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Ehrenborg Law | Helping Through Adoption
Ehrenborg Law | Helping Through Adoption
614-908-0196

Standing beside clients throughout the adoption process for more than two decades

Compassionate International Adoption Lawyer In Ohio

Adopting a child from another country can be exciting and a rewarding experience, but it can also be complicated. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations. Understanding this is crucial to a successful adoption.

At Ehrenborg Law, I am committed to providing clear, straightforward advice to clients considering international adoption. As an intercountry adoption lawyer in Columbus, I understand the unique challenges of adopting internationally. I am ready to offer personalized legal support, ensuring that you understand every part of the process.

Intercountry Adoption Process In Columbus

Intercountry adoption is based on U.S. federal laws, the laws of the child’s home country and state laws. It can take anywhere from one to four years, depending on factors such as the child’s country of origin.

The Hague Adoption Convention involves an international agreement protecting all parties involved in intercountry adoptions. It establishes minimum standards and procedures to ensure ethical practices and the best interests of the child.

Non-Hague adoptions occur when at least one country involved is not a party to the Convention. These adoptions may have different requirements and fewer safeguards.

Here’s a closer look at the international adoption process:

  • Intercountry Adoption Homestudy (IAH): An IAH is an evaluation to determine your readiness and suitability to adopt a child from another country.
  • In-country finalizations: This is when the intercountry adoption is finalized in the country of the child’s origin. This occurs after the U.S. requirements have been fulfilled and then after the legal procedures of the country of origin have been completed. The child and adoptive family then come to the U.S. with a finalized adoption decree from the country court. Once home in Ohio, the adoptive family may apply to the probate court in their county of residence for an Acknowledgment of Foreign Adoption.
  • U.S. finalizations If the country of origin does not finalize the adoption in-country, the adoptive parents will receive legal authority to travel with the child to their home in Ohio to finalize the adoption. Compliance with all Ohio laws is required to finalize the adoption, including the six-month placement period requirement.
  • Acknowledgement of foreign adoption: After the in-country adoption, you can apply for an acknowledgement at the Probate Court in your county of residence.

Post-adoption requirements can vary based on the child’s country of origin. These often include post-placement visits by a social worker and submitting reports to the adoption agency or the child’s home country to ensure the child’s well-being. It is essential to work with an experienced immigration attorney through the entire process.

Call Ehrenborg Law And Let Me Help You Through Intercountry Adoption

As your Columbus intercountry adoption lawyer, I can help you understand the complexities of the process, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. My goal is to keep you informed all throughout the proceeding so you can make informed decisions. Call my law firm at 614-908-0196 or set up an appointment through the website.