Writing a post adoption contact agreement once you have come to an agreement regarding ongoing contact is a good idea and is highly recommended.

What is a post adoption contact agreement?
A post adoption contact agreement is a written agreement outlining ongoing contact between the adoptive parents, birthparents, and child in an open adoption situation. Detailed and child centered, post adoption contact agreements outline the future exchange of visits, phone calls, pictures, emails, etc. and include the frequency.

What are the benefits of having a post adoption contact agreement?
Post adoption contact agreements outline future contact so that both the birthparents and adoptive parents know what to expect regarding future ongoing contact. Also, they get all of the desires and wishes regarding contact of both the adoptive parents and birthparents in writing so that if there is a bump in the road in the future, they can refer to the post adoption contact agreement.

Are post adoption contact agreements legally binding?
No, they are not legally binding and are typically written as a “good faith” contract.

Who writes the post adoption contact agreement?
The birthparents and adoptive parents come together and agree on all the issues, and then it can be outlined in writing by the adoption agency or another adoption professional. Typically, if you are using an adoption agency, they will mediate the meeting between the expectant parents and adoptive parents.

When should you write a post adoption contact agreement?
Generally, they are written before the adoption is finalized but sometimes are not thought of until after finalization.

What if the all involved can not come to an agreement?
If an agreement can not be reached, then this is probably a sign that this is not the best match and that problems are likely in the future if this match continues to move forward.

--
Related Resources:
Post Adoption Contact Agreements
A Word of Advice about Post Adoption Contact Agreements