidelinesforStateCourts,supraatC.3(d).
3. Declination of Transfer
Thecourtmustnottransfertheproceedingtothetribalcourtifthe tribal court declines the transfer of jurisdiction. 25 USC 1911(b).
3SeeSection3.3forinformationonestablishingpaternity. 1Indeterminingwhethergoodcausenottotransferexists,thecourtshallconsidertheBureauofIndian
Affairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;IndianChildCustodyProceedings,44FedRegNo228,6759067592, C.2C.4.(November26,1979).MCR3.807(B)(2)(a).
2Indeterminingwhethergoodcausenottotransferexists,thecourtshallconsidertheBureauofIndian
Affairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;IndianChildCustodyProceedings,44FedRegNo228,6759067592, C.2C.4.(November26,1979).MCR3.807(B)(2)(a).
Page1119
Section11.6
Uponadeclinationoftransfer,thecourtmustapplytheICWAand applicablecourtruleprovisionsastheypertaintotheIndianchild. MCR3.807(B)(2)(c). The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child Custody Proceedings, 44 Federal Register 67584, C.4(b)(c) (1979),1 provides the following guidelines for declination of a transfer: (b) Upon receipt of a transfer petition the state court shall notify the tribal court in writing of the proposed transfer. The notice shall state how long the tribal court has to make its decision. The tribal courtshallhaveatleasttwentydaysfromthereceipt ofnoticeofaproposedtransfertodecidewhetherto declinethetransfer.Thetribalcourtmayinformthe statecourtofitsdecisiontodeclineeitherorallyorin writing. (c) Parties shall file with the tribal court any arguments they wish to make either for or against tribal declination of transfer. Such arguments shall bemadeorallyinopencourtorinwrittenpleadings thatareservedonallotherparties. If the tribal court does not respond to the notice of a transfer petitionwithinthetimeperiodprovidedonthenotice,2thetribal courtisassumedtohaveacceptedthetransfer.GuidelinesforState Courts, supra at C.4. Commentary. Affirmative action is required onthepartofthetribalcourtifitwishestodeclinejurisdiction.Id. The state court must not dismiss the case until the transfer has beenacceptedbythetribalcourt.MCR3.807(B)(2)(b).
11.6 Appointment of Counsel

The court must appoint counsel in any removal, placement, or termination proceeding where it determines the parent or custodian is indigent.25USC1912(b).However,thecourthasdiscretionwhetherto appointcounselforanIndianchildandonlyuponafindingthatcourt appointedcounselwouldbeinthechildsbestinterests.Id.
1Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf. 2Therecommendedtimelimitis20days.TheBureauofIndianAffairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;Indian ChildCustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,C.4Commentary(1979).
Page1120
Section11.7
Note:Michiganstatutorylawrequiresthecourttoappointa lawyerguardian ad litem to represent a child during child protectiveproceedings.MCL712A.17c(7).SeeSection4.4. 25USC1912(b)mandatesthat,WhereStatelawmakesnoprovisionfor appointment of counsel in [involuntary Indian child custody] proceedings, the court shall promptly notify the Secretary [of the Interior] upon appointment of counsel, and the Secretary, upon certification of the presiding judge, shall pay reasonable fees and expensesoutoffundswhichmaybeappropriatedpursuantto[25USC 1913]. WhenthecourtnotifiestheSecretaryoftheInterioroftheappointment of counsel, the court must also notify the BIA Area Director in the MinneapolisAreaOffice.25CFR23.13(a);25CFR23.11(c)(2).Thecontact information for the Minneapolis Area Office may be obtained at http:// www.kstrom.net/isk/maps/mn/ mplsbia.html#MINNEAPOLISAREAOFFICE. Thenoticeofappointmentofcounselmustincludethefollowing: (1)Name,address,andtelephonenumberofattorneywho hasbeenappointed. (2) Name and address of client for whom counsel is appointed. (3)Relationshipofclienttochild. (4)NameofIndianchildstribe. (5)Copyofthepetitionorcomplaint. (6) Certification by the court that state law makes no provisionforappointmentofcounselinsuchproceedings. (7) Certification by the court that the Indian client is indigent.25CFR23.13(a)(1)25CFR23.13(a)(7).
11.7 Right to Intervene in Proceedings

The childs Indian tribe or custodian may intervene at any point in the proceedingforfostercareplacementorterminationofparentalrights.25 USC 1911(c); MCR 3.807(B)(3).1 See Section 11.3(A) for a detailed discussionofIndiantribes,andSection11.3(B)foradetaileddiscussion ofIndiancustodians.
SeetheICWAform,MotiontoIntervene,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/4.pdf.
Page1121
Section11.8
11.8 Voluntary Proceedings

Under the ICWA, a proceeding is voluntary when a parent or Indian custodian voluntarily consents to a foster care placement or to the terminationofparentalrights.25USC1913. Once a parent or custodian has voluntarily consented to a foster care placementortotheterminationofparentalrights,thecourtmustfollow theICWAsplacementpreferences(unlessthechildstribehasestablished adifferentorderofpreferenceorgoodcauseisshowntothecontrary).25 USC 1915. See Section 11.10 for a detailed discussion of preferred placementsofIndianchildren. To obtain a valid consent from the childs parent or custodian, the followingproceduresmustbefollowed: (1) The consent must be executed in writing during a recordedproceedingbeforeajudgeofacourtofcompetent jurisdiction;1 (2) The presiding judge must certify that the terms and consequences of the consent were fully explained in detail andwerefullyunderstoodbythechildsparentorcustodian; (3)Thejudgemustcertifyeitherthattheparentorcustodian understood the explanation in English or that it was translated into a language that the parent or custodian understood;and (4)Avalidconsentmaynotbegivenpriortothebirthofthe Indianchild,orwithintendaysafterthebirthoftheIndian child.25USC1913(a). Theconsentmaybeexecutedbeforeajudgeoramagistrate.Bureauof IndianAffairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;IndianChildCustodyProceedings, 44FederalRegister67584,E.1.Commentary(1979).2 Whenconfidentialityisrequestedorindicated,aconsentdoesnotneed to be given in open court. Guidelines for State Courts, supra at E.1. See Section11.3(A)foradetaileddiscussionofconfidentiality.
A. Consent to Foster Care Placement

TheICWAdefinesfostercareplacementas:
1 2
SeeSection11.5foradetaileddiscussionofjurisdiction. Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf.
Page1122
Section11.8
[A]nyactionremovinganIndianchildfromitsparent orIndiancustodianfortemporaryplacementinafoster home or institution or the home of a guardian or conservator where the parent or Indian custodian cannot have the child returned upon demand, but where parental rights have not been terminated[.] 25 USC1903(1)(i).SeealsoMCR3.002(1)(a). Foster care placement may include guardianship proceedings. See EmpsonLaviolettevCrago,280MichApp620,626628(2008).
1. Contents of Consent Document

Theconsentdocument1mustcontainthefollowinginformation: (1)ThenameandbirthdateoftheIndianchild; (2)ThenameoftheIndianchildstribe; (3) Any identifying number or other indication of thechildsmembershipinthetribe; (4) The name and address of the consenting parent orIndiancustodian;and (5) The name and address of either the person or entitythroughwhichtheplacementwasarrangedor of the prospective foster parents. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child Custody Proceedings, 44 Federal Register 67584, E.2(a)(b)(1979).2
2. Withdrawal of Consent
The parent or custodian may withdraw his or her consent to a fostercareplacementatanytime....Thechildmustthenbe returnedtotheparentorcustodian.25USC1913(b). Theparentorcustodianmustfilethewithdrawalofconsentinthe courtwheretheconsentwasexecuted.GuidelinesforStateCourts, supra at E.3. After a parent or custodian withdraws his or her consent,thechildmustbereturnedtotheparentorcustodianas soonasispracticable.Id. Conflict between 25 USC 1903(1)(i) and 25 USC 1913(b). The apparentconflictbetween25USC1903(1)(i),whichdefinesfoster
1 2
SeetheICWAform,ConsenttoTemporaryCustodyandCertification,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/2.pdf. Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf.
Page1123
Section11.8
care placement as a situation in which a parent or custodian cannothavethechildreturnedondemand,and25 USC 1913(b), which provides that a parent or custodian may withdraw his or her consent to a foster care placement and the child must be returnedtotheparentorcustodian,shouldberesolvedinfavorof 25USC1913(b).EmpsonLaviolettevCrago,280MichApp620,629 631(2008).AccordingtotheEmpsonLavioletteCourt: [W]e conclude that 1903(1)(i) is only applicable when determining whether the ICWA applies to a custody proceeding. It is not applicable when determining the rights of a parent or Indian custodian after the parent or custodian has voluntarilyconsentedtoafostercareplacementof an Indian child. Rather, it is 1913 that delineates therightsoftheparentorIndiancustodianwhohas consented to a foster care placement of an Indian child.Inotherwords,ifaparentorIndiancustodian of an Indian child has consented to a foster care placement,asthetermisdefinedin1903(1)(i),the parent or custodian may at any time thereafter withdrawconsenttotheplacementunder1913(b) and have the Indian child returned to his or her custody.EmpsonLaviolette,280MichAppat631. Consequently, in EmpsonLaviolette, the Indian childs parent had the right to withdraw her consent to the guardianship and have the child returned to her custody, even though she voluntarily consented to the appointment of guardians for her child, which constituted consent to the childs placement in foster care. 280 MichAppat633.
B. Consent to Termination of Parental Rights

The language of the ICWA includes the phrase, consent to the voluntaryterminationofparentalrights.See25USC1913(a). TheICWAdefinesterminationofparentalrightsas: [A]nyactionresultingintheterminationoftheparent child relationship. 25 USC 1903(1)(ii). See also MCR 3.002(1)(b).
1. Contents of Consent Document

Theconsentdocument1mustcontainthefollowinginformation: (1)ThenameandbirthdateoftheIndianchild;
Section11.8
(2)ThenameoftheIndianchildstribe; (3) Any identifying number or other indication of thechildsmembershipinthetribe; (4) The name and address of the consenting parent orIndiancustodian;and (5) The name and address of the person or entity throughwhichanypreadoptiveplacementhasbeen or is to be arranged. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child Custody Proceedings, 44 Federal Register 67584, E.2(a), (c) (1979).1
2. Withdrawal of Consent
The parent or custodian may withdraw his or her consent to terminationofparentalrightsoradoptiveplacementatanytime priortotheentryofafinaldecreeofterminationoradoption,as the case may be . . . . The child must then be returned to the parentorcustodian.25USC1913(c). Theparentorcustodianmustfilethewithdrawalofconsentinthe courtwheretheconsentwasexecuted.GuidelinesforStateCourts, supra at E.4. The withdrawal of consent must be executed under oathandsignedbytheparentstipulatingtohisorherintentionto withdrawconsent.Id.Theclerkofthecourtwherethewithdrawal ofconsentisfiledmustpromptlynotifythepartybyorthrough whomanypreadoptiveoradoptiveplacementhasbeenarranged ofsuchfilingandthatpartyshallinsurethereturnofthechildto theparentassoonaspracticable.Id. Whereaparentvoluntarilyreleaseshisorherparentalrightsfor purposesofadoption,thereleasemaybewithdrawnonlypriorto entryoftheorderterminatingparentalrights,notpriortoentryof anadoptiondecree.InreKiogima,189MichApp6(1991).InInre Kiogima, the Court distinguished between a release of parental rights (where a release is given to a child placing agency or the DHS)andaconsenttoadoption(whereaconsentforadoptionis given to a specific person or agency). Id. at 11. The Court found thatunderareleaseofparentalrights,theparentmaywithdraw his or her release up until the entry of the order terminating parentalrights;however,aconsenttoadoptionmaybewithdrawn upuntiltheentryoftheadoptiondecree.Id.at13.
1SeetheICWAform,ConsenttoTerminationofParentalRights(orAdoption)andCertification,athttp://
narf.org/icwa/forms/3.pdf.
1
Page1125
Section11.9
3. Obtaining a Consent Through Fraud or Duress

A parent or custodian may withdraw his or her consent to an adoption on the grounds that the consent was obtained through fraudorduress.25USC1913(d). Theparentorguardianmustfileapetitiontovacatetheadoption order in the court that entered the final order of adoption. GuidelinesforStateCourts,supraatG.1(a).Whenapetitionisfiled to vacate an adoption order, the court must give notice to all parties to the adoption proceedings and must hold a hearing on thepetition.Id.atG.1(b). Ifthecourtfindsthattheconsentwasobtainedthroughfraudor duress, the court must vacate the adoption order and return the child to the parent. 25 USC 1913(d). An adoption may not be vacated pursuant to 25 USC 1913(d) if the adoption has been effectiveforatleasttwoyears.25USC1913(d).
11.9 Involuntary Proceedings

A brief discussion of the ICWA in the context of child protective proceedingsisincludedinthissection.However,adetaileddiscussionof theICWAasitappliestoproceedingsinvolvinginvoluntaryfostercare placement and termination of parental rights is beyond the scope this benchbook. See the Michigan Judicial Institutes Child Protective Proceedings Benchbook, Chapter 19, for additional information on this topic. A court cannot hold a foster care placement or termination of parental rightsproceedinguntiltendaysafterthechildsparentorcustodianand the childs tribe receive notice. 25 USC 1912(a). See Section 11.4 for a detaileddiscussionoftheICWAsnoticerequirements. Uponrequest,theparentorIndiancustodianortribemustbegivenupto 20additionaldaystopreparefortheproceedings.125USC1912(a). Ifproceedingshavealreadybegunandthecourtbecomesawareofthe childs possible Native American ancestry, the proceedings must stop untilpropernoticeisgiventothetribe.SeeInreNEGP,245MichApp126 (2001). Inaninvoluntaryproceeding,theICWArequiresthat:
SeetheICWAform,MotionforExtensionofTime,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/6.pdf.
Page1126
Section11.9
Any party seeking to effect a foster care placement of, or terminationofparentalrightsto,anIndianchildunderState lawshallsatisfythecourtthatactiveeffortshavebeenmade to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family and that these efforts have proved unsuccessful. 25 USC 1912(d).1 TheproperstandardofprooffordeterminingwhethertheICWAsactive effortsstandardwasmetistheclearandconvincingevidencestandard. InreRoe,281MichApp88,101(2008). Note:TheInreRoeCourtfoundthatthebeyondareasonable doubt standard of proof to satisfy the active efforts requirement was incorrectly adopted in In re Morgan, 140 MichApp594,604(1985),andInreKreft,148MichApp682, 693(1986).InreRoe,281MichAppat101. More effort is required under the ICWAs active efforts standard than is requiredunderMichigansreasonableeffortsstandard.InreRoe,281Mich App at 108; In re JL, 483 Mich 300, 321 (2009). The ICWA requires that active efforts be a more direct involvement when the Indian parent or custodian is being provided remedial services and rehabilitative programs.InreRoe,supraat106107.See,e.g.,InreKreft,148MichApp 682, 693695 (1986), where the DHS met the ICWAs active efforts requirements when it provided the respondentmother with parenting assistance,infantnutritioninformation,andhousingassistance. TheICWAdoesnotrequiretheDHSorthetribetoprovideserviceseach timeanewterminationproceedingiscommencedagainstaparentwhen past efforts failed and it does not appear that providing the additional serviceswillresultinadifferentoutcome.InreJL,483Michat305.See alsoInreRoe,281MichAppat102,105,wheretheCourtheldthatthere wasnothingwithin25USC1912(d)thatpreventedtheDHSfromseeking termination of parental rights when past efforts to reunite the family were unsuccessful. However, the DHS must undertake a thorough, contemporaneous assessment of the services provided to the parent in the past and the parents response to those services before seeking to terminateparentalrightswithouthavingofferedadditionalservices.In reJL,483Michat305. Note:TheInreJLCourtindicatedthatdespiteitsrefusalto establishanarbitrarythresholdatwhichpastservicescould be used to satisfy current active efforts, it did direct trial courtstocarefullyassessthetimingoftheservicesprovided totheparent[andthat]...[t]hetimingoftheservicesmust
1
SeealsoMCR3.977(A),(G)(1).
Page1127
Section11.9
be judged by reference to the grounds for seeking termination and their relevance to the parents current situation. In re JL, 483 Mich at 324325. The In re JL Court also declined to hold that active efforts must always have been provided in relation to the child who is the subject of thecurrentterminationproceeding.Id.at325.
A. Foster Care Placement

UndertheICWA,afostercareplacementmaynotbeorderedunless there is clear and convincing evidence, which includes testimony from qualified expertwitnesses,thatcontinuedcustody of the child by the parent or custodian will likely result in serious emotional or physicalinjurytothechild.25USC1912(e).SeeSection11.8(A)forthe ICWAs definition of foster care placement, and Section 11.11 for a detaileddiscussionofexpertwitnesses. Evidence merely showing that community or family poverty, crowded or inadequate housing, alcohol abuse, or nonconforming social behavior exists does not satisfy the clear and convincing standard.BureauofIndianAffairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;Indian ChildCustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,D.3(c)(1979).1In ordertosatisfytheclearandconvincingstandard,theevidencemust focus on whether the particular condition(s) will likely result in the Indian child suffering a serious emotional or physical injury. Id. at D.3.Commentary. Note: A court cannot remove a child simply because someoneelsewilldoabetterjob,thatitisinthechilds best interests to live with someone else, or that the parents were found unfit. Guidelines for State Courts, supra at D.3. Commentary. Rather, the court must find clear and convincing evidence that it is dangerous for thechildtoremainwithhisorherparentorcustodian. Id. Each party in a foster care placement has the right to examine all reports or other documents filed with the court upon which any decisionwithrespecttosuchactionmaybebased.225USC1912(c). Oncethecourthasorderedafostercareplacement,itmustfollowthe ICWAsplacementpreferences(unlessthechildstribehasestablished a different order of preference or good cause is shown to the contrary).25USC1915.SeeSection11.10foradetaileddiscussionof preferredplacementsofIndianchildren.
1 2
Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf. SeetheICWAform,RequesttoProduceandExamine,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/8.pdf.
Page1128
Section11.9
ForamoredetaileddiscussionontheICWAsrequirementsforfoster care placements,see theMichiganJudicialInstitutes Child Protective ProceedingsBenchbook,Chapter19.
B. Termination of Parental Rights

UndertheICWA,thecourtmaynotterminatetheparentalrightsof anIndianchildsparentorcustodianunlessthereisevidencebeyond a reasonable doubt, which includes testimony from qualified expert witnesses, that continued custody of the child by the parent or custodianwilllikelyresultinseriousemotionalorphysicalinjuryto thechild.25USC1912(f);MCR3.977(A),(G)(2).SeeSection11.3(B)for theICWAsdefinitionofparentandcustodian,andSection11.11fora detaileddiscussionofexpertwitnesses. Evidence merely showing that community or family poverty, crowded or inadequate housing, alcohol abuse, or nonconforming social behavior exists does not satisfy the clear and convincing standard and so cannot satisfy the beyond a reasonable doubt standard.BureauofIndianAffairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;Indian ChildCustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,D.3(c)(1979).1 Note: A court cannot remove a child simply because someoneelsewilldoabetterjob,thatitisinthechilds best interests to live with someone else, or that the parents were found unfit. Guidelines for State Courts, supra at D.3. Commentary. Rather, the court must find evidencebeyondareasonabledoubtthatitisdangerous for the child to remain with his or her parent or custodian.Id. InadditiontomeetingtherequirementsoftheICWA,thepetitioner must also establish statutory grounds for termination pursuant to statelaw.Therefore,inordertoinvoluntarilyterminatetheparental rightsofanIndianchildsparentorcustodian,thecourtmustfindthe following: (1) Evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the child would suffer serious emotional or physical damage if returnedtothecustodyoftheparent,and (2) A statutory basis for the termination of parental rights.SeeMCR3.977(A),MCR3.977(E)MCR3.977(H).
Page1129
Section11.10
SeeSections2.92.10forstatutorygroundsforterminationofparental rights as well as the standard of proof required to establish each statutoryground. Eachpartyinaterminationofparentalrightsproceedinghastheright toexamineallreportsorotherdocumentsfiledwiththecourtupon which any decision with respect to such action may be based.1 25 USC1912(c). OncethecourthasterminatedtheparentalrightsofanIndianchilds parentorcustodian,itmustfollowtheICWAsplacementpreferences (unlessthechildstribehasestablishedadifferentorderofpreference or good cause is shown to the contrary). 25 USC 1915. See Section 11.10 for a detailed discussion of preferred placements of Indian children. For the additional requirements under the Juvenile Code for the termination of parental rights, see the Michigan Judicial Institutes ChildProtectiveProceedingsBenchbook,Chapter19.
11.10 Preferred Placements of Indian Children

OneoftheprimarypurposesoftheICWAistoensurethattheplacement ofIndianchildrenreflectstheuniquevaluesofIndianculture.25USC 1902. In25USC1915,theICWAestablishesastandardorderofpreferencefor foster care, preadoptive, and adoptive placements of Indian children. However,achildstribemayestablishadifferentorderofpreferenceby resolution,andtheDHSorcourtmakingtheplacementmustfollowthe tribes order of preference if it is the least restrictive setting that most approximates a family, meets the childs special needs, and is in reasonableproximitytothechildshome.25USC1915(c).Tribalinputon placementsmayalsofallunderastatetribalchildwelfareagreement.See 25USC1919(a). TheDHSorcourtmustconsiderthepreferenceoftheparentorcustodian whenappropriate,andtheDHSorcourtmustgiveweighttotheparents orcustodiansdesireforanonymitywhenapplyingeitherthestatutoryor tribal preferences. 25 USC 1915(c). See Section 11.3(A) for a detailed discussionofconfidentiality. TheprevailingsocialandculturalstandardsoftheIndiancommunityin whichtheparentorextendedfamilyresides,orwithwhichtheparentor
SeetheICWAform,RequesttoProduceandExamine,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/8.pdf.
Page1130
Section11.10
extended family maintains social and cultural ties, must be considered whenmeetingthepreferencerequirements.25USC1915(d).
A. Foster Care or Preadoptive Placements

An Indian child accepted for foster care or preadoptive placement mustbeplacedintheleastrestrictivesettingthatmostapproximates a family, meets the childs special needs, and is in reasonable proximitytothechildshome.25USC1915(b). Unlessthechildstribehasestablishedadifferentorderofpreference orgoodcauseisshowntothecontrary,preferenceforanIndianchild accepted for foster care or preadoptive placement must be in the followingorder: (i)amemberoftheIndianchildsextendedfamily; (ii) a foster home licensed, approved, or specified by theIndianchildstribe; (iii)anIndianfosterhomelicensedorapprovedbyan authorizednonIndianlicensingauthority;or (iv)aninstitutionforchildrenapprovedbyanIndian tribeoroperatedbyanIndianorganizationwhichhasa program suitable to meet the Indian childs needs. 25 USC1915(b)(i)(iv). TheICWAdefinesanextendedfamilyas: [D]efined by the law or custom of the Indian childs tribe or, in the absence of such law or custom, . . . a personwhohasreachedtheageofeighteenandwhois theIndianchildsgrandparent,auntoruncle,brotheror sister, brotherinlaw or sisterinlaw, niece or nephew, firstorsecondcousin,orstepparent[.]25USC1903(2). SeealsoMCR3.002(3). TheICWAdefinesanIndianorganizationas: [A]ny group, association, partnership, corporation, or otherlegalentity ownedorcontrolledbyIndians,ora majority of whose members are Indians[.] 25 USC 1903(7).SeealsoMCR3.002(8).
Page1131
Section11.10
B. Adoptive Placements
Unlessthechildstribehasestablishedadifferentorderofpreference or good cause is shown to the contrary, preference for the adoptive placementofanIndianchildmustbeinthefollowingorder: (1)amemberofthechildsextendedfamily; (2)othermembersoftheIndianchildstribe;or (3)otherIndianfamilies.25USC1915(a). Unless a parent consenting to the adoption requests anonymity, the courtorchildplacingagencymustnotifythechildsextendedfamily and the Indian childs tribe that their members will be given preference in the adoption decision. Bureau of Indian Affairs, GuidelinesforStateCourts;IndianChildCustodyProceedings,44Federal Register67584,F.1(c)(1979).1 Pursuant to 25 USC 1915(a), the preference for the adoption of an Indian child is a relative placement.2 See also Guidelines for State Courts,supraatF.1.Commentary.
C. Deviating From the Order of Preference

A court need not follow the order of preference for a foster care, preadoptive,oradoptiveplacementifitfindsthatgoodcauseexists tonotfollowtheorderofpreference.25USC1915(a)25USC1915(b). Goodcausemustbebasedononeormoreofthefollowingreasons: (i) The request of the biological parents or the child whenthechildisofsufficientage. (ii) The extraordinary physical or emotional needs of the child as established by testimony of a qualified expertwitness. (iii) The unavailability of suitable families for placementafteradiligentsearchhasbeencompletedfor families meeting the preference criteria. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child CustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,F.3(a)(i) (iii)(1979).3
1Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf. 2 3
SeeSection8.3formoreinformationonrelativeadoptions. Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/ICWA_guidelines.pdf.
Page1132
Section11.11
Note: A diligent search to find a suitable family includes contacting the childs tribal social service program, a search of all county or state listings of availableIndianhomes,andcontactwithnationally known Indian programs with available placement resources. Guidelines for State Courts, supra at F.3. Commentary. Thepartyrequestingthedeviationhastheburdenofestablishing goodcausetonotfollowtheorderofpreference.Id.atF.3(b).
11.11 Qualified Expert Witnesses

ForpurposesoftheICWAaqualifiedexpertwitnessmeans: (1) A member of the tribe recognized by the tribal community as knowledgeable in tribal customs related to familyorganizationsandchildrearingpractices; (2)Alayexperthavingsubstantialexperiencewithdelivery of services to Indian families and extensive knowledge of prevailing social and cultural standards and childrearing practiceswithinthetribe;or (3)Aprofessionalwithsubstantialeducationandexperience in his or her field. In re Elliott, 218 Mich App 196, 206208 (1996),citingInreKreft,148MichApp682,689690(1986). Note: If cultural bias is not implicated in the case, the qualified expert witness need not have special knowledgeofIndianculture,butthewitnessmusthave more specialized knowledge than the average social worker.InreElliott,supraat207. BecausetheICWAissilentonthenumberofqualifiedexpertwitnesses needed to testify, it has been interpreted to mean that only one expert witnessisnecessary.InreElliott,supraat207;InreKreft,supraat690. Thepartypresentingtheexpertwitnesshastheburdenofshowingthat the expert witness is qualified. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for StateCourts; IndianChildCustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584, D.4.Commentary(1979).1 The Indian childs tribe or the BIA may be of assistance in helping to locate qualified expert witnesses. Guidelines for State Courts, supra at D.4(c).
1
Page1133
Section11.12
11.12 Change of Placement and Petition for Return of Child

IfthereisadisruptionofanIndianchildsadoptionortheIndianchildis beingremovedfromafostercareplacement,thecourtortheDHSmust informthe biological parents and prior custodians of the status change andtherighttopetitionforthereturnofcustodyofthechild.Bureauof IndianAffairs,GuidelinesforStateCourts;IndianChildCustodyProceedings, 44FederalRegister67584,G.3(a)(1979).1 Aparentorcustodianmaywaivetherighttonoticeofthechangeinthe childsstatusbyfilingawrittenwaiverwiththecourt.GuidelinesforState Courts,supraatG.3(b).Theparentorcustodianmayrevokethewaiverat anytimebyfilingawrittennoticeofrevocation.Id. Note: The filed notice of revocation does not impact any proceeding that occurred prior to the filing of notice. GuidelinesforStateCourts,supra atG.3(b).
A. Disruption of Adoption
A biological parent or prior Indian custodian may petition for the return of custody of an Indian child under the following circumstances: (1) The adoptive parents voluntarily consent to the terminationoftheirparentalrightstothechild;or (2)Thefinaldecreeofadoptionhasbeenvacatedorset aside.25USC1916(a).SeeSection11.16forinformation on invalidating an adoption, and Section 11.8(B)(2)(3) forinformationonwithdrawingconsenttoadoption. 25USC1916(a)requiresthecourttograntthepetitionunlessthereis ashowing,inaproceedingsubjecttotheprovisionsof[25USC1912], that such return of custody is not in the best interests of the child. The provisions of 25 USC 1912(a)25 USC 1912(f) include requirementsgoverningthefollowing: (a)Noticeofproceedingsandtimeforpreparation.See Section 11.4 for a detailed discussion of notice of proceedings. Note:IfnoticeisgiventotheSecretaryoftheInterior because the childs tribe or band is unknown, the Secretaryhas15daysafterreceiptofnoticetonotify
Page1134
Section11.12
the childs parent or custodian, and tribe. 25 USC 1912(a). A court cannot hold a foster care placement or terminationofparentalrightsproceedinguntiltendays afterthechildsparentorcustodianandthechildstribe receive notice. Id. In addition, upon request the parent or Indian custodian or tribe must be given up to 20 additional days to prepare for the proceedings.1 Id. If proceedingshavealreadybegunandthecourtbecomes awareofthechildspossibleNativeAmericanancestry, the proceedings must stop until proper notice is given tothetribe.SeeInreNEGP,245MichApp126,130132 (2001). (b)Appointmentofcounsel.SeeSection11.6. (c)Theexaminationofreportsorotherdocuments. Note:Eachpartyinvolvedinafostercareplacement or termination of parental rights has the right to examine all reports or other documents that were filedwiththecourtandthatthecourtrelieduponto makeitsdecision.225USC1912(c). (d) Remedial services, rehabilitative programs, and preventivemeasures. Note: The court must find that active efforts have been made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family. 25 USC 1912(d). See Section 11.9 for a detailed discussion of active efforts. (e)Fostercareplacementorders.SeeSection11.10fora detailed discussion of preferred placements of Indian children. (f) Orders terminating parental rights. See Section 11.9(B).
B. Removal From Foster Care

WhenanIndianchildisremovedfromfostercareforthepurposeof furtherfostercare,preadoptive,oradoptiveplacement,theplacement
1 2
SeetheICWAform,MotionforExtensionofTime,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/6.pdf. SeetheICWAform,RequesttoProduceandExamine,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/8.pdf.
Page1135
Section11.13
must be in accordance with the placement preferences and the provisions of the ICWA, except when the Indian child is being returned to the parent or Indian custodian from whose custody the childwasoriginallyremoved.25USC1916(b).
11.13 Central Adoption Registry for Indian Children

TheSecretaryoftheInteriorservesasthecentralregistryfortheadoption recordsofIndianchildren.25USC1951(a);25CFR23.71(b). Within30daysofthecourtsentryofafinaldecreeoradoptiveorder foranyIndianchild,thecourtmustprovidetheSecretaryoftheInterior with a copy of the decree or order, together with the following information: (1)TheIndianchildsname,birthdate,andtribalaffiliation; (2) The names and addresses of the biological parents and, whenapplicable,theaffidavitfiledbythebiologicalparents requestingconfidentiality; Note:The biologicalparentsmay file an affidavit with the court requesting that their identity remain confidential.See25USC1951(a);25CFR23.71(a)(2).1 (3)Thenamesandaddressesoftheadoptiveparents;and (4) The identity of any agency having relevant information relating to the adoptive placement. 25 USC 1951(a)(1)25 USC 1951(a)(4); 25 CFR 23.71(a)(1)(i)25 CFR 23.71(a)(1)(iii), 25CFR23.71(a)(2). Themailingenvelopecontainingtheinformationprovidedunder25USC 1951(a) must be marked Confidential and sent to the following address:Chief,DivisionofSocialServices,BureauofIndianAffairs,1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop 310SIB, Washington, DC 20240. 25 CFR 23.71(a)(2). TheinformationisnotsubjecttotheFreedomofInformationActanditis theSecretaryoftheInteriorsdutytoensurethattheinformationremains confidential.25CFR23.71(a)(2).
SeeSection11.3(A)foradetaileddiscussionofconfidentiality.
Page1136
Section11.14
11.14 Recordkeeping and Disclosure of Information

A. Maintenance of Records
Michiganmustmaintain,inasinglelocation,arecordofeveryIndian childs foster care, preadoptive, and adoptive placement,1 and a record must be made available to the Indian childs tribe or the Secretary of the Interior upon request within seven days. 25 USC 1915(e); Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian ChildCustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,G.4(1979).Each recordmustatleastcontainthepetitionorcomplaint,allsubstantive orders entered in the proceeding, and the complete record of the placementdetermination.GuidelinesforStateCourts,supraatG.4. TheSecretaryoftheInteriorservesasthecentralregistryforadoption recordsofIndianchildren.25USC1951(a);25CFR23.71(b).
B. Disclosure of Information
TheICWAprovidesanadoptedIndianchildwithaccesstoadoption recordsunder25USC1917and25USC1951(b). Note: An adopted Indian child also has the right to access his or her adoption records before the May 7, 1979, enactment of the ICWA for purposes of establishing tribal affiliation. In re Hanson, 188 Mich App392,396(1991). When the adoption record contains no indication of the biological parentsdesires, thebiologicalparentsidentifyinginformationmay bereleasedifthecourtfindsgoodcause.2InreDixon,116MichApp 763, 767768 (1982). In light of 25 USC 1902, the Court of Appeals found that the release of the biological parents identifying information to establish tribal affiliation satisfied the good cause requirement.InreHanson,supra at397. Note: Without an actual consent from the biological parents, the manner in which [the biological parents identifying] information is released should be tailored to best protect the privacy rights of the biological parents. In re Hanson, supra at 398, citing In re Dixon, supra at 768769. Without the biological parents actual consent, the court should release the identifying informationtotheIndiantribe,nottheadoptedIndian
1 2
SeeSection9.4foradetaileddiscussionofMichiganscentraladoptionregistry. SeeChapter9foradetaileddiscussionofreleaseofinformation.
Page1137
Section11.14
child,withtherequestthatthetribekeepitconfidential. InreHanson,supraat398399.SeeSection11.3(A)fora detaileddiscussionofconfidentiality.
1. 25 USC 1917Release of Information by the Court

25USC1917permitsanadoptedIndianchild,whois18yearsof age or older, to apply for tribal information from the court that enteredtheadoptionorder.1SeealsoMCR3.807(C).Uponreceipt of the Indian childs application, the court must inform the adoptedIndian childof hisorher parents tribalmembership,if any,andprovidesuchotherinformationasmaybenecessaryto protect any rights flowing from the individuals tribal relationship.25USC1917.SeealsoMCR3.807(C). Where the court is prohibited from disclosing the biological parents identifying information, the court must involve the SecretaryoftheInterior,whennecessary,tohelpwithdetermining whether the adopted Indian child is eligible for tribal membership, and must avoid breaching any confidentiality. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts; Indian Child CustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,G.2(c)(1979).2The SecretaryoftheInteriorcanconfidentiallycheckintowhetherthe adopted Indian child meets the tribal membership requirements and certify that information to the appropriate tribe. Id. at G.2. Commentary. If the biological parents have not given any consent to releasing their identity, the court should release the biological parents identifyinginformationtotheIndiantribe,nottheadoptedIndian child, with the request that the tribe keep it confidential. In re Hanson,188MichAppat398399.
2. 25 USC 1951(b)Release of Information by the Secretary of the Interior

25USC1951(b)grantsanadoptedIndianchild,whois19yearsof ageorolder,theadoptiveorfosterparentsofanIndianchild,and an Indian tribe, the right to access from the Secretary of the Interior all information needed for purposes of tribal enrollment and for determining tribal membership rights or benefits. However, if the biological parents have filed an affidavit requestingthattheiridentifyinginformationremainconfidential, thenthenamesofthebiologicalparentsmustremainconfidential.
1SeetheICWAform,PetitionPursuantto25U.S.C.1917toObtainCertainBirthRecordInformationFrom CourtandAgencyAdoptionRecords,athttp://narf.org/icwa/forms/14.pdf. 2
Page1138
Section11.15
25CFR23.71(b).SeeSection11.13foradetaileddiscussionofthe biologicalparentsaffidavitrequestingconfidentiality. Where the Secretary of the Interior is prohibited from disclosing thebiologicalparentsidentifyinginformation,theSecretaryofthe Interiors chief tribal enrollment officer may certify the childs tribe, and when the information warrants, certify the childs parentageandothercircumstancesthatwouldentitlethechildto enrollment consideration under the criteria established by the tribe.25USC1951(b);25CFR23.71(b). Note: The Secretary of the Interior maintains the confidentialfileonallstateIndianadoptions.25CFR 23.71(b).
11.15 Improper Removal

If the court has reason to believe, during an Indian child custody proceeding, that an Indian child has been improperly removed or retained, the court must place a stay on the proceedings until further determination is made. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Guidelines for State Courts;IndianChildCustodyProceedings,44FederalRegister67584,B.8(a) (1979).1 If the court determines that the petitioner has improperly removed or retainedthechild,thecourtmustdeclinejurisdictionandreturnthechild tothechildsparentorcustodian,unlessreturningthechildwouldplace the child in immediate danger or threat of danger. 25 USC 1920; GuidelinesforStateCourts,supraatB.8(b).
11.16 Invalidation of State Court Action for Violation of the ICWA

A petition asking the court to invalidate a placement or a termination proceeding because the courts actions violated 25 USC 1911, 1912, or 1913,maybefiledbyanyofthefollowing: (1) an Indian child subject to foster care placement or terminationproceedingsunderstatelaw,2 (2)aparentorcustodianfromwhomthechildwasremoved, and
1Seehttp://www.nicwa.org/administrative_regulations/icwa/ICWA_guidelines.pdf. 2SeeSections2.92.10forinformationregardingtheterminationofparentalrightspursuanttoMichigan law.
Page1139
Section11.16
(3)theIndianchildstribe.25USC1914. A parent has standing to challenge an order independent of the participation of the tribe, even though the statute provides for a challenge by the child, parent or Indian custodian, and the tribe. In re Kreft,148MichApp682,687689(1986). Case law. The following cases discuss the invalidation of a state court actionwhenitviolated25USC1911,1912,or1913.
EmpsonLaviolettevCrago,280MichApp620,632633(2008)
TheCourtofAppealsfoundthattheICWApreemptedthestayimposed under MCL 722.26b(4) in a guardianship proceeding because the stay infringedontheminimumprotections[thechildsmother]wasafforded under 1913(b); that is, the stay prevented the childs mother from withdrawing her consent to the guardianship at any time. See Section 11.8(A)(2) for a detailed discussion of a parents or custodians right to withdrawconsent.
InreIEM,233MichApp438,449450(1999)
Where the Court of Appeals found that termination was proper under state law but that the DHS failed to satisfy the ICWAs notice requirements, the proper remedy was to remand to the trial court for further proceedings. See Section 11.4 for a detailed discussion of the ICWAsnoticerequirements.
InreMorgan,140MichApp594,601604(1985)
The Court of Appeals invalidated the trial courts order terminating parental rights where the trial court used the clear and convincing evidencestandardratherthanthebeyondareasonabledoubtstandard, failed to hear expert witness testimony, and failed to establish that remedial or rehabilitative efforts had failed. See Section 11.9(B) for a detaileddiscussionofinvoluntaryterminationofparentalrights.
Page1140
Appendix A: County Resources
Kalamazoo County Resources Adult Adoption Agency or Attorney Direct Placement Checklist Agency/Department Placement Checklist Agency/Department Release Delayed Registration or Foreign Birth Checklist Relative Placement Checklist Stepparent Petition to IDF/Terminate Rights Stepparent Placement Checklist Stepparent/Supplemental Noncustodial Checklist Temporary Placement Checklist Kent County Resources Adult Adoption Procedures Oakland County Resources: Available online at: http://www.oakgov.com/circuit/division_committee/adoptionservices.html
Kalamazoo County Resources

AppendixA2 MichiganJudicialInstitute2012
Adult Adoption
KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION ADULT ADOPTION ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE NO: ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE NO:
DOCUMENTS FILED: Number of Petitions Petition for Adoption...PCA301 Payment of Filing Fee Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Name on Request for State Police Report Motion for Immediate Confirmation (Item 12 on Petition) Application to Establish Michigan Birth Record FEES: Verified Accounting With Verified Itemization And Receipts (21 Days Prior to Confirmation) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Final Order Allowing Fees and Costs...PCA341 (21 Days Prior to Confirmation with Fees) CONSENTS: (SEE MCR 5.754) [Renumbered 3.804 effective May 1, 2002] Consent Packet to Caseworker_____________________
DATE SIGNED Adoptee...PCA307 Proof of Service...JC12a Due Diligence Affidavit* Affidavit of Publication REPORTS: DATE SIGNED: Report of Investigation Filed: Supplemental Report Filed Other Proof of Service for Release of Information Handouts...JC12a Adult Adoptee Petitioner(s)
NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT(S) Notice of Hearing on Proof of Service...JC12a PC562
(Re: Petitioners) (Re: Adult Adoptee)
Approved Approved Approved
CONTINUED ON REVERSE SIDE
AppendixA3
n:\slade\checklist\adult adoption.doc Revised: 04/2002
ORDERS PREPARED:
DATE ORDERS SIGNED: DATE CERT. COPY MAILED:
Order of Investigation...PCA301 (Back of Petition) Order of Adoption...PCA321 Application to Establish Michigan Birth Record mailed to: Proof of ServiceJC12a on Final Orders Notice to Attorney at Confirmation*
*Kalamazoo County Form
AppendixA4
Agency or Attorney Direct Placement Checklist
KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION AGENCY OR ATTORNEY DIRECT PLACEMENT CHECKLIST
**IF PUTATIVE FATHER NOT CONSENTING
CASEWORKER: TELEPHONE #: AGENCY #: SUBSIDY ADOPTION INTERSTATE ADOPTION DOCUMENTS FILED:
ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE #: REPRESENTING:
Petition for Adoption...PCA301a Non-Identifying Information Attached All Pre-Placement Assessments that have been done Payment of Filing Fee Certified Copy of Birth Certificate (Back of Petition) Order of Investigation / Date Entered: Statement of Identifying Information...PCA340 (Place in sealed envelope if not exchanging identifying information) Statement to Accompany Consent in Direct Placement...PCA339 Release of Information Handouts Served By The Court Adoptive Parents Proof of Service---Information Handouts...JC12a Consent Of: Parent(s), Or Guardian(s)...PCA308 Or 308a (See MCR 3.804) Motion for Immediate Confirmation (Item 12 on Petition) Release of Information Handouts Served By The Court Birth Parents FEES: Verified Accounting, with verified itemization and receipts (7 Days Prior to Formal Placement) to be submitted by: Petitioner(s)PCA347 Parent(s)PCA348 AttorneyPCA346 AgencyPCA345 Verified Accounting, with verified itemization and receipts (21 Days Prior To Confirmation) to be submitted by: Petitioner(s)PCA347 AttorneyPCA346 AgencyPCA345 Final Order Allowing Fees and Costs...PCA341 (21 Days Prior With Fees)
Continued on Reverse Side

MichiganJudicialInstitute2012 AppendixA5
SUPERVISORY REPORTS FILED: 3 Month Supervisory Report Filed 6 Month Supervisory Report Filed Other Approved Approved Approved
ORDERS PREPARED:
Date Orders Signed: Date Cert. Copy Mailed:
Order Terminating Rights...PCA318 Advice of Rights...PCA323 Proof of Service for PCA 308, 318 & 323 and Handouts---To Consenting Parents...JC12a Order Placing Child...PCA320 Notice to Adopting Parents Re: Appeal/Rehearing...PCA325 Proof of Service For PCA320 And PCA325 To Petitioners...JC12a Order of Adoption...PCA321 Application to Establish New Michigan Birth Record Following an Adoption...DCH-0854 Proof of Service...on Final Orders of Adoption...JC12a Helping Adoptions Survive and Thrive Handbook given to Petitioners at Confirmation*** Agency files completed Adoption Facilitator Clearing House Record/Non-Confidential Information formDHS-4746 (PIF) not later than 10 days after entry of Order of Adoption Court forwards PIF form to DHS not later than 15 Days after entry of Order of Adoption Form filed by Agency and completed by Court - 710.58a(1)(a) Form completed by Court, if PIF not filed by Agency - 710.58a(1)(b) Proof of ServiceJC12a
**See Step-Parent Putative Father Example ***Kalamazoo County Booklet
AppendixA6
Agency/Department Placement Checklist

KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT - FAMILY DIVISION AGENCY / DEPARTMENT PLACEMENT CHECK LIST
(IF A TEMPORARY PLACEMENT, SEE CHECKLIST ON TEMPORARY PLACEMENT)
AGENCY/DEPT: SUBSIDY ADOPTION INTERSTATE ADOPTION DOCUMENTS FILED:
CASEWORKER: PHONE NO:
Petition for Adoption (Excluding Direct Placement)...PCA301 Payment of Filing Fee Certified Copy of Birth Certificate (Back of Petition) Order of Investigation / Date Filed: Motion to Waive Investigation (Item 13 on Back of Petition) Termination of Fathers Rights by: Case #: Release OR Neglect Order OR Other: Termination of Mothers Rights by: Case #: Release OR Neglect Order OR Other: Statement by Parent that Accompanied Release...PCA338 Commitment to Agency...PCA322 Notice to Adopting Parents on Pending or Potential Appeal/Rehearing...PCA325 Consent to Adoption by Agency...PCA309 Home Study of Petitioners with any Updates Medical Reports of Petitioners and Anyone Living in the Home Social History of Adoptee Medical Reports of Adoptee Social History of Biological Parents Reports of Appeals and Rehearings* Motion for Immediate Confirmation (Item 12 On Petition) Application to Establish Michigan Birth Record Court Mailed DHS Brochure to Petitioners Prior to Placement in Adoptive Home Adoptee 14 or Older Proof of ServiceJC12a FEES: Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (7 Days Prior to Formal Placement) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Agency...PCA345 Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (21 Days Prior to Confirmation) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Agency...PCA345 Final Order Allowing Fees and Costs...PCA341 (21 Days Prior to Confirmation with Fees)
n:\slade\checklists\agency-fia placement.doc Revised: 01/2002
SUPERVISORY REPORTS FILED:

DATE FILED:
3 Month Report Filed 6 Month Report Filed Supplemental Report Filed
ORDERS PREPARED:
Order Terminating Rights...PCA318 Order Placing...PCA320 Proof of Service (for PCA 318, 320 & 301)...JC12a Order of Adoption...PCA321 Proof of Service (Final Orders of Adoption)JC12a Application to Establish Michigan Birth Record mailed to Helping Adoptions Survive and Thrive Handbook given to Petitioners at Confirmation** Agency files completed Adoption Facilitator Clearing House Record/Non-Confidential Information formDHS-4746 (PIF) not later than 10 days after entry of Order of Adoption Court forwards PIF form to DHS not later than 15 Days after entry of Order of Adoption Form filed by Agency and completed by Court - 710.58a(1)(a) Form completed by Court, if PIF not filed by Agency - 710.58a(1)(b) Proof of ServiceJC12a
*Kalamazoo County Form **Kalamazoo County Booklet
AppendixA8
Agency/Department Release
KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION AGENCY / DEPARTMENT RELEASE AGENCY: WORKER: TELPHONE #:
DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED: (Documents with are to be signed by the parent and/or caseworker before filing) CASE INITIATION FORM* PETITION FOR HEARING FOR RELEASE OF PARENTAL RIGHTS*, OR PETITION FOR HEARING TO ID FATHER/DETERMINE OR TERMINATE RIGHTS...PCA310 REQUEST FOR FOSTER CARE COSTS* (**NOT IN NEGLECT CASES) PAYMENT OF FILING FEE (**NOT IN NEGLECT CASES) CERTIFIED COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE, OR BIRTH VERIFICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FOR LEGAL FATHER: ORDER OF FILIATION OR PATERNITY PRERELEASE REPORT PATERNITY CLEARANCE (PROVIDED BY AGENCY) NOTICE OF HEARING WAIVER OF NOTICE OF HEARING* (IF NEEDED) PROOF OF SERVICE FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION HANDOUTS AND CENTRAL REGISTRY FORMS. MUST BE SERVED BY AGENCY OR MDHS PRIOR TO HEARING MOTHER INDIAN HERITAGE STATEMENT* STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY RELEASE...PCA338 RELEASE OF CHILD BY PARENT/ GUARDIAN...PCA305 or PCA305A ORDER TERMINATING RIGHTS RELEASE...PCA318 ADVICE OF RIGHTS...PCA323 PARENT OR GUARDIAN S VERIFIED ACCOUNTING...PCA348 LEGAL FATHER INDIAN HERITAGE STATEMENT* STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY RELEASE...PCA338 RELEASE OF CHILD BY PARENT/ GUARDIAN...PCA305 or PCA305a ORDER TERMINATING RIGHTS AFTER AFTER RELEASE...PCA318 ADVICE OF RIGHTS...PCA323 PARENT OR GUARDIAN S VERIFIED ACCOUNTING...PCA348 PUTATIVE FATHER NOTICE OF HEARING TO ID FATHERPCA311 NOTICE TO PUTATIVE FATHER AND CUSTODY STATEMENT...PCA316 PROOF OF SERVICE FOR PCA310, PCA311 AND PCA316 DECLARATION OF INABILITY TO ID/LOCATE FATHER...PCA315 ORDER TERMINATING RIGHTS OF FATHER WITHOUT RELEASE OR CONSENT...PCA312 ADVICE OF RIGHTS...PCA323 ORDER COMMITTING TO AGENCY OR DEPARTMENT...PCA322 ORDER AUTHORIZING FOSTER CARE FUNDING AFTER RELEASE...PCA326 (**NOT IN
\ l d \ h kli \ l d
AppendixA9
NEGLECT CASES)
SERVICE: ALL COPIES SERVED MUST BE CERTIFIED OR ATTESTED COPIES MOTHER / LEGAL FATHER (TO BE SERVED PERSONALLY AT HEARING) PROOF OF SERVICE...JC12a or b FOR: STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY RELEASE...PCA338 RELEASE OF CHILD BY PARENT...PCA305 ORDER TERMINATING RIGHTS AFTER RELEASE...PCA318 ADVICE OF RIGHTS...PCA323 PARENT OR GUARDIAN S VERIFIED ACCOUNTING...PCA348 MICHIGAN ADOPTION SEARCH AND SUPPORT GROUP LIST DHS-1919 RELEASE OF INFORMATION PAMPHLET PUTATIVE FATHER (TO BE SERVED PERSONALLY OR BY MAIL) PROOF OF SERVICE...JC12a or b FOR: ORDER TERMINATING RIGHTS OF FATHER W/OUT RELEASE/CONSENT...PCA312 ADVICE OF RIGHTS...PCA323 MICHIGAN ADOPTION SEARCH AND SUPPORT GROUP LIST DHS-1919 RELEASE OF INFORMATION PAMPHLET AGENCY / DEPARTMENT (TO BE SERVED PERSONALLY OR BY MAIL) PROOF OF SERVICE...JC12a or b FOR: (2) STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY RELEASE...PCA338 (2) RELEASE OF CHILD BY PARENT...PCA305 (2) ORDER TERMINATING RIGHTS AFTER RELEASE...PCA318 AND/OR (2) ORDER TERMINATING RIGHTS OF FATHER W/OUT RELEASE/CONSENT...PCA312 (3) ORDER COMMITTING TO AGENCY (2) ORDER AUTHORIZING FOSTER CARE FUNDING AFTER RELEASE...PCA326 (**NOT IN NEGLECT CASES) (2) PARENT OR GUARDIAN S VERIFIED ACCOUNTING...PCA348
NOTE: IF CHILD IS OVER THE AGE OF 5, THE COURT MUST APPOINT AN ATTORNEY FOR THE CHILD (KALAMAZOO COUNTY POLICY)
AppendixA10
Delayed Registration or Foreign Birth Checklist

KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION DELAYED REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN BIRTH CHECKLIST
Motion and Order for Delayed Registration of Foreign Birth...PCA350 Payment of Filing Fee$150.00 (Probate Court filing fee) Copy of Foreign Adoption Orders Translation of Foreign Adoption Orders Foreign Birth Certificate Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate Affidavit of Translation Copy of VISA or Passport Showing Alien Registration Number
COURT ORDERS: Application to Establish Delayed Registration of Foreign BirthDCH-0855 (State of Michigan Form) Alien Registration Number on Delayed Registration Form Signed by Judge Date: Mailed Michigan Department of Public Health Date: Mailed to Immigration and Naturalization Office Date: Proof of Service (Showing Form DCH-0855--Mailed to Michigan Department of Public Health and the Immigration and Naturalization Office)...PC564 Judges Letter to Family Letter for Family to mail to Michigan Department of Public Health to obtain Michigan Birth Certificate
Petition for an Order Establishing a Record of Birth (To be used when Delayed Record has been denied by Lansing - See Pages Q 10 & 11)
US Immigration & Naturalization Service 333 Mt. Elliott Detroit, MI 48207
PUBLIC ACT 242; HOUSE BILL 4123; MCLA
333.2830
AppendixA11
Relative Placement Checklist

KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION RELATIVE PLACEMENT CHECK LIST BOTH PARENTS CONSENTING ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE NO: ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE NO:
DOCUMENTS FILED: Number of Petitions Petition for Adoption...PCA301 Payment of Filing Fee Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Name on Request for State Police Report Certified Copy of Divorce OR Acknowledgment of Paternity OR Other Notice to Prior Court of Proceedings...MC28 Motion for Immediate Confirmation (Item 12 on Petition)
OFI: Consent: OTR:
Order of Filiation
FEES: Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (7 Days Prior to Formal Placement) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (21 Days Prior to Confirmation) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Final Order Allowing Fees and Costs...PCA341 (21 Days Prior to Confirmation with Fees) CONSENTS: (SEE MCR 5.754) [Renumbered: 3.804 effective May 1, 2002] Consent Packet to Caseworker DATE SIGNED: Mother...PCA308 Father...PCA308 Adoptee 14 Or Older...PCA307 Proof of Service (PCA308, and/or PCA 307 and Release of Information)...JC12a
n:\slade\checklists\relative placement.doc Revised 04\2002
REPORTS:
DATE SIGNED:
Report of Investigation Supplemental Report Filed Other
Home Investigation Parent(s) Consent Adoptee Consent
ORDERS PREPARED:
Order of Investigation...PCA301 (Back of Petition) Home Investigation Packet to Caseworker Order Terminating Rights After Consent/Release...PCA318 (one for each parent) Advice of Rights...PCA323 Proof of Service JC12b (on consenting parents Re: Release of Information Handouts at time of Termination of Rights)...JC12 Order Placing Child after Consent/Release...PCA320 (to petitioner) Notice to Adopting Parents Appeal/Rehearing...PCA325 (to petitioner) Proof of Service (on adoptive parents Re: PCA320 and 325 and Release of Information Handouts)...JC12a Notice of Proceedings to Friend of the Court, Prosecuting County Attorney and Circuit Court Clerk* Order of Adoption...PCA321 Application to establish Michigan Birth Record mailed to Final Notice of Proceedings to Friend of the Court, Prosecuting County Attorney and Circuit Court Clerk* Notice to Attorney at Confirmation*
*Kalamazoo County Probate Court Form
AppendixA13
Stepparent Petition to IDF/Terminate Rights

KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION STEP-PARENT - PETITION TO IDF/TERMINATE RIGHTS
ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE NO: DOCUMENTS FILED:
ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE NO:
OFI: OTR:
Number of Petitions Petition for Adoption...PCA301 Petition for Hearing to ID FatherPCA310 Payment of Filing Fee Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Name on Request for State Police Report Motion for Immediate Confirmation (Item 12 on Petition)
FEES: Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (7 Days Prior to Formal Placement) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (21 Days Prior to Confirmation) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Final Order Allowing Fees and Costs...PCA341 (21 Days Prior to Confirmation with Fees) CONSENTS: (See MCR 5.754) [Renumbered 3.804 effective May 1, 2002] Consent Packet To Caseworker DATE SIGNED Adoptee (over age 14) ...PCA307 Proof of Service For PCA307...JC12a Release of Information Handouts PUTATIVE FATHER Paternity Clearance Mailed Returned Lansing Probate Petition to IDF/Terminate Rights PCA310 Declaration of Inability to Locate/IDF PCA 315 Notice of Hearing on PCA311 Proof of Service for PCA 301,310, 311, and 316...JC12a Notice to Putative Father Filed
AppendixA14

n:\slade\checklists\stepparent petition to idf.doc Revised 04/2002
REPORTS: DATE SIGNED: Report of Investigation Other Approved Approved
ORDERS PREPARED:
Order of Investigation...PCA301 (Back of Petition) Home Investigation Packet to Caseworker Order Terminating Rights...PCA312 Advice of Rights...PCA323 Release of Information Handouts Proof of ServiceJC12a for PCA312 & 323 on Parent Order Placing Child...PCA319 Proof of ServiceJC12a for PCA319 and Release of Information Handouts on Petitioners Order of AdoptionPCA321 Record of Adoption Mailed To Proof of ServiceJC12a for Final Orders of Adoption Notice to Attorney at Confirmation*
AppendixA15
Stepparent Placement Checklist

KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION STEP-PARENT PLACEMENT CHECKLIST
DOCUMENTS FILED: Number Of Petitions Petition for Adoption...PCA301 Payment of Filing Fee Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Name on Request for State Police Report Certified Copy of Divorce OR Acknowledgment of Paternity OR Other Notice to Prior Court of Proceedings...MC28 Motion for Immediate Confirmation (Item 12 on Petition) OFI: Consent: OTR:
Order of Filiation
FEES: Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (7 Days Prior to Formal Placement) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (21 Days Prior to Confirmation) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Final Order Allowing Fees and Costs...PCA341 (21 Days Prior to Confirmation with Fees)
CONSENTS: (See MCR 5.754) [Renumbered 3.804 effective May 1, 2002] Consent Packet To Caseworker _____________________ DATE SIGNED: Mother...PCA308 Father...PCA308 Adoptee 14 Or Older...PCA307 Proof of Service (PCA308, and/or PCA 307 and Release of Information)...JC12a
n:\slade\checklists\stepparent placement.doc Revised: 04/2002
REPORTS: DATE SIGNED: Report of Investigation Supplemental Report Filed Other Home Investigation Parent(s) Consent Adoptee Consent Approved Approved Approved
ORDERS PREPARED:
Order of Investigation...PCA301 (Back of Petition) Home Investigation Packet to Caseworker Order Terminating Rights After Consent/Release...PCA318 (one for each parent) Advice of Rights...PCA323 Proof of Service JC12b (on consenting parents Re: Release of Information Handouts at time of Termination of Rights)...JC12 Order Placing Child after Consent/Release...PCA320 (to petitioner) Notice to Adopting Parents Appeal/Rehearing...PCA325 (to petitioner) Proof of Service (on adoptive parents Re: PCA320 and 325 and Release of Information Handouts)...JC12a Notice of Proceedings to Friend of the Court, Prosecuting Attorney and Circuit Court Clerk* County Order of Adoption...PCA321 Application to Establish Michigan Birth Record mailed to Final Notice of Proceedings to Friend of the Court, Prosecuting County Attorney and Circuit Court Clerk* Notice to Attorney at Confirmation*

Stepparent/Supplemental Noncustodial Checklist

KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION STEP-PARENT/SUPPLEMENTAL-NON-CUSTODIAL CHECKLIST ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE NO: ATTORNEY: TELEPHONE NO:
DOCUMENTS FILED:
OFI:
OTR: Number Of Petitions Petition for Adoption...PCA301 Supplemental Petition Filed...PCA302Hearing Date Payment of Filing Fee Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Name on Request for State Police Report Certified Copy of Divorce OR Acknowledgment of Paternity OR Order of Filiation Other Notice to Prior Court...MC28 (Friend of the Court, Prosecutor and Circuit Court) Motion for Immediate Confirmation (Item 12 On Petition)
FEES: Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (7 Days Prior to Formal Placement) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Verified Accounting, With Verified Itemization and Receipts (21 Days Prior to Confirmation) To be submitted by: Petitioner(s)...PCA347 Attorney...PCA346 Final Order Allowing Fees and Costs...PCA341 (21 Days Prior to Confirmation with Fees)
CONSENTS: (SEE MCR 5.754) [Renumbered 3.804 effective May 1, 2002]
Consent Packet To Caseworker_______________________________ DATE SIGNED Adoptee (Over Age 14) ...PCA307 Proof of Service ...PCA307, and Release of Information Handouts...JC12a NOTICE: NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT Notice of Hearing on PCA303 Proof of Service For PCA 301,302 And 303...JC12a Return Receipt (Green Card)

n:\slade\checklists\stepparent supplemental.doc Revised: 04/2002
REPORTS: DATE SIGNED: Report of Investigation Other Proof of Service for Release of Information Handouts Parent Approved Approved
ORDERS PREPARED:
Order of Investigation...PCA301 (Back Of Petition) Home Investigation Packet to Caseworker Order Terminating Rights...PCA304 Advice of Rights...PCA323 Release of Information Handouts Proof of Service for PCA304 & 323 and Release of Information Handouts to Non-Custodial Parent Only...JC12a Order Placing Child...PCA319 Proof of Service(on adoptive parents for PCA319 and Release of Information Handouts)JC12a Notice of Proceedings to Friend of the Court, Prosecuting County Attorney and Circuit Court Clerk* Order of Adoption...PCA321 Application to Establish Michigan Birth Record mailed to Final Notice of Proceedings to Friend of the Court, Prosecuting County Attorney and Circuit Court Clerk* Notice to Attorney at Confirmation*
AppendixA19
Temporary Placement Checklist

KALAMAZOO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT / FAMILY DIVISION TEMPORARY PLACEMENT CHECK LIST
FIRST REPORT:
TO BE FILED WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS, EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS $100.00 FILING FEE COLLECTED
Statement of Child Placing Agency Transferring Physical Custody of Child for Adoption and Report...PCA331 Statement of Parent/Guardian Authorizing Temporary Placement of Child for Adoption...PCA329 Statement of Parent/Guardian Transferring Physical Custody of Child for Adoption and Report...PCA330 Statement of Prospective Adoptive Parent Transferring Physical Custody of Child for Adoption...PCA332 FOLLOW-UP REPORT: TO BE FILED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PLACEMENT
Follow-Up Report After Temporary Placement of Child for Adoption...PCA333 NO FILE #: Adoption Petition Filed: YES Child Returned: YES NO --- IF YES, TO WHOM: REPORT TO PROSECUTOR: Immediately If Follow-Up Report indicates a Petition for Adoption has not been filed and child has not been returned to parent, legal guardian or child placing agency...PCA334 Within 45 Days If Petition for Adoption has not been filed and child has not been returned to parent, legal guardian or child placing agency...PCA334 Proof of Service for PCA334...JC12a PROSECUTING ATTORNEY: Petition to Determine Custody of Child Temporarily Placed for AdoptionPCA335 Hearing set (14 Days) for: Proof of Service for Petition (PCA335) and Notice Of Hearing (PC562)...JC12a Order to Determine Custody of Child Temporarily Placed for Adoption...PCA336 Proof Of Service for PCA336...JC12a OTHER PETITIONS THAT COULD BE FILED: Petition and Ex Parte Order by Parent/Guardian for Return of Child...PCA337 Proof of Service for PCA337...JC12a Petition to Determine Custody of Child Temporarily Placed for Adoption...PCA335 (Filed By Adoptive Parents) Notice of Hearing...PC562 Proof of Service for PCA335 and PC562...JC12a Petition to Determine Custody of Child Temporarily Placed for Adoption...PCA335 (Filed by Child Placing Agency that temporarily placed the child) Notice of Hearing...PC562 Proof of Service for PCA335 and PC562...JC12a Order to Determine Custody of Child Temporarily Placed for Adoption...PCA336 Proof of Service for PCA336...JC12a Petition for Adoption...PCA301(a) then proceed with Direct Placement check list
Kent County Resources

Adult Adoption Procedures
STATE OF MICHIGAN 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT-FAMILY DIVISION-KENT COUNTY ADULT ADOPTION PROCEDURES
The Michigan Adoption Code permits the adoption of persons over the age of 18. This Court looks favorably on adult adoption. The primary concern of the Court is to prevent a fraudulent situation where either the adoptee or the petitioner(s) are victimized by the granting of the adoption. The Court takes the position that adult adoptions should be facilitated through the reduction of filing requirements. However, the statutory requirements of the adoption code must still be met. The following procedure is established to accomplish this end: 1. The following documents and fees are required: a. Filing fee $160 ($150/petition fee, $10/final order of adoption fee, checks made out to the 17th Circuit Court-Family Division. Fee is collected when paperwork is filed) b. Petition for Adoption (A married petitioner cannot petition as a single parent. Their spouse must join in the petition and adopt also. Two unmarried people cannot adopt under current Michigan Law). c. Copy of adoption petitioners marriage license (if applicable) d. Copy of adoptees birth certificate e. History of adoptive petitioner(s) Blue form (biological parent also completes blue form in a stepparent adult adoption) f. History of adult adoptee Yellow form g. Petitioners Verified Accounting h. Statement of Services Performed by Attorney (if applicable) i. The court, on a case by case basis, may require additional materials to insure the best interest of the adoptee will be served. j. Mail or drop off the required documents and filing fee to: 17th Circuit Court-Family Division Adoption Department 180 Ottawa NW, Suite 3500 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 After the file is open, a hearing will be set with a court referee for the adoptee to consent to the adoption. At that hearing the adoptee will be briefly interviewed by the hearing officer. When possible, at least one of the adoption petitioners should attend the hearing. The petitioner might also be briefly interviewed. A report of investigation will be written based on information submitted to the court and from the interviews. The completed file and report will be submitted to the assigned judge for review. If approved, the judge will sign the Order of Adoption. Copies of the Order of Adoption will be sent to both the petitioner(s) and the adult adoptee. The adoptee has the right to request that a new birth certificate be established. The court will send documentation to Vital Records in the state the adoptee was born. Fees vary from state to state. For Michigan births, a check should be made out to the State of Michigan for $40. Additional copies are $12 each. If adoptee was born in another country, the fee is $40. Additional copies are $12 each. This fee can be submitted when the petition is filed or at the consent hearing.
2.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
9/14/09
AppendixA21
AppendixA22
AppendixA23
AppendixA24
Appendix B: Department of Community Health Resources
NoticeofIntenttoClaimPaternity ......................... AppendixB3 PaternityClearanceForm ................................. AppendixB5
AppendixB2
STATE OF MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF INTENT TO CLAIM PATERNITY

State of Michigan County of
In accordance with Public Act 235 of 1972, as amended by Public Act 296 of 1974 I, ________________________________________________________________________ whose
name of father
address is _________________________________________________________________ being

number and street city state zip
duly sworn, do hereby give notice of my intent to claim paternity of the child or children which may be born to _____________________________________________________ whose last known
name of mother
address is __________________________________________________________________ . To the

number and street city state zip
best of my knowledge the expected date of birth is ___________ of ___________________. By the filing of this notice I acknowledge my liability for contribution to the support and education of such child or children when born and my liability for contribution to the pregnancy related medical expenses of the mother. __________________________________________________
Signature of Father
On this ______ day of __________________ 20 _____ , before me a Notary Public in and for the County of ______________________ , Michigan, personally appeared _______________________ _______________________ to me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed. Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of: ___________________________________ ____________________________________________
___________________________________ Notary Public, ________________ County, Michigan My Commission Expires: This notice is filed to allow the probate court to notify the claimant at the above address in the event the child or children born are to be released for adoption. It is to be used to establish conclusive evidence of paternity in any action under 1956 P.A. 205 (Paternity Act) unless denied by the mother. It is not an acknowledgment and legitimation pursuant to Chapter 2, 1939 P.A. 288. MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH USE ONLY FOR COUNTY USE ONLY
Date Filed: ________________ Date of Notification:_______________ Date Filed: _____________ _________________________________

Signature of Registrar
______________________
State File Number
______________________
Signature of Clerk of Court
AppendixB3
AppendixB4
REQUEST FOR VERIFICATION OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO CLAIM PATERNITY FOR ADOPTION PURPOSES
DO NOT MAIL FAX TO: Attention: Paternity Clearance Processor (517) 335-8610 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Phone: (517) 335-8666
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY THIS WILL BE USED AS A MAILER INSERT
Name of Person Authorized to Receive Record Name of Court or Licensed Adoption Agency Mailing Address City / State / Zip Code Area Code & Phone Number
Daytime phone to contact court or agency staff if more information is need to locate the record:
AUTHORIZED PERSONS SIGNATURE: Must be signed in order to process
ADOPTION PURPOSES ONLY INFORMATION

A court or licensed child placing agency representing a child for adoption purposes can receive, at no charge, a verification and copy of a Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity if there is one on file in the state vital records system. A separate application form is required for each request.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO CLAIM PATERNITY REQUESTED CHILDS NAME:

First Middle Last
Please specify how you would like your reply:
Mail Fax ( 269 )
FOR DCH USE ONLY DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA A SEARCH OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN VITAL RECORDS SYSTEM INDICATES THE FOLLOWING:
CHILDS DATE OF BIRTH:

Month Day Year
A Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity has not been filed A Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity has been filed. A copy is enclosed
CHILDS PLACE OF BIRTH:

City County Hospital (if known)
MOTHERS MAIDEN NAME:

First Middle Last
Reviewed by: Date:
FATHERS NAME:
First Middle Last
DCH-0569-INTENT 11/2001
AppendixB5
AppendixB6
Subject Matter Index

A
AcknowledgmentofParentageAct 3-21 birthcertificate 3-24 childbornoutofwedlock 3-21 custody 3-24 defined 3-21 form 3-22 invalid 3-25 jurisdiction 3-24 revocationseeRevocationofacknowledgmentofparentage Adoptee consenttoadoption 2-21 defined 1-13 inheritance 6-17 Adoption defined 1-1 AdoptionandSafeFamiliesAct 4-11 Adoptionassistanceagreement 10-12 Adoptionattorney 8-2 adoptionfacilitator 8-3 defined 1-13, 8-3 directplacementadoption 8-2 dispositionreport 5-12 AdoptionCode adoptiondefined 1-1 adoptionprocess 1-4 docketpriority 1-3 interestedputativefathers 2-32 ordersenteredunderAdoptionCode 1-3 purpose 1-2 stepparentadoptions 2-38 uninterestedputativefathers 2-30 Adoptionfacilitator 8-3 adoptionservices 8-4 conference 8-6 directplacementadoption 8-2
SubjectMatterIndex
informationon 8-10 nonidentifyinginformation 8-6 orientation 8-6 pamphletsandwrittendocumentation 8-4 primaryadoptionfacilitatorseePrimaryadoptionfacilitator selectadoptiveparent 8-3 Adoptionorder actiononthe 6-12 adoptionreport 6-14 adoptiveparentsparentalrightsandduties 6-16 amended 7-21 annulled 7-21 appealofright 6-12 applicationforleavetoappeal 6-12 birthcertificate 6-14 childbornoutofwedlock 6-11 delayedregistrationofforeignbirth 6-15 dissolution 7-21 effect 6-14 formalplacement 6-11 grandparentvisitation 6-17 namechange 6-14 publicinformationforms 8-7 rehearings 6-12 rescinded 7-21 revocation 7-21 supervisoryperiod 6-11 terminationofparentalrights 6-11 withholdingconsent 6-13 Adoptionpetition 6-6 actionontheadoptionpetitionseeAdoptionorder adoptionsupportgroups 6-10 filingrequirements 6-8 interestedparties 6-8 investigationwaivedormodified 7-6 legalriskadoption 8-21 petitionrequirements 6-7 servicerequirements 6-8 supportsubsidyseeSupportsubsidy supportingdocumentation 6-9 venue 4-6 Adoptionprocess 1-4 flowcharts 1-19 IndianchildseeIndianchild Adoptionreport 6-14 reportingamended,annulled,orrescindedadoptionorder 7-21 Adoptionservices compensationseeCompensationforadoptionservices
SubjectMatterIndex
Adoptionsupportgroups 6-10, 8-4 Adoptions considerationsofage,race,nationalorigin,religiousaffiliation,disability,orin come 4-5 dissolution 7-21 personseligibletoadopt 4-1 personsnoteligibletoadoptseeProhibitedadoptions Adoptiveparentsubsidies 10-10 federalfunding 10-33 YoungAdultVoluntaryFosterCareAct(YAVFC) 10-22, 10-30 Adultadoptions 6-17 adoptionorderseeAdoptionorder adultdefined 6-17 birthcertificate 6-18 consenttoadoption 2-21, 6-18 inheritance 6-18 investigativereportseeInvestigativereport supervisoryperiod 6-18 Age adoptionservices 8-4 considerationsforadoptions 4-5 Agencyplacement defined 1-13 minorparent 5-3 temporaryplacement 5-3 Agreementforpaymentofexpenses 10-21 Appeal denialtosetasiderelease 2-12 determinationofunsuitability 5-8 guardianshipassistance 10-28 subsidydetermination 7-8, 10-22 toMichiganCourtofAppeals 7-11 toMichiganSupremeCourt 7-18 withholdingconsenttoadopt 7-8 Appealbyleave 7-12 Appealofright 7-12 Approvaloffees 10-9 Arbitraryandcapricious 7-6
B
Birthcertificate accesstooriginal 9-13 AcknowledgmentofParentageAct 3-24 adoptionorder 6-14 adultadoptions 6-18 confidentialintermediariesaccessto 9-22 revocationofacknowledgmentofparentage 3-28
SubjectMatterIndex
C
Centraladoptionregistry 9-3 clearancerequest 9-5 defined 1-13 Indianchild 9-3, 11-36 noticeofparentsdeath 9-4 parentconsentingtoreleaseofidentifyinginformation 9-4 parentdenyingreleaseofidentifyinginformation 9-4 replyforms 9-5 Centralclearinghouse publicinformationforms 8-10 Child defined 1-14 Childbornoutofwedlock AcknowledgmentofParentageAct 3-21 formalplacement 6-11 identifyingtheputativefather 3-28 minorunderpaternityact 3-20 PaternityAct 3-5 Childcustodyproceedings IndianChildWelfareAct 11-7 Childplacingagency adoptionfacilitator 8-3 anotherstateorcountrywithauthoritytoconsenttoadoption 2-22 consenttoadoption 2-22 defined 1-14, 5-2, 8-3 directplacementadoption 8-2 dispositionofchild 5-15 dispositionreportseeDispositionreport formalplacement 6-2 legalriskadoption 8-21 releaseofidentity 9-6 releaseofparentalrights 2-5 SafeDeliveryofNewbornsLaw 5-21 temporaryplacement 5-2 verifiedaccountingstatement 10-8 Childprotectiveproceedings 2-14 adoptionprocess 1-5 defined 1-13 noticeofintenttoclaimpaternity 3-34 putativefatherhearing 3-34 Childsbestinterestfactors 1-11, 2-35 Childrensombudsman releaseofidentifyinginformation 9-18 releaseofnonidentifyinginformation 9-7 Clearancerequest 9-5 Commitmentorder 2-9
SubjectMatterIndex
Compensationforadoptionservices 10-2 counseling 10-2 preplacementassessments 10-2 servicesapersonmustnotpaywithoutcourtapproval 10-3 servicesadoptiveparentsmaypay 10-2 servicesadoptiveparentsmustpay 10-2 servicesforwhichapersonmustnotbecompensated 10-5 Concurrentjurisdiction 4-7 dutiesofpriorcourts 4-10 dutiesofsubsequentcourts 4-10 notice 4-8 priororders 4-9 subsequentorders 4-9 Confidentialintermediaries 9-18 accesstooriginalbirthcertificate 9-22 compensation 9-22 dismissal 9-22 doesnotlocatesoughtindividual 9-21 locatessoughtforindividual 9-20 qualificationrequirements 9-19 responsibilities 9-20 Confidentialintermediary 9-15 Consenthearing 2-23 Consenttoadoption 2-17 adoptionprocess 1-5 consentexecutedinanotherstateorcountry 2-25 consenthearing 2-23 courtdetermination 2-24 defined 1-14 directplacementadoption 1-6 directplacementadoptionseeDirectplacementadoption executionofconsent 2-25 interestedparties 2-22 minorparent 2-18 noncustodialparent 8-14 noticeofintenttoconsenttoadoption 2-27 personsauthorizedtoexecute 2-18 relativeadoptionsseeRelativeadoptions settingasideaconsent 2-26 stepparentadoptionsseeStepparentadoptions terminationofjurisdiction 2-26 terminationofparentalrights 2-25 withholdingconsenttoadopt 2-27 withholdingconsenttoadoptseeWithholdingconsenttoadopt Considerationsforadoptions mandatory 4-5 permissive 4-5 prohibited 4-5
SubjectMatterIndex
Counseling compensatedfor 10-2 Court anotherstateorcountrywithauthoritytoconsenttoadoption 2-22 approvaloffees 10-9 consenttoadoption 2-21 defined 1-14 formalplacement 6-2 guardianshipassistance 10-29 legalriskadoption 8-21 releaseofidentity 9-6 Courtdetermination applicationforleavetoappeal 7-14 consenttoadoption 2-24 petitiontoidentifytheputativefather 3-32 rehearings 7-2 releaseofparentalrights 2-8 rescissionofstepparentadoptions 7-20 revocationofarelease 2-12 revocationofacknowledgmentofparentage 3-27 stepparentadoptions 2-41 subsidydeterminationappeal 7-10 withholdingconsenttoadopt 7-6
D
Delayedregistrationofforeignbirth 6-15 DepartmentofHumanServices consenttoadoption 2-22 defined 1-14 formalplacement 6-2 guardianshipassistance 10-30 informationonadoptionfacilitators 8-10 interstateadoptionduties 4-11 legalriskadoption 8-21 publicinformationforms 8-7 releaseofidentity 9-6 subsidydeterminationappeal 7-9 verifiedaccountingstatement 10-8 Directplacement 8-1 Directplacementadoption adoptionattorneyseeAdoptionattorney adoptionfacilitator 8-2 adoptionpetition 8-12 adoptionprocess 1-4 agencyassistanceseeChildplacingagency counselingservices 8-13 defined 1-6, 1-14, 8-1
SubjectMatterIndex
exchangeofinformation 8-10 formalplacement 8-2 formalplacementseeFormalplacement identifyinginformation 8-11 minorparent 8-3 nonidentifyinginformation 8-11 preplacementassessment 8-10, 8-12 preplacementassessments 5-5 proceduralanddocumentaryrequirementsseeFormalplacement selectadoptiveparent 8-2 supervisoryperiod 8-13 temporaryplacement 8-2 temporaryplacementseeTemporaryplacement verifiedaccountingstatement 8-11, 10-7 Disability adoptionservices 8-4 considerationsforadoptions 4-5 Disclosureofbiologicaloradoptiveparentsnames 9-2 Disclosureofinformation IndianChildWelfareAct 11-37 Dispositionofchild dispositionreport 5-14 hearing 5-16 interestedparties 5-17 petition 5-14 Dispositionreport 5-12 adoptionattorneyseeAdoptionattorney courtresponsibility 5-13 prosecutorresponsibility 5-13 Dissolutionofadoption 7-21 fraudallegations 7-21 Docketpriority 1-3 Dueprocess AcknowledgmentofParentageAct 3-25 grandparentvisitation 8-17 putativefatherrebuttingpresumptionoflegitimacy 3-33 putativefathersrighttointerveneinchildprotectiveproceedings 3-34 righttonoticeandhearingbeforeterminationofparentalrights 3-30 rightsofputativefathers 2-37
E
Equalprotection grandparentvisitation 8-18 rightsofputativefathers 2-37 Equitablefathers 3-3 defined 1-14 Exclusivejurisdiction 4-7
SubjectMatterIndex
Expectedchild noticeofintenttoconsent 2-27, 3-29 noticeofintenttorelease 2-12, 3-29 Expertwitnesses IndianChildWelfareAct 11-33
F
Failuretosupportchild 2-39, 2-41 Failuretovisitorcontactchild 2-39, 2-43 Fathers equitablefathers 3-3 legalfathersseeLegalfathers putativefathersseePutativefathers Formalplacement 6-1 adoptionorderseeAdoptionorder adoptionpetitionseeAdoptionpetition adoptiveparentsparentalrightsandduties 6-16 childbornoutofwedlock 6-11 defined 1-15, 6-1 identifyinginformationseeIdentifyinginformation investigativereportseeInvestigativereport legalriskadoptionseeLegalriskadoption nonidentifyinginformationseeNonidentifyinginformation proceduralanddocumentaryrequirements 6-3 relativeadoptions 8-19 supervisoryperiod 6-11 terminationofparentalrights 6-11 verifiedaccountingstatementseeVerifiedaccountingstatement whomaymake 6-2 Formersibling defined 1-13 noticeofparentsdeath 9-4 releaseofinformation 9-15 Fostercarefunding 10-2 Fostercareplacement childcustodyproceedings 11-7 consent 11-22 consenttounderIndianChildWelfareAct 11-22 defined 11-22, 11-23 involuntaryproceedingsunderIndianChildWelfareAct 11-28 withdrawalofconsentunderIndianChildWelfareAct 11-23 Fraudallegations dissolutionofadoption 7-21 rehearings 7-4 terminationofparentalrightsconsenttounderIndianChildWelfareAct 11-26 withdrawalofconsent 2-27
SubjectMatterIndex
G
Genetictesting 3-14 AcknowledgmentofParentageAct 3-27 courtorderedtesting 3-16 disclosure 3-17 physicianpatientprivilege 3-18 results 3-16 retention 3-18 revocationofacknowledgmentofparentage 3-27 SafeDeliveryofNewbornsLaw 5-24 Grandparentvisitation 2-46, 8-16 adoptionorder 6-17 constitutionality 8-17 mayseekgrandparentingtime 8-16 Guardian appealguardianshipassistancedenial 7-8 consenttoadoption 2-18 formalplacement 6-2 releaseofparentalrights 2-4 revocationoftemporaryplacement 5-14 temporaryplacement 5-2 verifiedaccountingstatement 10-8 Guardianshipassistance 10-24 agreement 10-26 annualreview 10-27 appeal 7-8, 10-28 courtsrole 10-29 DepartmentofHumanServicessrole 10-30 duration 10-27 eligibility 10-24
H
Hague Convention of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption 4-13
I
Identifytheputativefather hearing 3-32 terminationofparentalrights 3-32 Identifyinginformation clearancerequest 9-5 compilationofinformation 6-3, 9-3 directplacementadoption 8-11 distribution 6-6 formalplacement 6-3
SubjectMatterIndex
parentconsentingtorelease 9-4 parentdenyingrelease 9-4 recordkeeping 9-3 relativeadoptions 8-20 releaseofinformationtoadultadoptee 9-8 releaseofinformationtoformerparent 9-15 releaseofinformationtoformersibling 9-15 releasetochildrensombudsman 9-18 releasetodirectdescendant 9-18 stepparentadoptions 8-15 temporaryplacement 5-4 Identifyingtheputativefather childbornoutofwedlock 3-28 consenttoadoption 3-29 contentofnotice 3-30 courtdetermination 3-32 dueprocessrighttonoticeandhearing 3-30 hearing 3-30 noticeofintenttoclaimpaternityseeNoticeofintenttoclaimpaternity noticeofintenttoconsenttoadoption 3-29 noticeofintenttoreleaseexpectedchild 3-29 petition 3-29 rebuttingpresumptionoflegitimacy 3-33 releaseofparentalrights 3-29 servicerequirementsofnotice 3-30 ImmigrationandNationalityAct 4-14 Incarceratedparty 2-46 courtresponsibility 2-47 denialofrelief 2-48 documentationandcorrespondence 2-48 petitionerresponsibility 2-47 sanctions 2-49 Incomelevel adoptionservices 8-4 considerationsforadoptions 4-5 Indianchild 11-3 adoptionprocess 1-4 defined 1-15, 11-3 IndianChildWelfareAct 11-2 activeefforts 11-27 applies 11-3 appointmentofcounsel 11-20 centraladoptionregistry 11-36 changeofplacement 11-34 childprotectiveproceedings 11-7 concurrentjurisdiction 11-18 confidentiality 11-6 declinationoftransfer 11-19
SubjectMatterIndex
disclosureofinformation 11-37 disruptionofadoption 11-34 expertwitnesses 11-33 extendedfamilydefined 11-31 fostercareplacementdefined 11-7 generalrequirements 11-2 goodcausenottotransfer 11-19 improperremoval 11-39 Indiancustodian 11-8 Indianorganizationdefined 11-31 Invalidationofstatecourtaction 11-39 jurisdiction 11-15 mandatorytransferofcasetotribalcourt 11-16 noticeofproceedings 11-8 parentdefined 11-8 parentalobjectiontoatransfer 11-18 petitionforreturnofchild 11-34 preferredplacements 11-30 purpose 11-2 recordkeeping 11-37 removalfromfostercare 11-35 righttointerveneinproceedings 11-21 voluntaryproceedings 11-22, 11-26 Indiantribe 11-4 defined 1-15, 11-4 Inheritance adultadoptions 6-18 formalplacement 6-17 stepparentadoptions 6-17 IntercountryAdoptionAct 4-13 Interestedparties adoptionpetition 6-8 consenttoadoption 2-22 dispositionofchild 5-17 incarceratedpartyseeIncarceratedparty releaseofparentalrights 2-7 stepparentadoptions 2-40 Interestedputativefathers adoptionprocess 1-5 donothingfatherrequestingcustody 2-33 dosomethingfather 2-37 Internationaladoptions 4-13 accesstorecords 4-22 adoptioncertification 4-19 adoptionprocess 4-14 adoptiveparentsuitability 4-15 childeligibility 4-18 Hague Convention of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry
SubjectMatterIndex
Adoption 4-13 homestudy 4-16 ImmigrationandNationalityAct 4-14 IntercountryAdoptionAct 4-13 Interstateadoptions 4-10 InterstateCompactonthePlacementofChildren 4-10 penaltyforillegalplacement 4-12 placement 4-11 purpose 4-11 retentionofjurisdiction 4-12 Investigativereport 5-12 modified 7-6 waived 5-12, 7-6 Involuntaryproceedings fostercareplacement 11-28 IndianChildWelfareAct 11-26 Involuntarytermination 2-29 AdoptionCodeseeAdoptionCode adoptionprocess 1-5 JuvenileCode 2-46
J
Jurisdiction 4-7 AcknowledgmentofParentageAct 3-24 concurrentjurisdictionseeConcurrentjurisdiction consenttoadoption 2-26 exclusivejurisdiction 4-7 IndianChildWelfareAct 11-15 interstateadoptions 4-10 MichiganCourtofAppeals 7-11 PaternityAct 3-8 releaseofparentalrights 2-10 retention of jurisdiction under Interstate Compact on the Placement of Chil dren 4-12 SafeDeliveryofNewbornsLaw 5-23 setasidearelease 2-12 JuvenileCode adoptionprocess 1-4 involuntaryterminationofparentalrights 2-46
L
Lawyerguardianadlitem 4-22 consenttoadoption 2-23 defined 1-15 SafeDeliveryofNewbornsLaw 5-23 Legaladvice 1-17
SubjectMatterIndex
clerksmayprovide 1-17 Legalfathers 3-2 AcknowledgmentofParentageActseeAcknowledgmentofParentageAct orderoffiliationseeOrderoffiliation PaternityActseePaternityAct Legalriskadoption 8-20 adoptionpetition 8-21 appealpending 8-21 defined 8-20 formalplacement 6-11
M
Medicalinformation 9-16 Medicalsubsidy 10-15 appealsubsidydetermination 7-8, 10-22 duration 10-18 eligibility 10-16 medicalsubsidyagreement 10-17 report 10-18 MichiganChildrensInstitute consenttoadoption 2-22 Minorparent consenttoadoption 2-18 directplacementadoption 8-3 releaseofparentalrights 2-3 temporaryplacement 5-3
N
Namechange 6-14 Nationalorigin considerationsforadoptions 4-5 Noncustodialparent 1-8, 2-39 consenttoadoption 8-14 defined 8-14 terminationofparentalrights 8-15 Nonidentifyinginformation compilationofinformation 6-3, 9-3 directplacementadoption 8-11 distribution 6-4 formalplacement 6-3 recordkeeping 9-3 relativeadoptions 8-20 releaseofinformation 9-7 releasetochildrensombudsman 9-7 releasetodirectdescendant 9-7 stepparentadoptions 8-15
SubjectMatterIndex
temporaryplacement 5-4 unavailableattimeoftemporaryplacement 6-6 Nonrecurringadoptionexpenses 10-20 agreementforpaymentofexpenses 10-21 appealsubsidydetermination 7-8, 10-22 defined 1-16 eligibility 10-21 Noticeofintent toconsent 2-27, 3-29 torelease 2-12, 3-29 Noticeofintenttoclaimpaternity 3-29 childprotectiveproceedings 3-34 Noticeofparentsdeath 9-4
O
Orderoffiliation 3-20, 3-25 adjudicationofpaternityinanotherstate 3-37 OrdersenteredunderAdoptionCode 1-3
P
Paternity adjudicationinanotherstate 3-37 standingtofilepaternityaction 3-9 UniformInterstateFamilySupportAct 3-37 PaternityAct 3-4 childbornoutofwedlock 3-5 childborntounmarriedwoman 3-5 childnotissueofmarriage 3-6 filingpaternityaction 3-11 genetictestingseeGenetictesting jurisdiction 3-8 minors 3-20 orderoffiliation 3-20 paternityproceedings 3-18 Placement defined 1-16, 5-2, 6-1 formalplacementseeFormalplacement temporaryplacementseeTemporaryplacement Preplacementassessment 5-5 compensatedfor 10-2 Preplacementassessments basis 5-5 content 5-6 determinationofsuitability 5-7 findingofunsuitability 5-8 Primaryadoptionfacilitator
SubjectMatterIndex
defined 8-7 publicinformationforms 8-7 Prohibitedadoptions convictedchildabusersandcriminalsexualconductoffenders 4-2 individualsmarriedtodifferentpeople 4-3 secondparentadoptions 4-4 Publicinformationform confidentialinformation 8-9 defined 8-7 filingrequirements 8-9 maintainincentralclearinghouse 8-10 nonconfidentialinformation 8-7 Publicinformationforms 8-7 Putativefatherhearing childprotectiveproceedings 3-34 Putativefathers defined 1-16 dueprocessrighttointerveneinchildprotectiveproceedings 3-34 dueprocessrighttonoticeandhearingbeforeterminationofparentalrights 330 dueprocessrighttorelationshipwithchild 3-33 dueprocessrightsofputativefathers 2-37 equalprotection 2-37 identifyingtheputativefatherseeIdentifyingtheputativefather interestedputativefathers 2-32 noticeofintenttoclaimpaternity 3-29 putativefatherhearingunderchildprotectiveproceedings 3-34 rebuttingpresumptionoflegitimacy 3-33 uninterestedputativefathers 2-30
R
Race adoptionservices 8-4 considerationsforadoptions 4-5 Recordkeeping disclosureofbiologicaloradoptiveparentsnames 9-2 identifyinginformation 9-3 IndianChildWelfareAct 11-37 nonidentifyinginformation 9-3 restrictionsonaccesstoadoptionrecords 9-1 Rehearings courtdetermination 7-2 fraudallegations 7-4 petitionrequirements 7-2 responsetopetition 7-2 Reinstateaparentsparentalrights 7-19 Relativeadoptions 8-19
SubjectMatterIndex
adoptionprocess 1-4 consenttoadoption 1-8 defined 1-8 formalplacement 8-19 identifyinginformation 8-20 nonidentifyinginformation 8-20 relativedefined 1-16, 8-20 Releasehearing 2-8 Releaseofidentity childplacingagency 9-6 court 9-6 DepartmentofHumanServices 9-6 Releaseofinformation accesstooriginalbirthcertificate 9-13 centraladoptionregistry 9-3 disclosureofbiologicaloradoptiveparentsnames 9-2 identifyinginformation 9-3, 9-8 identifyinginformationtoadultadoptee 9-8 identifyinginformationtochildrensombudsman 9-18 identifyinginformationtodirectdescendant 9-18 identifyinginformationtoformerparent 9-15 identifyinginformationtoformersibling 9-15 medicalinformation 9-16 nonidentifyinginformation 9-7 nonidentifyinginformationtochildrensombudsman 9-7 nonidentifyinginformationtodirectdescendant 9-7 presumptionofconsenttoreleaseinformation 2-9 restrictionsonaccesstoadoptionrecords 9-1 Releaseofparentalrights 2-2 adoptionprocess 1-5 authoritytoreleasedocumentation 2-7 courtdetermination 2-8 defined 1-16 executionofrelease 2-9 interestedparties 2-7 itemizedstatementofmoney 2-6 minorparent 2-3 noticeofintenttoreleaseexpectedchild 2-12 personsauthorizedtoexecute 2-3 presumptionofconsenttoreleaseinformation 2-9 rehearingsseeRehearings releasehearing 2-8 revocation 2-11 revocationseeRevocationofarelease settingasidearelease 2-10 supportingdocumentation 2-6 terminationofjurisdiction 2-10 terminationofparentalrights 2-9
SubjectMatterIndex
verifiedaccountingstatement 2-6 Religiousaffiliation adoptionservices 8-4 considerationsforadoptions 4-5 Replyforms 9-5 Rescissionofstepparentadoptions 7-19 courtdetermination 7-20 hearing 7-20 petitionrequirements 7-19 reinstateaparentsparentalrights 7-19 rescissionpetitiondefined 1-16 terminateastepparentsparentalrights 7-19 Restrictionsonaccesstoadoptionrecords 9-1 Revocationofarelease appealdenialtosetasiderelease 2-12 courtdetermination 2-12 hearing 2-11 jurisdictiontosetasiderelease 2-12 Revocationofacknowledgmentofparentage 3-25 birthcertificate 3-28 claim 3-26 courtdetermination 3-27 genetictesting 3-27 revocationorder 3-28 venue 3-26 whomayfile 3-25 Revocationoftemporaryplacement dispositionreport 5-13 hearing 5-15 petition 5-14 Revocationorder revocationofacknowledgmentofparentage 3-28 Righttocounsel custodydisputes 3-12 IndianChildWelfareAct 11-20 parentingtime 3-12 PaternityAct 3-12, 3-19 releaseofparentalrights 2-4 stepparentadoptions 2-40 Righttojurytrial stepparentadoptions 2-39
S
SafeDeliveryofNewbornsLaw 5-18 childplacingagencyresponsibility 5-21 closedhearings 5-27 confidentialityofrecords 5-27
SubjectMatterIndex
emergencyserviceproviderdefined 5-18 emergencyserviceproviderresponsibility 5-19 genetictesting 5-24 hearingtodeterminebiologicalparents 5-24 hearingtodeterminecustody 5-25 hospitalresponsibility 5-21 hotline 5-28 immunityfromcivildamages 5-22 jurisdiction 5-23 lawyerguardianadlitem 5-23 noparentalrequestforcustody 5-26 pamphlet 5-29 petitionofparentforcustodyofsurrenderednewborn 5-23 temporaryplacement 5-19 Secondparentadoptions 4-4 Settingasideaconsent petitionforrehearing 2-26 petitiontowithdrawconsent 2-26 Settingasidearelease petitionforrehearing 2-10 petitionforrevocation 2-10 Solicitingadoptedchildrenandadoptiveparents 10-5 Standardofreview MichiganCourtofAppeals 7-15 Stepparentadoptions 8-13 adoptionprocess 1-5 consenttoadoption 1-7 courtdetermination 2-41 defined 1-7, 8-14 failuretosupportchild 2-39, 2-41 failuretovisitorcontactchild 2-39, 2-43 identifyinginformation 8-15 incarceratedparentexception 2-39 inheritance 6-17 interestedparties 2-40 involuntaryterminationofparentalrights 2-38 noncustodialparentdefined 2-39, 8-14 noncustodialparentsconsenttoadoption 8-14 nonidentifyinginformation 8-15 rescissionofstepparentadoptionsseeRescissionofstepparentadoptions righttojurytrial 2-39 servicerequirements 2-40 terminationofparentalrights 8-15 Subsidies 10-10 federalfunding 10-33 YoungAdultVoluntaryFosterCareAct(YAVFC) 10-22, 10-30 Supervisoryperiod adultadoptions 6-18
SubjectMatterIndex
directplacementadoption 8-13 expired 6-11 extended 6-11 formalplacement 6-11 waived 6-11 Supportsubsidy 10-11 adoptionassistanceagreement 10-12 appealsubsidydetermination 7-8, 10-22 duration 10-13 eligibility 10-11 report 10-13
T
Temporaryplacement 5-1 defined 1-17, 5-1 directplacementseeDirectplacement dispositionofchildseeDispositionofchild dispositionreportseeDispositionreport identifyinginformationseeIdentifyinginformation investigativereport 5-12 minorparent 5-3 nonidentifyinginformationseeNonidentifyinginformation preplacementassessmentseePreplacementassessment proceduralanddocumentaryrequirements 5-3 resolvingcustodydisputes 5-14 revocationseeRevocationoftemporaryplacement transferreport 5-11 transferstatements 5-8 whomaymake 5-2 Terminateastepparentsparentalrights 7-19 Terminationofparentalrights consentthroughfraudorduressunderIndianChildWelfareAct 11-26 consenttoadopt 2-25 consenttounderIndianChildWelfareAct 11-24 formalplacement 6-11 identifytheputativefather 3-32 involuntaryproceedingsunderIndianChildWelfareAct 11-29 noncustodialparent 8-15 release 2-9 stepparentadoptions 8-15 withdrawalofconsentunderIndianChildWelfareAct 11-25 Transferreport 5-11 Transferstatements 5-8 Tribalcourt consenttoadoption 2-21 defined 1-17
SubjectMatterIndex
U
UniformInterstateFamilySupportAct 3-37 Uninterestedputativefathers adoptionprocess 1-5 identityorwhereaboutsknown 2-30 identityorwhereaboutsunknown 2-31
V
Venue 4-6 adoptionpetition 4-6 changeof 4-7 petitionofparentforcustodyofsurrenderednewborn 5-24 propervenue 4-6 revocationofacknowledgmentofparentage 3-26 Verifiedaccountingstatement 10-6 attorney 10-7 childplacingagency 10-8 DepartmentofHumanServices 10-8 directplacementadoption 10-7 guardian 10-8 parent 10-8 petitioner 10-7 releaseofparentalrights 2-6 Voluntaryproceedings IndianChildWelfareAct 11-22 Voluntarytermination 1-20, 2-2 adoptionprocess 1-5 childprotectiveproceedingsseeChildprotectiveproceedings consenttoadoptionseeConsenttoadoption releaseofparentalrightsseeReleaseofparentalrights
W
Withdrawalofconsent 2-26 fraudallegations 2-27 Withholdingconsenttoadopt 7-5 appeal 7-8 arbitraryandcapricious 7-6 courtdetermination 7-6 investigationwaivedormodified 7-6 motionrequirements 7-5 WithintheFifthDegreeByMarriage,Blood,orAdoption defined 1-17
Y
YoungAdultVoluntaryFosterCareAct(YAVFC) 10-22, 10-30
Tables of Authority
Cases Michigan Statutes Michigan Court Rules Constitutional Authority United States Code Code of Federal Regulations
Page1
TableofAuthoritiesIndex AdoptionProceedingsBenchbookRevisedEdition
Page2
TABLEOFAUTHORITIES
Cases
A
AfsharvZamarron,209MichApp86(1995)37 AichelevHodge,259MichApp146(2003)325,333 AltmanvNelson,197MichApp467(1992)35,38,39 ArtibeevCheboyganCircuitJudge,397Mich54(1976)312,319 AtkinsonvAtkinson,160MichApp601(1987)114,229,33
B
BarnesvJeudevine,475Mich696(2006)36,322 BeattyvBrooking,9MichApp579(1968)74 BowermanvMacDonald,431Mich1(1988)35,314 BrinkleyvBrinkley,277MichApp23(2007)817 BrownvDeWitt,320Mich156(1948)226 BundovWalledLake,395Mich679(1976)76 BurkvBurk,222Mich149(1923)617 BurnsidevGreen,171MichApp421(1988)319
C
CabanvMohammed,441US380(1979)233 CoblevGreen,271MichApp382(2006)34
D
DanielsvDaniels,165MichApp726(1988)236 DeptofSocialServicesvBaayoun,204MichApp170(1994)36 DeRosevDeRose,249MichApp388(2002)817 DoevAttorneyGeneral,106MichApp169(1981)104
E
EmpsonLaviolettevCrago,280MichApp620(2008)1123,1140
TOA:Cases1
TableofAuthorities:Cases AdoptionProceedingsBenchbookRevisedEdition
F
FletchervFletcher,447Mich871(1994)715
G
GiancasprovCongleton,unpublishedopinioinpercuriamoftheCourtofAppeals,issued February19,2009(DocketNo.283267)44 GirardvWagenmaker,437Mich231(1991)36,39
H
HauservReilly,212MichApp184(1995)39 HintermanvStine,55MichApp282(1974)35 HugginsvRahfeldt,83MichApp740(1978)319
I
IamsvCivilServiceComm,142MichApp682(1985)710 InreAdams,189MichApp540(1991)41,43 InreAllon,356Mich586(1959)227 InreALZ,247MichApp264(2001)243,244 InreBabyBoyBarlow,404Mich216(1978)233,235 InreBabyGirlFletcher,76MichApp219(1977)210,211 InreBAD,264MichApp66(2004)246 InreBellsEstate,310Mich394(1945)721 InreBKD,246MichApp212(2001)236 InreBlankenship,165MichApp706(1988)24,28,212 InreBlaylock,unpublishedmemorandumopinionoftheCourtofAppeals,issued December28,2001(DocketNo.234755)220 InreBuckingham,141MichApp828(1985)28,215 InreBurns,236MichApp291(1999)212,73 InreCaldwell,228MichApp116(1998)239 InreCAW(OnRemand),259MichApp181(2003)334 InreCAW,469Mich192(2003)334 InreColon,144MichApp805(1985)239,241 InreCotton,208MichApp180(1994)77 InreCreed(AfterRemand),128MichApp710(1983)916 InreCreed,126MichApp32(1983)915 InreCurran,196MichApp380(1992)212,74 InreDaBaja,191MichApp281(1991)48,512 InreDawson,232MichApp690(1998)12,234,238 InreDeBoer,76MichApp641(1977)210,212 InreDixon,116MichApp763(1982)910,916,1137 InreDixon,417Mich986(1983)911 InreDMK,289MichApp246(2010)248 InreDodgeEstate,162MichApp573(1987)911 InreDraime,356Mich368(1959)711 InreElliott,218MichApp196(1996)115,1133
TOA:Cases2 MichiganJudicialInstitute2012
InreFried,266MichApp535(2005)115 InreGonzales,330Mich35(1951)28 InreHandorf(HandorfI),285MichApp384(2009)220 InreHandorf(HandorfII),485Mich1052(2010)220 InreHandorf,285MichApp384(2009)219 InreHanson,188MichApp392(1991)912,1137 InreHill,221MichApp683(1997)241 InreHole,102MichApp286(1980)211 InreIEM,233MichApp438(1999)116,1112,1140 InreJackson,115MichApp40(1982)24 InreJK,468Mich202(2003)611,612,821 InreJL,483Mich300(2009)1127 InreJones,286MichApp126(2009)216 InreKaiser,222MichApp619(1997)242,244 InreKeast,278MichApp415(2008)816 InreKH,469Mich621(2004)229,33,310,328,333,334 InreKiogima,189MichApp6(1991)1125 InreKlaus,108MichApp394(1981)1010,1013 InreKoroly,145MichApp79(1985)24,73 InreKozak,92MichApp579(1979)212,230,330,74 InreKreft,148MichApp682(1986)1127,1140 InreKyungWonKim,72MichApp85(1976)612 InreLang,236MichApp129(1999)233 InreLE,278MichApp1(2008)214,246,337 InreLeach,373Mich148(1964)212,721 InreMacLoughlin,82MichApp301(1978)74 InreMartyn,161MichApp474(1987)242,245 InreMason,486Mich142(2010)248 InreMKK,286MichApp546(2009)13 InreMontgomery,185MichApp341(1990)229 InreMorgan,140MichApp594(1985)1127,1140 InreMunson,210MichApp500(1995)221,222,42,67,69 InreMyers,131MichApp160(1983)22,212,72 InreNeagos,176MichApp406(1989)74 InreNEGP,245MichApp126(2001)115,1114,1126,1135 InreNord,149MichApp817(1986)227 InrePartello,unpublishedopinionpercuriamoftheCourtofAppeals,issued September15,1998(DocketNo.202757)219 InrePetitionofShinkonis,312Mich199(1945)616 InreRFF,242MichApp188(2000)233 InreRobins,153MichApp484(1986)218 InreRoe,281MichApp88(2008)1127 InreSanchez,422Mich758(1985)240 InreSchnell,214MichApp304(1995)238 InreSessionsEstate,70Mich297(1888)11 InreSimon,171MichApp443(1988)246 InreSMNE,264MichApp49(2004)242,244 InreSpencer,338Mich50(1953)25 InreStowe,162MichApp27(1987)815 InreTM(AfterRemand),245MichApp181(2001)119,1113 InreTMK,242MichApp302(2000)230
MichiganJudicialInstitute2012 TOA:Cases3
InreToler,193MichApp474(1992)215 InreToth,227MichApp548(1998)223,69 InreWhitesAdoption,300Mich378(1942)12 InreZimmerman,277MichApp470(2008)234,236
J
JohnsonvWhite,261MichApp332(2004)817 JonesvSlick,242MichApp715(2000)817
K
KaiservSchreiber,469Mich944(2003)310 KeenanvDawson,275MichApp671(2007)818 KennervWatha,115MichApp521(1982)314 KillingbeckvKillingbeck,269MichApp132(2005)34,327 KrajewskivKrajewski,420Mich729(1984)49
L
LarrabeevSachs,201MichApp107(1993)34,312,319 LehrvRobertson,463US248(1983)233 LiebertvDerse,309Mich495(1944)616 LittlevStreater,452US1(1981)315
M
MaldonadovFordMotorCo,476Mich372(2006)716 McHonevSosnowski,239MichApp674(2000)310 MichaelHvGeraldD,491US110(1989)325,333 MississippiBandofChoctawIndiansvHolyfield,490US30(1989)116,1117
N
NumerickvKrull,265MichApp232(2005)36
O
OplandvKiesgan,234MichApp352(1999)38,39,320 OsbornvFabatz,105MichApp450(1981)318
P
PecorarovRostagnoWallat,291MichApp303(2011)36,39,322,337 PeoplevBabcock,469Mich247(2003)716
TOA:Cases4 MichiganJudicialInstitute2012
PeoplevNugent,276MichApp183(2007)325
Q
QuilloinvWalcott,434US246(1978)238
R
RiveravMinnich,483US574(1987)319 RussovMichiganDeptofLicensing&Regulation,119MichApp624(1982)710
S
SantaClaraPueblovMartinez,436US49(1978)114 SchigurvKeck,93MichApp763(1979)319 SerafinvSerafin,401Mich629(1977)32,310,333 ShulickvRichards,273MichApp320(2006)715 SinicropivMazurek,273MichApp149(2006)35,321,325 SlatteryvHartfordConnecticutTrustCo,254Mich671(1931)12 SmithvOrgofFosterFamiliesForEqualityandReform,431US816(1977)11 SmithvRobbins,91MichApp284(1979)319 SpaldingvSpalding,355Mich382(1959)716 SpielmakervLee,205MichApp51(1994)35 SquiresvRoberts,41MichApp96(1972)35 StanleyvIllinois,405US645(1972)234
T
TheodorevPackingMaterials,Inc,396Mich152(1976)616 TroxelvGranville,530US57(2000)817
V
VanvZahorik,460Mich320(1999)34
Y
YorkvMorofsky,225MichApp333(1997)33
TOA:Cases5
TOA:Cases6
TABLEOFAUTHORITIES
Michigan Statutes
MCL3.7114-10,4-11,4-12,4-13,5-11 MCL3.7154-12,4-13 MCL24.3017-8 MCL24.303(2)7-9 MCL24.303(3)7-8 MCL24.303(4)7-9 MCL24.304(1)7-8,7-9 MCL24.304(2)7-9 MCL24.304(3)7-10 MCL24.3057-9 MCL24.306(2)7-10 MCL24.306(a)7-11 MCL24.306(f)7-11 MCL326.38(1)6-15 MCL326.38(2)6-16 MCL326.38(3)6-16 MCL333.10715-20 MCL333.2829(1)6-14,6-15 MCL333.2829(2)7-21 MCL333.2829(3)6-15 MCL333.2829(4)6-14 MCL333.2830(1)6-15 MCL333.2830(2)6-16 MCL333.2830(3)6-16 MCL333.2830(4)6-14 MCL333.2831(a)6-14,6-18 MCL333.2831(b)3-24 MCL333.2832(1)9-22 MCL333.2832(2)6-15 MCL333.2882(3)9-22 MCL333.2882(4)9-14,9-22 MCL333.2891(9)3-21 MCL400.115f10-10 MCL400.115f(b)10-12 MCL400.115f(h)10-12,10-21 MCL400.115f(m)10-13 MCL400.115f(n)10-15
MichiganJudicialInstitute2012 TOA:MCLs1
TableofAuthorities:MichiganStatutes AdoptionProceedingsBenchbookRevisedEdition
MCL400.115f(p)1-16,10-20 MCL400.115f(q)10-20 MCL400.115f(v)10-11 MCL400.115g10-10 MCL400.115g(1)6-7,10-12 MCL400.115g(2)10-11,10-33 MCL400.115g(3)10-11 MCL400.115h10-10 MCL400.115h(1)10-16 MCL400.115h(2)10-16 MCL400.115h(3)10-16 MCL400.115h(4)10-17 MCL400.115i(1)10-12 MCL400.115i(2)10-17 MCL400.115i(3)10-13,10-17 MCL400.115i(4)10-18 MCL400.115i(5)10-13,10-17 MCL400.115i(6)10-13,10-18 MCL400.115j10-14,10-18,10-19,10-23 MCL400.115j(1)10-13,10-18 MCL400.115j(2)10-13,10-14,10-18,10-19,10-22,10-23 MCL400.115j(5)10-15,10-20 MCL400.115j(6)10-15 MCL400.115j(7)10-15,10-20 MCL400.115k(1)7-8,7-9,10-22 MCL400.115k(2)7-8,10-22 MCL400.115l10-10,10-20 MCL400.115l(1)10-21 MCL400.115l(2)10-21 MCL400.115l(3)10-20 MCL400.115m(1)8-4,10-10 MCL400.115m(2)10-11 MCL400.117c10-2 MCL400.204(2)4-24 MCL400.209(1)2-22 MCL400.226(A)1-14,2-2 MCL400.66510-31 MCL400.665(2)10-31 MCL400.66710-31,10-32 MCL400.671(1)10-15,10-20,10-23,10-24 MCL400.671(2)10-14,10-19,10-23 MCL400.1501(d)5-25 MCL552.602(c)2-42 MCL552.603(2)10-4 MCL552.11013-37 MCL552.13013-37 MCL552.1701(1)3-37 MCL552.1701(2)3-37 MCL600.1021(1)3-8,4-7 MCL691.14015-23 MCL700.11015-16,5-17
TOA:MCLs2 MichiganJudicialInstitute2012
MCL700.2103(b)2-8,2-24,3-3 MCL700.2114(2)6-16,6-17 MCL700.520210-15,10-20 MCL700.520410-20 MCL700.5206(4)2-4,2-19 MCL700.521510-29 MCL700.5215(e)2-4,2-19 MCL710.211-18,2-20,3-28,5-14,10-28 MCL710.21a(a)1-3 MCL710.21a(b)1-3,10-5 MCL710.21a(c)1-3,10-5 MCL710.21a(d)10-5 MCL710.21a(e)1-3,10-5 MCL710.21b4-19,4-20 MCL710.221-18,10-7 MCL710.22(a)1-13 MCL710.22(b)1-13,8-2,8-3 MCL710.22(c)1-13,9-4 MCL710.22(d)1-13 MCL710.22(g)1-13 MCL710.22(h)3-22,3-28 MCL710.22(i)1-13 MCL710.22(j)1-14,2-21,6-17 MCL710.22(k)1-14,2-5,5-2,8-3 MCL710.22(l)1-14,2-17 MCL710.22(m)1-14 MCL710.22(n)1-14,2-2 MCL710.22(o)1-14,8-1 MCL710.22(p)1-15,6-1 MCL710.22(s)1-16,5-2,6-1 MCL710.22(t)1-16,8-20 MCL710.22(u)1-16,2-2 MCL710.22(v)1-17 MCL710.22(x)1-17,5-1 MCL710.22(y)1-17,8-20 MCL710.22a(a)4-3 MCL710.22a(c)4-3 MCL710.237-10 MCL710.23(e)5-13 MCL710.23a(1)5-2,6-2,8-2 MCL710.23a(2)8-2 MCL710.23a(3)8-10,8-11 MCL710.23a(4)8-14,8-19 MCL710.23a(5)6-12 MCL710.23b(1)5-2,5-3,6-2 MCL710.23b(2)5-3 MCL710.23b(3)5-3 MCL710.23c6-2 MCL710.23d1-4,1-17,6-11 MCL710.23d(1)5-5,5-8,5-9,5-10,5-11,8-2 MCL710.23d(2)4-6,5-11
MCL710.23d(3)5-12,5-13 MCL710.23d(4)5-13,5-14,5-16 MCL710.23d(5)5-14 MCL710.23d(6)5-14,5-16 MCL710.23d(7)5-14,5-15,5-16 MCL710.23d(8)5-9 MCL710.23e(1)5-16 MCL710.23e(2)5-15 MCL710.23e(3)5-15,5-16 MCL710.23e(4)5-16,5-17 MCL710.23e(5)5-15,5-16 MCL710.23e(6)5-17 MCL710.23e(7)5-14 MCL710.23f(1)5-5,8-12 MCL710.23f(2)5-5,8-12 MCL710.23f(3)5-5,8-12 MCL710.23f(4)5-5 MCL710.23f(5)5-6,5-7,5-8 MCL710.23f(6)5-7 MCL710.23f(7)5-6 MCL710.23f(8)1-4,5-6,5-7 MCL710.23f(9)5-8 MCL710.24(1)4-1,4-6,6-6,6-7,6-17,8-12 MCL710.24(2)4-6 MCL710.24(3)4-6 MCL710.24(4)6-7 MCL710.24(5)6-10,8-13 MCL710.24(6)8-13 MCL710.24(7)8-12 MCL710.24a7-2,11-18 MCL710.24a(1)2-23,6-9 MCL710.24a(3)2-7 MCL710.24a(4)7-20 MCL710.24a(5)5-17 MCL710.24a(6)2-7,2-23,5-18,6-9 MCL710.24a(7)2-4,2-18 MCL710.25(1)1-3 MCL710.25(2)1-3 MCL710.26(1)2-20,2-21,6-10 MCL710.26(3)6-10 MCL710.27(1)5-4,5-5,6-4,6-6,8-11,9-3,9-7 MCL710.27(2)6-6 MCL710.27(3)5-4,6-6,8-11,9-3,9-21 MCL710.27(4)5-4,6-4,8-11,9-3 MCL710.27(5)9-3 MCL710.27(6)8-15,8-20 MCL710.27(7)5-5,6-6,8-11,9-3 MCL710.27a(1)9-4 MCL710.27a(2)9-4 MCL710.27a(3)9-5 MCL710.27a(4)2-9
MCL710.27b1-13,9-3 MCL710.27b(2)9-4,9-5 MCL710.27b(3)9-4,9-5 MCL710.27b(4)9-6 MCL710.27b(5)9-6 MCL710.282-4 MCL710.28(1)2-2,2-3,2-4,2-5,2-6,2-7,3-29 MCL710.28(2)2-3 MCL710.28(3)2-4,2-7 MCL710.28(4)2-4,2-7 MCL710.28(5)2-2 MCL710.28(6)2-3,2-5 MCL710.28(7)2-5 MCL710.28(8)2-10 MCL710.28(9)2-7 MCL710.29(1)2-3,2-8 MCL710.29(2)2-3,2-8 MCL710.29(3)2-3,2-8 MCL710.29(4)2-9 MCL710.29(5)2-6,2-15,8-12,10-2,10-5,10-6,10-8,10-9 MCL710.29(6)2-8 MCL710.29(7)1-3,2-2,2-9,10-2 MCL710.29(8)10-2 MCL710.29(9)2-10,2-11 MCL710.29(10)1-4,2-10,2-11 MCL710.312-9 MCL710.31(1)2-25,3-30,6-11 MCL710.31(2)3-29 MCL710.31(3)2-9 MCL710.333-29 MCL710.33(1)3-29,9-2 MCL710.33(2)3-29,3-34 MCL710.33(3)3-29 MCL710.34(1)2-12,2-13,2-27,2-28,2-31,3-29,9-2 MCL710.34(2)2-14,2-29 MCL710.34(3)2-14,2-29 MCL710.36(1)1-4,3-30,3-33 MCL710.36(2)3-31 MCL710.36(3)3-31 MCL710.36(4)3-30 MCL710.36(5)3-31 MCL710.36(6)3-33 MCL710.36(7)2-32,3-32,3-33 MCL710.371-4,1-9,1-21,2-29,2-30 MCL710.37(1)1-9,1-21,2-30,2-31 MCL710.37(2)1-10,1-21,2-30,2-32 MCL710.391-4,1-9,1-10,1-12,1-21,2-29,2-30,2-32,2-33,2-37 MCL710.39(1)1-10,1-21,2-30,2-33,2-34,2-35,2-36 MCL710.39(2)1-10,1-21,2-33,2-37,2-38,3-21 MCL710.39(3)2-34 MCL710.416-11,8-14,8-22
MCL710.41(1)2-20,2-21,2-25,6-11 MCL710.41(2)6-11,8-21 MCL710.41(3)8-22 MCL710.41(4)8-14 MCL710.43(1)2-18,2-20,2-21,2-22,2-27,3-29,7-5 MCL710.43(2)1-12,2-17,2-21,2-24 MCL710.43(3)2-17,2-21,6-18 MCL710.43(4)2-18 MCL710.43(5)2-18,2-19,2-21 MCL710.43(6)2-18 MCL710.43(7)8-14 MCL710.442-20 MCL710.44(1)2-17,2-24 MCL710.44(2)2-17 MCL710.44(3)2-17,2-24 MCL710.44(4)2-25 MCL710.44(5)8-12,10-2,10-6,10-8,10-9 MCL710.44(6)2-21,2-24 MCL710.44(7)2-24 MCL710.45(1)6-10,7-5 MCL710.45(2)1-4,2-27,7-5 MCL710.45(3)7-5 MCL710.45(5)7-6 MCL710.45(6)7-6 MCL710.45(7)7-6,7-8 MCL710.45(8)7-6,7-7 MCL710.45(9)7-5,7-6 MCL710.45(10)7-8 MCL710.4610-2 MCL710.46(1)2-23,5-12,7-6 MCL710.46(2)2-23,5-12 MCL710.46(3)2-23,5-12 MCL710.511-4,1-15,1-17,2-20 MCL710.51(1)1-4,2-25,6-3,6-11,8-13,8-14 MCL710.51(2)2-25 MCL710.51(3)1-4,2-25,2-26,8-15 MCL710.51(4)2-25,4-12,4-13 MCL710.51(5)2-25,8-15 MCL710.51(6)1-4,1-9,1-11,1-21,2-29,2-30,2-39,2-41,2-42,2-44,2-45,8-14,8-15 MCL710.51(7)6-2 MCL710.526-18 MCL710.52(2)8-13 MCL710.548-11,10-4,10-6,10-9 MCL710.54(1)2-6,10-4 MCL710.54(2)10-5,10-7,10-8 MCL710.54(3)10-3 MCL710.54(4)10-2 MCL710.54(5)8-4,10-2 MCL710.54(6)10-3 MCL710.54(7)8-11,8-12,10-6,10-7,10-8 MCL710.54(8)10-6
MCL710.54(9)10-9 MCL710.54(10)10-9 MCL710.54(11)10-9 MCL710.555-2,6-2,8-11,10-6 MCL710.55(1)5-2,6-2,10-5,10-6 MCL710.55(2)10-6 MCL710.55a(1)8-2 MCL710.55a(2)2-4,2-18,8-3 MCL710.561-4 MCL710.56(1)6-11,6-12 MCL710.56(2)6-12 MCL710.56(3)6-12 MCL710.56(4)6-13 MCL710.56(5)6-18 MCL710.586-13 MCL710.58a(1)6-13,8-10 MCL710.58a(2)8-10 MCL710.596-14 MCL710.60(1)6-14,6-16 MCL710.60(2)6-17,6-18 MCL710.60(3)2-46,6-17,8-16,8-17 MCL710.621-4,6-13 MCL710.632-9,2-25,2-31,2-32,2-34,2-41,6-13,7-4,7-8 MCL710.641-4,10-2 MCL710.64(1)2-10,2-11,2-26,7-2 MCL710.64(2)7-3 MCL710.652-12 MCL710.65(1)7-3,7-11 MCL710.65(2)7-11 MCL710.65(3)7-11 MCL710.661-17 MCL710.66(1)7-19 MCL710.66(2)7-19 MCL710.66(3)7-20 MCL710.66(4)7-19,7-20 MCL710.66(5)7-20 MCL710.66(6)7-20 MCL710.67(1)9-1,9-2,9-10,9-14,9-15,9-16 MCL710.67(2)9-3 MCL710.67(3)6-14 MCL710.67(4)9-2 MCL710.688-15,8-20,9-2,9-6,9-7,9-8,9-10,9-16 MCL710.68(1)9-7 MCL710.68(2)9-15,9-16 MCL710.68(3)9-6 MCL710.68(4)9-7 MCL710.68(5)9-5,9-6,9-8 MCL710.68(6)9-9,9-10 MCL710.68(7)9-12,9-13 MCL710.68(8)9-5,9-6,9-14,9-15 MCL710.68(9)9-13,9-14
MCL710.68(10)9-17 MCL710.68(11)9-17 MCL710.68(12)9-17 MCL710.68(13)9-17 MCL710.68(14)9-17 MCL710.68(15)6-14,9-14 MCL710.68(16)9-8 MCL710.68(17)8-15,8-20,9-7,9-8 MCL710.68(18)9-5 MCL710.68(19)9-7,9-8 MCL710.68(20)9-7,9-18 MCL710.68(21)9-8,9-18 MCL710.68b(1)9-18 MCL710.68b(2)9-15,9-18,9-19,9-22 MCL710.68b(3)9-19,9-22 MCL710.68b(4)9-20 MCL710.68b(5)9-22 MCL710.68b(6)9-21 MCL710.698-22 MCL710.701-18 MCL712.15-18 MCL712.1(2)5-18,5-19,5-23 MCL712.2(1)5-23 MCL712.2()5-21 MCL712.2(4)5-23 MCL712.2a(1)5-27 MCL712.2a(2)5-27 MCL712.2a(3)5-27 MCL712.3(1)5-19,5-20 MCL712.3(2)5-20 MCL712.5(1)5-21 MCL712.5(2)5-21 MCL712.5(3)5-21 MCL712.7(a)5-22 MCL712.7(d)5-22 MCL712.7(e)5-22 MCL712.7(f)5-22 MCL712.10(1)5-23,5-24,5-26 MCL712.10(2)5-24 MCL712.10(3)5-24,5-25 MCL712.11(1)5-24 MCL712.11(2)5-24 MCL712.11(3)5-24 MCL712.11(4)5-24 MCL712.11(5)5-25 MCL712.14(1)5-25,5-26 MCL712.14(2)5-26 MCL712.15(a)5-26 MCL712.15(c)5-26 MCL712.17(1)5-26 MCL712.17(2)5-26
MCL712.17(3)5-26 MCL712.17(4)5-26 MCL712.17(5)5-27 MCL712.205-27 MCL712.20(a)5-28,5-29 MCL712.20(b)5-28,5-29 MCL712A.12-20,10-26 MCL712A.210-15 MCL712A.2(b)4-9,5-26 MCL712A.3a4-9,4-10 MCL712A.13a10-26 MCL712A.13a(1)1-15,4-22 MCL712A.17c(7)4-22,11-21 MCL712A.17c(9)4-24 MCL712A.17d(1)1-15,4-22,4-23,4-24 MCL712A.185-16,5-17 MCL712A.18(1)10-17 MCL712A.1910-29 MCL712A.19(13)10-33 MCL712A.19a10-29 MCL712A.19a(8)2-4,2-19 MCL712A.19b1-21,2-14 MCL712A.19b(3)2-16,2-46 MCL712A.19b(5)1-6,2-15 MCL712A.19c10-29 MCL712A.19c(2)10-29 MCL712A.19c(7)2-4,2-19,10-29 MCL712A.19c(9)10-29 MCL712A.19c(10)10-29 MCL712A.212-15 MCL722.22-8,2-24,3-3,6-16 MCL722.213-10 MCL722.22(h)4-4 MCL722.232-36 MCL722.26b4-10 MCL722.26b(4)11-40 MCL722.278-16 MCL722.27b2-46,8-16,8-17,8-18 MCL722.27b(1)8-16,8-17 MCL722.27b(4)8-19 MCL722.27b(5)8-17,8-18 MCL722.27b(13)8-16 MCL722.287-15,7-16,7-17 MCL722.1111-14,2-5,8-3 MCL722.111(1)5-2 MCL722.115k10-25 MCL722.124b(d)8-7 MCL722.124b(e)8-7 MCL722.124c8-7 MCL722.124c(1)8-7,8-9 MCL722.124c(2)8-7
MCL722.124d8-7,8-10,10-10 MCL722.124d(1)8-9 MCL722.124d(2)8-9 MCL722.124d(4)8-10 MCL722.6235-21 MCL722.7113-4,3-11,3-37 MCL722.711(a)3-5,3-22 MCL722.711(c)3-9 MCL722.714(1)3-4,3-9,3-12 MCL722.714(2)3-5 MCL722.714(3)3-11,3-13 MCL722.714(4)3-11 MCL722.714(5)3-11 MCL722.714(6)3-12,3-14,3-19 MCL722.714(7)3-14,3-15,3-16 MCL722.714(8)3-15,3-16 MCL722.714(9)3-20 MCL722.714(10)3-9,3-12 MCL722.714(12)3-20 MCL722.714a(1)3-12 MCL722.714a(2)3-15 MCL722.714b3-37 MCL722.715(1)3-18,3-19 MCL722.715(2)3-11 MCL722.7163-14,5-24 MCL722.716(1)3-14,3-15,3-16 MCL722.716(2)3-14,3-17 MCL722.716(4)3-16,3-19 MCL722.716(5)3-17 MCL722.716(6)3-17 MCL722.716a3-18 MCL722.716a(1)3-17 MCL722.716a(2)3-18 MCL722.716a(3)3-17 MCL722.716a(6)3-18 MCL722.717(1)3-20 MCL722.717(2)3-20 MCL722.717(4)3-21 MCL722.717(6)3-20 MCL722.717b3-11,3-12,3-19 MCL722.7203-8 MCL722.87110-24,10-29 MCL722.872(e)10-26,10-27 MCL722.872(g)10-26 MCL722.87310-24 MCL722.873(a)10-25 MCL722.873(e)10-25 MCL722.87410-25 MCL722.87510-27 MCL722.875(1)10-24 MCL722.875(2)10-24
MCL722.875(3)10-26 MCL722.875(4)10-27 MCL722.875(5)10-28 MCL722.875(7)10-27 MCL722.875(8)10-24 MCL722.875a10-30 MCL722.875b(a)10-29 MCL722.875b(e)10-29 MCL722.87610-28,10-30 MCL722.876(1)10-28 MCL722.876(2)10-27,10-28,10-30 MCL722.87710-24 MCL722.878(1)10-27 MCL722.878(2)10-27 MCL722.8797-8,10-28 MCL722.9219-2,9-8,9-18 MCL722.9239-2,9-8,9-18 MCL722.952(d)8-3 MCL722.9558-2 MCL722.956(1)8-3,8-4,8-5,8-6,8-7 MCL722.956(2)8-3 MCL722.957(1)4-5,8-4 MCL722.957(2)4-5,8-4 MCL722.957(3)5-3,8-2,8-3 MCL722.9588-5,10-10 MCL722.10011-16 MCL722.1002(b)3-21,3-22 MCL722.1003(1)3-21 MCL722.1003(2)3-24 MCL722.1003(3)3-24 MCL722.10043-21,3-22 MCL722.1005(1)3-24 MCL722.1005(3)3-24 MCL722.10063-24,3-25 MCL722.1007(a)3-23 MCL722.1007(h)3-23 MCL722.10083-22 MCL722.10093-24 MCL722.10103-24 MCL722.10113-23,3-25 MCL722.1011(1)3-25,3-26 MCL722.1011(2)3-26 MCL722.1011(3)3-27 MCL722.1011(4)3-28 MCL722.1011(5)3-26 MCL722.10123-21,3-26 MCL750.1355-29 MCL750.145a4-2 MCL750.145c(2)4-2 MCL750.145c(3)4-2 MCL750.145c(4)4-3
MCL750.520b4-3 MCL750.520c4-3 MCL750.520d4-3 MCL750.520e4-3 MCL750.520f4-3 MCL750.520g4-3
TOA:MCLs12
TABLEOFAUTHORITIES
Michigan Court Rules

MCR2.004246,247,248 MCR2.004(A)247 MCR2.004(B)247 MCR2.004(C)247 MCR2.004(D)248 MCR2.004(E)248 MCR2.004(F)248 MCR2.004(G)249 MCR2.105313 MCR2.105(I)313 MCR2.107(A)517,68 MCR2.107(C)518,68 MCR2.108(A)314,315 MCR2.114(B)241,332 MCR2.116(C)317 MCR2.221(A)47 MCR2.221(B)47 MCR2.221(C)47 MCR2.222(A)47 MCR2.222(B)47 MCR2.223(A)47 MCR2.613(A)73 MCR3.002(1)118,1123,1124 MCR3.002(2)1116 MCR3.002(3)1131 MCR3.002(5)115,113 MCR3.002(7)118 MCR3.002(8)1131 MCR3.002(9)115,114 MCR3.002(10)118,1119 MCR3.002(13)117 MCR3.205(A)47,48 MCR3.205(B)48 MCR3.205(C)49 MCR3.205(D)410 MCR3.21734 MCR3.217(A)34
MichiganJudicialInstitute2012 TOA:MCRs1
TableofAuthorities:MichiganCourtRules AdoptionProceedingsBenchbookRevisedEdition
MCR3.217(B)314 MCR3.217(C)312,319 MCR3.80073 MCR3.800(A)47 MCR3.800(B)27,223,240,518,69,72,720,1118 MCR3.802(A)213,228,231,240,330,331,68,118,119,1110 MCR3.802(B)231,232,331,332 MCR3.802(C)240 MCR3.803(A)106,107 MCR3.803(B)106,107,109 MCR3.804223,224 MCR3.805517 MCR3.805(A)518 MCR3.805(B)518 MCR3.805(C)518 MCR3.805(D)518 MCR3.806(A)72 MCR3.806(B)73 MCR3.806(C)73 MCR3.806(D)72 MCR3.807(B)1116,1118,1119,1120,1121 MCR3.807(C)1138 MCR3.903(A)113,115,116,32,33,34 MCR3.903(C)229 MCR3.905(B)1116 MCR3.921(D)334,335,336,337 MCR3.921(E)335 MCR3.974(B)1116 MCR3.977(A)1127,1129 MCR3.977(E)1129 MCR3.977(H)1129 MCR3.979(A)1032 MCR3.979(C)1029 MCR3.979(D)1029 MCR3.993(C)712 MCR5.105(A)72 MCR5.105(B)240,331 MCR5.980(A)1113 MCR7.200711 MCR7.202(5)713,714 MCR7.203(A)711 MCR7.203(B)712 MCR7.204(A)712 MCR7.204(B)712 MCR7.204(C)712 MCR7.204(D)712 MCR7.205(B)713 MCR7.205(D)714,715 MCR7.205(F)712,713 MCR7.209(A)711 MCR7.212(A)713,714
TOA:MCRs2 MichiganJudicialInstitute2012
MCR7.215(C)44 MCR7.300718 MCR7.301(A)718 MCR7.302(A)718 MCR7.302(C)718 MCR7.302(H)718
TOA:MCRs3
TOA:MCRs4
TABLEOFAUTHORITIES
Constitutional Authority
Michigan Constitutional Authority
Const1963,art1,1366,82
TOA:MI&USConst1
TableofAuthorities:MI&USConstitutions AdoptionProceedingsBenchbookRevisedEdition
TOA:MI&USConst2
TABLEOFAUTHORITIES
United States Code

8USC1101414 8USC1101(b)414,419 8USC1154(d)418 8USC1431(a)420 8USC1431(b)420 25USC1901111,112 25USC1902112,113,1137 25USC1903(1)118,1124 25USC1903(4)115 25USC1903(8)115,114,115 25USC1903(9)118 25USC1903(12)117 25USC19111139,1140 25USC1911(a)1116 25USC1912(a)119,1135 25USC1912(c)1135 25USC1912(d)1135 25USC1913(b)1124 25USC19141140 25USC1915(c)116 25USC1915(e)93,94,1137 25USC1916(a)1134 25USC1916(b)1136 25USC19171137,1138 25USC19201139 25USC1921112 25USC19221116 25USC1951(a)113,1136,1137 25USC1951(b)1137,1138,1139 42USC622(a)411 42USC622(b)411,1035 42USC651311 42USC6701033 42USC6711033 42USC671(a)42,45,1033,1034,1035 42USC6731033 42USC13961013
MichiganJudicialInstitute2012 TOA:USC1
TableofAuthorities:UnitedStatesCode AdoptionProceedingsBenchbookRevisedEdition
42USC199645 42USC14901413 42USC14901(a)413 42USC14902(10)415 42USC14911(a)418,419 42USC14912(d)422 42USC14912(e)422 42USC14931420 42USC14931(a)420 42USC14931(b)419 42USC14932(a)421 42USC14932(b)421 42USC14941(b)422 42USC14941(c)422
TOA:USC2
TABLEOFAUTHORITIES
Code of Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations
8CFR204.3416 8CFR204.3(b)418 8CFR204.3(c)415 8CFR204.3(d)419 8CFR204.3(e)418 8CFR204.3(f)415 8CFR204.301417 8CFR204.305415 8CFR204.310(a)416 8CFR204.311(b)417 8CFR204.311(c)417 25CFR23.11(a)119 25CFR23.11(b)1110 25CFR23.11(c)119,1110,1121 25CFR23.11(d)1112 25CFR23.11(e)1112 25CFR23.11(f)1110 25CFR23.13(a)1121 25CFR23.71(a)1136 25CFR23.71(b)113,1136,1137,1139
TOA:CFRs1
TableofAuthorities:CodeofFederalRegulations AdoptionProceedingsBenchbookRevisedEdition
TOA:CFRs2

Michigan Adoption Proceedings Judicial Benchbook Revised Edition 2012

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Michigan Adoption Proceedings Judicial Benchbook Revised Edition 2012

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Adoption Proceedings BenchbookRevised Edition

UpdateshavebeenissuedfortheAdoptionProceedingsBenchbook.Asummary ofeachupdateappearsbelow.Theupdateshavebeenintegratedintothewebsite versionofthebenchbook.Clickingonthelinksbelowwilltakeyoutothepage(s) inthebenchbookwheretheupdatesappear.Thetextaddedorchangedineach updateisunderlined.

10.7(H) Guardianship Assistance

ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS BENCHBOOK REVISED EDITION

MICHIGAN JUDICIAL INSTITUTE 2012

Michigan Supreme Court

Honorable Chad C. Schmucker, State Court Administrator GeneralCounsel

Mr. Matthew Schneider, Chief of Staff and Supreme Court

Michigan Judicial Institute Staff

TheresearchdoneforthisbenchbookiscurrentthroughMay1,2012.Thisbenchbook isnotintendedtobeanauthoritativestatementbythejusticesoftheMichigan SupremeCourtregardinganyofthesubstantiveissuesdiscussed.

Chapter 2: Freeing a Child for Adoption

SettingAsideaConsent............................................................................ 226 A. RehearingonaConsent ....................................................................... 226 B. WithdrawalofaConsent .................................................................... 226

2.7 2.8 2.9

Chapter 3: Identifying the Father

AcknowledgmentofParentage .............................................................. 321

IdentifyingthePutativeFather ............................................................... 328

AdjudicationofPaternityinAnotherState.......................................... 337 TheUniformInterstateFamilySupportAct(UIFSA) ........................ 337

Chapter 4: Adoption Eligibility, Venue, Jurisdiction, Lawyer Guardian Ad Litem

Chapter 5: Temporary Placements, Investigation Reports, and Safe Delivery of Newborns

AdultAdoption .......................................................................................... 617

Chapter 7: Rehearings, Appeals, Rescissions, and Dissolutions

MotiononWithholdingConsenttoAdopt ............................................ 75 A. MotionRequirements............................................................................. 75

StepparentAdoption ................................................................................. 813

RelativeAdoption...................................................................................... 819 LegalRiskAdoption.................................................................................. 820

Chapter 9: Recordkeeping Requirements and Release of Information

ConfidentialIntermediaries .................................................................... 918

Chapter 10: Paying the Costs of Foster Care & Adoption

10.8 FederalFundingforSubsidies .............................................................. 1033

Chapter 11: Adoption Proceedings Involving an Indian Child

Appendix A: County Resources Appendix B: Department of Community Health Resources

1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7

A. Purposes of the Adoption Code

proceedings regarding the adoptee. MCL 710.21a(a) MCL710.21a(e).

C. Orders Entered Under Adoption Code

Step One of Adoption ProcessIndian Child

Chapter 11 for a detailed discussion of the ICWAs substantive and proceduralmandates.

Step Two of Adoption ProcessVoluntary or Involuntary

1. Release of Parental Rights

2. Voluntary Termination During Child Protective Proceedings

Direct Placement Adoption

Uninterested Putative FathersMCL 710.37

Interested Putative FathersMCL 710.39

Stepparent AdoptionsMCL 710.51(6)

Childs Best Interest Factors

request for child custody. MCL 710.22(g)(i)MCL 710.22(g)(xi).

C. Adult Former Sibling

E. Child Protective Proceeding

F. Central Adoption Registry

H. Child Placing Agency

R. Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses

Z. Within the Fifth Degree By Marriage, Blood, or Adoption

A. Information Clerks May Provide

B. Information Clerks Must Not Provide

Flowcharts of Adoption Processes

IsanIndianchildinvolved? no Istheterminationvoluntary? yes

Custodialparentmar riesspouseandcustodi alparentfileadoption petition,requesting terminationandformal placement.

TemporaryPlacement (beforecourtap provalandparental termination).(See Chapter5) Childtemporarily placedwith prospective adoptiveparent.

FormalPlacement (aftercourtapprov alandparental termination).See Chapter6)

Noncustodialparent consentstoadoption. Courtformallyplaces childoncenoncustodial parentsrightsaretermi nated.(SeeChapter6) UNLESS:

Adoptiveparent filesadoption petition,request ingterminationof parentalrightsand formalplacement.

Courtformallyplaceschildafter bothparentsparentalrightsare terminated(afteroneparent consents,otherparentmust consent,voluntarilyterminatehis/ herparentalrightsunderJuvenile Code,orparentalrightsareinvol untarilyterminated),UNLESS

ICWAapplies.SeeChapter11. VoluntaryTermination.SeeVoluntaryTerminationflowchart. JuvenileCodeInvoluntaryterminationofparentalrightsasaresult ofchildprotectiveproceedings.MCL712A.19b.(SeeSection2.10)

MCL710.37(2)UnknownPutative Father.Putativefathersidentityor whereaboutsareunknown. (SeeSection2.9(A)(2)) Parentalrightsmaybeterminated IF: