What's Minnesota got besides snow, cold weather and some Twin Cities? It's one of our states that addresses post-adoption contact agreements! So, not only does this state have one of my favorite things (snow!), it actually takes the time to address something that is big in my life and my heart. Good job, Minnesota!

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements? Citation: Ann. Stat. § 259.58 Adoptive parents and a birth relative or foster parents may enter an agreement regarding communication, contact, or visitation... more

I was kind of dreading the start of this week. I didn't want to dive back into the state-by-state look I've been taking at post-adoption contact agreements because, let's face it, some states aren't really clear on the issue. Or friendly. Thankfully, Massachusetts has decided to let us start the week on a good foot! Not only is the wording easy to understand but it covers many questions that we're normally left asking at the end of our review.

Good job, Massachusetts! Let's see how they handled the issues!

What may be included in... more

To first look at the statutes that cover post-adoption contact agreements in the state of Maryland, you get a little worried. It seems brief. There aren't many words. And some other states, like California, were much more wordy! So what does this lack of words mean? Is it completely too vague like Alaska? Or were they able to cover the topic in a minimal amount of words,... more

The magnolia is Louisiana's state flower. Knowing how pretty magnolia trees are in full bloom, I would hope that their post-adoption contact agreement laws are of a similar beauty. While they aren't as ugly as some states, take Florida for example, they do leave a little room for improvement. Not because they're inherently unfriendly but because of a little bit of confusion on the wording. They do, however, offer some great examples of how specific wording can benefit... more

Indiana is the next in our line of alphabetical state reviews concerning post-adoption contact agreements. (Yes, that means quite a few states between Florida and Indiana didn't even address the issue.) Indiana gives us some unique perspectives and some unique questions that we haven't had to ask before! Their wording is rather specific but confusing at times. Let's just dive in!

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements? Citation: Ann. Code §§ 31-19-16-3; 31-19-16-9 A... more

Florida may be a pretty state to live in but I sure wouldn't want to be an expectant parent considering placement or a birth parent relying on a post-adoption contact agreement in that state. While Connecticut seemed mostly useless when it comes to specifics on various statutes, Florida is downright unfriendly towards biological families. It's rather disheartening to see this kind of law on the books today. If I lived in Florida, I'd be fighting the system to get something... more

Connecticut is the next state in our alphabetical review of post-adoption contact agreements. While both Arizona and California hit on some good ideas, Connecticut decided to burst the bubble of progress. Instead, this particular state decides to leave us with more questions and answers by their vague language that is parading around as specific language. Wordiness is not... more

If you thought Arizona was in the business of getting specific and wordy with their statutes on the matter, wait until you look at what California has to say about post-adoption contact agreements. I mean, they're all about covering bases. I think families in all states could benefit from reading up on how this state words their laws so that they could consider putting different things in their own contact agreements.

Let's dive in, shall we?

What... more

As opposed to Alaska, the state of Arizona gets a bit more specific when addressing post-adoption contact agreements. Of course, getting specific can sometimes create an obvious view of who is favored and who is, well, not favored by certain laws. Looking at the first section of wording in Arizona's state statutes on the topic make it pretty clear and rather quickly!

What may be included in postadoption contact agreements? Citation: Rev.... more

Alaska is our first alphabetical state that gives some provisions for post-placement contact agreements, frequently referred to as contracts. For those unfamiliar with the terms, a post-placement contact agreement/contract is put together by birth and adoptive families (sometimes helped along by an agency or attorney) and sets out the terms for how they will interact after the Termination of Parental Rights is signed and the adoption has been finalized. They can include very specific language (dictating the dates that pictures will be sent or that visits will be had)... more