The process of adopting a child who has been born overseas can be intimidating. Unlike many domestic adoption processes, international adoption is rarely straightforward. However, this journey can be endlessly rewarding, so it is certainly worth partnering with an attorney who can explain the ins and outs of this area of law to your family. Once you have learned about what it takes to adopt a child overseas, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether you wish to move forward and which country you may wish to adopt a child from.
Expecting More
When it comes to international versus domestic adoption, the general rule of thumb is simply that one must be prepared for “more.” It tends to take more time for international adoptions to resolve, more time to compile related paperwork, more time for a child to come home once he or she has been matched, and more money to complete the process overall. The general rule of being prepared for “more” should not function as a deterrent for parents seeking to adopt internationally. It is simply important to know what to expect from the process. When parents are prepared, bumps in the road can become simply annoying as opposed to unmanageably challenging.
Eligibility and Financial Challenges
It is important to understand that every country has its own rules related to foreign adoptions. You may find that you are eligible to adopt in one country but not in another. Your adoption process may be subject to parental age restrictions, travel requirements, parental marital status, and restrictions on parents who have certain gender identities or sexual preferences.
In addition, it is important to allow your attorney to thoroughly research, not only your preferred adoption-related country, but also the agencies and other organizations within that country you may be eager to work with. Some organizations seek to take financial advantage of foreign parents, so you may need to adjust your expectations once your attorney has completed his or her research. You may ultimately be required to pay a host of different fees on a number of different levels. This is a commonplace challenge for parents seeking to adopt internationally, but hopefully your attorney will be able to determine whether any requested fees are both illegitimate and unnecessary.
Adoption Assistance Is Available
If you are interested in pursuing international adoption, please consider scheduling a consultation with an attorney who is experienced in this specific area of law. Not every family law firm handles adoption matters and not every adoption attorney works with clients interested in pursuing international adoption. As a result, it is important to connect with someone who is well-versed in this nuanced area of law. Once you have scheduled a consultation with an experienced adoption attorney, consider writing down any questions you may have about the process. You will be best placed to make informed decisions about this journey if you voice any concerns you may have as soon as they arise.
