How to Adopt a Child Internationally, by The Houston Divorce Lawyers
Adopting a child internationally means having to satisfy numerous international rules and also fulfilling requirements in Texas. You also have to consider the adoption laws of the country where the child is. Apart from these rules, you have to worry about immigrant visa for the adopted child. This is a very complex process that only an experienced international adoption lawyer can help you through.
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International Adoption Agencies – Texas
International rules and regulations for adoption have been put in place to prevent child trafficking and abduction. That is why you have to comply with the Hague Convention for International Adoptions. The adoption could be declared invalid if the adoptive parents fail to comply with every international adoption rules or regulations. A lawyer who pays attention to detail and understands the complex rules can guide you through the process.
Steps of International adoption
First you will have to choose the country from which you want to adopt from. Base you decisions on the country’s current political environment, travel bans and so on. Research the international adoption trends because they change frequently. Other things to research include:
- The cultural heritage and race of the child
- The costs of international adoption in the individual country because they vary depending on country
- Every country has varying ages and genders of children available for adoption
- The eligibility requirements you will need to meet in a particular country
Hague Convention Home Study Requirements
You will also have to complete a home study just like you would if you wanted to adopt in Texas. A Texas professional that is licensed in accordance with the Hague Convention home study requirements will conduct the home study. This applies even if the country you are adopting from is not part of The Hague Adoption Convention.
Adoption Agency Approval
The home study professional will have to be approved by your adoption agency. The international home study is similar to the domestic adoption home study and it involves:
- Your recent health records
- Criminal background checks in the federal level and in Texas for household members over 14 years of age
- Your statements about why you want you want to adopt
- Your recent financial records
- Interviews in your home and home inspections
After the home study, the adoptive parents will then file a Form I-800A with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. The USCIS will then send their approval to the child’s home country.
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What is the difference between international and domestic adoption?
International adoption is more costly compared to domestic adoption. You may be able to obtain loans and grants for international adoption, but there are several other requirements for you to get those amounts.
Bringing the Child to the U.S.
The adoptive parents need to obtain an immigrant visa for the adopted child to satisfy Texas adoption requirements. If everything is handled properly to avoid complications, the child will be granted citizenship when the child enters the United States. The court will have to approve the adoption order once it is registered. After that, the state of Texas registrar will issue a birth certificate for the child.