What are the adoption laws in Michigan?

Michigan adoption law is found in Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 710, and stepparent adoptions are handled by the Family Division of Circuit Court (Family Court) in your county. Michigan has 83 counties, and each one has its own court clerk. Here is how the main rules work for a stepparent adoption.

Where you file and who can file: You file your petition with the Family Court. Michigan has no minimum residency period for adoption (MCL § 710.24(1)). Michigan courts can grant a stepparent adoption as long as you, your spouse, or the child lives in Michigan, so the other parent living in another state does not prevent it.

Consent from the child: Michigan sets the child's consent age at 14 (MCL § 710.43).

When a biological parent is not involved: The abandonment period in Michigan is 24 months (MCL § 710.51). Child support payments alone do not prevent an abandonment finding. The court looks at the whole relationship, including emotional support, contact, and genuine interest in the child's welfare. If the other parent is contested, cannot be found, or is unknown, the details depend on your facts, so talk with the court clerk or an attorney about that specific issue.

Home study and background check: A home study is part of Michigan's process (MCL § 710.46). Michigan also requires a criminal background check, though minor infractions rarely prevent approval. Ask your county's Family Court clerk whether a waiver of the home study could apply to your situation.

Timeline: A stepparent adoption in Michigan typically takes 3-6 months.

Cost: Court filing fees run $200-$500 depending on the county, and the total typical cost is under $1,000. Attorney-handled adoptions often run $3,000-$5,000+.

Other common questions:

• Attorney: Michigan allows self-representation in stepparent adoptions, so you are not required to hire a lawyer.
• Same-sex couples: Michigan recognizes all valid marriages and allows stepparent adoption regardless of the couple's gender.
• Multiple children: You can include more than one stepchild in a single petition.

Adult adoption: Michigan also permits adoption of an adult, which usually takes 4-8 weeks. The adult being adopted must consent. The court still directs a full investigation, and the adoptee's parents must be given notice. Adult adoption follows its own rules, so ask the clerk about your circumstances.

Why it matters: Adoption can give your stepchild inheritance rights, Social Security and insurance benefits, and a simpler legal footing for medical decisions and custody arrangements. It also strengthens family security.