International Adoption

There are children around the world who lack parents or families, and are eligible for adoption. While domestic adoption is more common than international adoption, some Texans are drawn to adopting children from other countries. International adoption is typically a rewarding experience for both the children and their parents, but it can be a complicated process, and it is smart for anyone considering adopting a child that lives outside of the United States to engage the services of an attorney. The trusted Dallas child-custody lawyers of McClure Law Group are experienced in handling both domestic and international adoptions, and, if you want to adopt a child from another country, we can inform you of your options and guide you through the process in a discrete and efficient manner.

International adoption, sometimes called intercountry adoption, is the adoption of a child from any country other than the United States. The precise steps necessary to complete an international adoption will vary depending on the laws of the child’s birth country and whether the country is part of The Hague Adoption Convention. Generally, though, prospective parents must first ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements for completing an adoption in the child’s birth country. The parents will then undergo a home study, which is conducted by a licensed professional. The study for international adoptions is similar to a home study for domestic adoptions, in that the applicants and anyone in their household over the age of 14 must undergo criminal background checks. The applicants may also be asked to provide recent financial and health records, letters of reference from friends and family, and statements regarding why they wish to adopt. They will likely have to undergo an interview and home inspection, as well.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adoption authorities must then confirm that the prospective parents are eligible to adopt. The parents must provide USCIS with the appropriate forms, the completed international adoption home study, and any other relevant documents. Eligibility to adopt will be valid for 15 months for a country that is part of the Hague Convention and 18 months for a country that is not a part of the Hague Convention.

The prospective parents must confirm their potential child’s eligibility for adoption with USCIS. Once USCIS verifies a child is eligible for adoption, the applicants must apply for a visa for the child so that they can immigrate to the United States, and must file the appropriate forms with the child’s birth country. The prospective parents usually will then travel to the child’s home country to complete the adoption process. In many cases, they will have to undergo an interview with the adoption authorities of the child’s birth country to confirm they have fulfilled all of the requirements. If they are approved, they will be granted a visa for the child and be permitted to return to the United States with the child.

The international-adoption process is not complete once the parties return to Texas. Instead, the parents will either need to finalize the adoption or re-adopt the child, depending on what type of visa the child received. It is often prudent to complete the readoption process even if it is not required, as it solidifies the child’s citizenship and the parents’ rights. After finalization or readoption, the process is complete. The parents can apply for the child’s amended birth certificate and Social-Security card, as well.

The process of adopting a child from another country can seem daunting, but a knowledgeable attorney can assist people with pursuing their goal of becoming parents via international adoption. At McClure Law Group, our capable Dallas lawyers understand the significance of the decision to adopt a child, and if you are interested in intercountry adoption, we can help you take the measures necessary to achieve your goals. We regularly aid people with adoptions in Dallas, Frisco, Irving, McKinney, Fort Worth, Richardson, Rockwall, and Garland. We also help people with child-custody matters in cities in Dallas, Rockwall, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Grayson Counties. You can contact us by calling 214.692.8200, or by accessing our online form to set up a conference.