One of the earliest—and most personal—decisions adoptive parents face is whether to pursue an open or closed adoption. Each arrangement comes with emotional and legal considerations. Understanding the differences helps families choose the path that best fits their values and comfort levels.
What Is an Open Adoption?
An open adoption allows some level of communication or relationship between the birth parents and the adoptive family. This may include:
- Exchange of letters, photos, or emails
- Periodic visits or phone calls
- An ongoing relationship that evolves over time
Pros of Open Adoption
An open adoption allows some level of communication or relationship between the birth parents and the adoptive family. This may include:
- Exchange of letters, photos, or emails
- Periodic visits or phone calls
- An ongoing relationship that evolves over time
Pros of Open Adoption
- Provides adoptees with information about their background and identity
- Creates a sense of trust and transparency between birth and adoptive families
- Can ease emotional burdens for birth parents
Challenges
- Requires clear boundaries and communication
- Not every party is emotionally ready for continued contact
What Is a Closed Adoption?
In a closed adoption, there is no contact or identifying information shared between birth parents and adoptive families. All records are sealed, and the child typically has no access to their biological history until adulthood—if at all.
Pros of Closed Adoption
- Provides privacy and closure for both families
- Can create a simpler family structure for the child
Challenges
- Limited access to medical history or cultural identity
- Potential for identity struggles or unanswered questions later in life
What’s Best for You?
There’s no universally “right” answer. Arizona law allows for both options, and in some cases, Post-Adoption Contact Agreements can formalize open adoption arrangements legally.
At Modern Law, we help adoptive and birth parents understand their rights and build adoption plans that prioritize the child’s emotional well-being.
