What is a foreign adoption?

A foreign adoption is when a child from a foreign country is adopted by a resident of the United States. This type of adoption is regulated by adoption law in New York, as well as the laws of the country from which the child is being adopted. The process to complete a foreign adoption is time consuming and complex, and includes consulting with an adoption attorney, researching applicable laws and regulations, and submitting numerous forms. In addition, the prospective adoptive parents must be approved by the foreign and U.S. governments. The process begins with an application which is submitted to and reviewed by the agency in the child’s home country, and may include a home study, medical examinations, and background checks. After these requirements are met, the process may move forward and involve acquiring adoption visas for the child and signing a final adoption decree. Once the adoption is complete, the foreign adoption must meet the standards of New York state law, which includes a court appearance in order to ratify the adoption decree. This step involves a judge granting legal custody of the child to the adoptive parents, who can then apply for a new birth certificate for the adopted child. Foreign adoption is a lengthy and complex process, but is an important way for families to create loving homes for children in need.

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What is a foreign adoption?

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