Adoptions

This information is made available to give the reader a general understanding of adoption proceedings and court requirements. The information on the website is not legal advice, and any legal questions should be presented to an attorney. Please remember that the Court Staff are unable to provide legal advice.

Adoption petitions are processed by the Adoption Specialist, who is part of the 13th Circuit Court - Family Division. Adoption files are non-public and processed with the highest level of confidentiality.

General guidelines / information

• The petitioner(s) and/or the adoptee must be a resident of Grand Traverse County.
• Filing fees must be paid in full when the petition for adoption is filed. They can be paid by cash, check, or money order. The check or money order can be paid to 13th Circuit Court.
• Prior to filing a petition for adoption, please contact the Adoption Specialist by email at jarinvelt@gtcountymi.gov or calling 231-922-4792 to set up an appointment. Only after a review of the adoption petition will you be able to file it with the court.
• Once the petition has been filed, any additional filings can be mailed or hand delivered to:

13th Circuit Court - Family Division
280 Washington St., Ste. 202 
Traverse City, MI 49684

Fees

• Petition for adoption - $175
• Certified copy of the order of adoption - $11
• New Michigan birth certificate - $50
  • If the adoptee was born in any other state other than Michigan, you will need to contact Vital Records for that specific state to determine the amount of a new birth certificate. This link will assist you in finding how to contact Vital Records in each state.

Types of adoptions

• Direct Placement Adoptions
• Adult Adoptions
• Stepparent Adoptions
• Relative Adoptions
• State Ward / MCI Adoptions

Adoption packets

Stepparent adoption

Relative adoption

Adult adoption

Additional forms

Adoption Report

Central Registry Clearance Request

Petitioner(s) Medical Statement

Post adoption inquiries

All inquires to access documents within a completed adoption are handled through the 13th Circuit and Family Court Records office.