{"id":351585,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/open-vs-closed-adoption.html"},"modified":"2024-11-13T11:36:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T16:36:00","slug":"open-vs-closed-adoption","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/open-vs-closed-adoption.html","title":{"rendered":"Open vs. Closed Adoptions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Open vs. Closed Adoptions<\/h1>\n
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\n By Danielle Gilmore, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The key difference between open and closed adoption is the \u201clevel of openness\u201d or the amount of contact shared between the adoptive and the birth family.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For open adoption, the birth and adoptive families maintain ongoing contact and continue to share personal information about the adopted child. Conversely, closed adoption eliminates direct communication between the adoptive and biological parents. It maintains privacy and establishes a clear separation between the two families.<\/p>\n

Each type of adoption relationship offers varying pros and cons. For instance, in closed adoptions, the confidential nature of the adoption process offers emotional closure for both the birth and adoptive families. Open adoption is a trend strongly favored nowadays, addressing the struggles that adopted children experience, particularly related to issues on the psychological impacts of adoption.<\/p>\n

Varying Levels of Openness in Adoptions<\/b><\/h2>\n

The difference between open and closed adoptions is the type of adoption relationship between the birth and adoptive families. Open adoptions and closed adoptions are at either end of the spectrum. However, mediated or "semi-open" adoptions<\/a> are also an option.<\/p>\n

The type of adoption you choose will depend on:<\/p>\n