Legally Binding Open Adoption Agreements

August 10, 2004

I just got a call from our attorney, and he found out the judge in our county in WV will allow a legally binding open adoption agreement to be incorporated into the adoption decree! We now need to draft an agreement with the birthparents, but we don't want to start from scratch. Does anyone have any experience in what this should look like? Of course we will tailor it to what we believe is right for us (based on geographic proximity, what we're capable of committing to, etc.) but we don't want to start from scratch.

I know there are only a few states that support legally binding open adoption agreements, so I know there's limited experience there, but I thought someone here might have drafted one. I'll contact Brenda, also.

Thanks! This is very exciting!

P.S. To those of you who know our story, no this doesn't mean anything is decided. This is just in prepartion for the case where the adoption does go through.

2boyz1girl

August 20, 2004

Plareb, sorry I didn't see this post sooner. Let me know if you are still looking for something. We actually have a "contract" that was written up between some friends of ours and a bfather. I can try to PM a copy of it to you if you want.

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MNelson

August 20, 2004

Yes, thank you, I am still interested!

michellemartin

August 20, 2004

I think its great that more states are starting to allow this to be legally binding! I know it would save firstmoms lots of heartache wondering if things will stay open. Hopefully all contracts like this will eventually be legally binding! Glad you are doing this with the bmom Plareb. Kudos!

79nic

August 23, 2004

Plareb,

How IS your situation going? Any news?

I have been thinking about you a lot the past few days. You're just amazing, so willing to go above and beyond. :D

Hope you're doing OK.

Nicole

2boyz1girl

August 23, 2004

Plareb,

I tried to pm that document to you, but had to cut and paste and it's pretty messed up. If you want me to send it as an attachment in regular e-mail, pm or e-mail me your e-mail address. (Don't worry, I'm not a stalker or anything:) )