Divorce & Family Law
International Adoption
There are several things to keep in mind if you’re considering international adoption.
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There are several things to keep in mind if you’re considering international adoption. For starters, it’s a far more complicated process than adopting a child from within the UK. Considering the complexity and the various rules and regulations, what you need is the services of expert solicitors to ensure that everything goes quickly and seamlessly with the utmost transparency and accuracy.
But before we get to how Austin Kemp’s solicitors can help you, let’s first understand the concept.
What Is International Adoption?
International adoption is the process of adopting a child from a foreign country who doesn’t have parents or is currently living in a children’s home. It can also mean adopting the child of a family member in a case where you or your partner were born in a foreign country.
The process of international adoption can be made either through an international adoption agency or one in the UK. It is a complicated process and would invite scrutiny from both authorities in the UK and the country of the child’s origin.
How Austin Kemp’s Family Solicitors Can Help You
If you’re thinking about international adoption, you should contact the experienced team of solicitors at Austin Kemp for expert counsel and guidance on:
- What to know when registering for adoption.
- The eligibility criteria in the UK for adoptive parents.
- How to deal with an adoption agency.
- Regulations in the child’s country of origin and their differences with the UK.
- UK immigration law on international adoption.
- How to adopt a child who doesn’t have parents or guardians.
- How to adopt a child from your overseas relatives.
- How to adopt your spouse’s or partner’s overseas child.
- The process of adoption in the child’s country of origin.
- The support that children with learning or physical disability would need.
- How to get British citizenship for the child.
- How to obtain an adoption order and register in the adopted children register.
Along with the legal requirements and obligations, there are also financial and emotional aspects to consider in international adoption. Austin Kemp’s solicitors can guide you through the entire process, making sure that you tick all the boxes with no unpleasant surprises for either you or the child.
How to Adopt a Child From Another Country
There are two ways in which you can start your international adoption. You can either approach a voluntary adoption agency or one from your local council. The agency will provide you with all the information regarding the process. They might also arrange a meeting with others like you who are looking for adoption.
With international adoption, there will be further steps, such as visiting the country of the child’s origin, getting the necessary clearances, and officially registering your adoption.
Do keep in mind that depending on your unique circumstances, you would need a customised approach. That’s why it’s better to contact the solicitors at Austin Kemp at the very beginning of your international adoption process.
Countries for International Adoption
You can adopt from several countries including the US, China, and India but the rules, regulations, and eligibility criteria will be different for each country. There are certain countries that you cannot adopt from. These are:
- Nepal
- Guatemala
- Cambodia
- Haiti
As some countries may have strict regulations or eligibility criteria that may affect your international adoption, it’s good to get customised guidance from the expert team of solicitors at Austin Kemp.
How to Fund an International Adoption
At Austin Kemp, we offer transparent pricing for all our services. When you employ our services, we’ll provide you with a Client Care Letter that details the fees you would be expected to pay. The letter will also have information on the services itemised on a per-hour basis.
The hourly rates depend on the requirements of your case and the expertise of the employee dealing with it. The fees will also extend to meetings, travels, and other communication expenses associated with the case.
Get in TouchThe Process of International Adoption
Once you submit your application, there will be a process of approval that can take up to six months. These include preparation classes, meetings with a social worker to check whether you are suitable to be an adoptive parent, a police check, and a medical examination.
The agency would also arrange for a police check. If you or any adult member of your family has a conviction for a serious offence, you won’t be able to adopt.
Once the agency is satisfied that you’re eligible for adoption, they will help you find a child. A court order would be required for the adoption to be final. The solicitors at Austin Kemp will be able to provide you with additional information based on your unique circumstances.
The Process of International Adoption
Once you submit your application, there will be a process of approval that can take up to six months. These include preparation classes, meetings with a social worker to check whether you are suitable to be an adoptive parent, a police check, and a medical examination.
The agency would also arrange for a police check. If you or any adult member of your family has a conviction for a serious offence, you won’t be able to adopt.
Once the agency is satisfied that you’re eligible for adoption, they will help you find a child. A court order would be required for the adoption to be final. The solicitors at Austin Kemp will be able to provide you with additional information based on your unique circumstances.
Important things to know about international adoption
If the child’s country of origin is a signee to the 1993 Hague Convention, you can receive an Adoption Order in the UK. This order will be recognised in both countries and the adopted child can automatically get British citizenship.
If the child’s country is on the designated list of the UK or if the adoption happens overseas, you don’t have to apply for an Adoption Order. The adoption will be recognised by the UK. That doesn’t mean that the child will automatically get British citizenship.
If the child’s country of origin isn’t a signee to the Hague Convention or if it’s not on UK’s designated list, you will have to adopt in both countries. In these circumstances, the child won’t automatically become a British citizen.
If it’s a genuine adoption and if at least one of the parents has a right to enter the UK, the adopted child will also get a right of entry. But in certain circumstances, you would need specialised immigration services to bring the adopted child to the UK.
How Austin Kemp Can Help With International Adoption
The solicitors at Austin Kemp have the expertise and experience on all the rules and regulations related to international adoption and immigration requirements. If you are considering international adoption, contact us to make the process swift, smooth, and stress-free.
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