MI SB1118

A parent who surrenders a newborn under the safe haven law and does not file a custody action is presumed to have knowingly released parental rights

If the surrendering parent does not file a custody petition within 28 days of surrender, the child placing agency must immediately file a petition with the court to terminate the parent's rights

If the non-surrendering parent does not file a custody petition within 28 days of receiving notice of the surrender, the child placing agency must immediately file a petition to terminate that parent's rights

The court must schedule a hearing within 14 days of receiving the child placing agency's petition and hear evidence about the surrender and efforts to locate and notify the non-surrendering parent

If the court finds by preponderance of evidence that the surrendering parent knowingly released rights and reasonable efforts were made to locate the non-surrendering parent, the court shall terminate both parents' parental rights