What are Michigan's adoption laws?

Michigan adoption, including stepparent adoption, is governed by Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 710, and cases are handled by the Family Division of Circuit Court in your county. Here are the main points for a stepparent adoption.

Where you file: Michigan has 83 counties, and each has its own Family Division of Circuit Court. Local forms and procedures can differ a little, so the clerk in your county is a good place to confirm local details.

Residency: Michigan sets no minimum residency period (MCL § 710.24(1)). Courts can grant a stepparent adoption when you, your spouse, or the child lives in Michigan, and the other parent living in another state doesn't prevent it.

Child's consent: A child who is 14 or older must consent to the adoption (MCL § 710.43). A younger child's consent is not required by this rule.

Other parent's rights: Michigan uses a 24-month abandonment period (MCL § 710.51). Child support payments alone don't prevent an abandonment finding. The court looks at the whole relationship, including contact, emotional support, and genuine interest in the child's welfare. If the other parent is contested, can't be found, or has never been involved, the outcome depends on your specific facts. Ask the court clerk or an attorney about that situation.

Home study and background check: On filing, the court directs an investigation (MCL § 710.46), and a criminal background check is required, though minor infractions rarely prevent approval. In stepparent adoptions the court may waive the home study when that is in the child's best interest. Ask your county's clerk how this works locally.

Timeline: A stepparent adoption of a minor typically takes 3-6 months. An adult adoption typically takes 4-8 weeks.

Cost: Court filing fees run about $200-$500, and the total typically comes to under $1,000. Attorney representation often runs $3,000-$5,000+. Michigan allows you to represent yourself in a stepparent adoption, so an attorney is not required, though you may want one for a complicated or contested situation.

Other situations:

• Same-sex couples can complete a stepparent adoption, because Michigan recognizes all valid marriages.
• You can include more than one stepchild in a single petition.
• Michigan permits adult adoption. The adult being adopted must consent, and the court requires the written investigation report before entering an order.

Why it matters: Adoption gives your stepchild inheritance rights, medical decision-making authority, and access to Social Security and insurance benefits. It also simplifies custody and strengthens your family's security.

How we help: StepParent Adoption 360