A Hague adoption is when a person from one country, legally adopts a child from another country, and both the adoptive parent and the child are from countries that are parties to the Hague Adoption Convention. The Hague Adoption Convention is an international agreement that was established to create standards and safeguards for inter-country adoptions.
There are six steps that someone from the U.S. has to go through to adopt a child from a different country that has joined the Hague Adoption Convention. Selecting an adoption service provider, gaining approval to adopt, being matched with a child, adopting or obtaining legal custody of the child in the foreign country, applying for a visa for the child to move to the United States, and finally, traveling home with your child.
This article is intended to be helpful and informative. But even common legal matters can become complex and stressful. A qualified hague adoption lawyer can address your particular legal needs, explain the law, and represent you in court. Take the first step now and contact a local hague adoption attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.