Adopting a child from another country can be a very rewarding and enriching experience for both the parents and the child involved. However, the international adoption process is quite complex and involves a thorough understanding of The Hague Convention and what this concept entails.

For prospective parents considering international adoption, here is an overview of The Hague Convention and how an experienced New York family law attorney can help you with the process of growing your family.

Purpose of The Hague Adoption Convention Agreement

The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption is an agreement that was reached between multiple countries in 1993 in The Hague, Netherlands. The U.S. signed the convention in 1994, and it entered into force here in the States in 2008.

The convention outlines internationally agreed-upon standards for intercountry adoptions and establishes mutual respect, cooperation, and greater simplicity in arranging adoptions across international borders. The U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services support the efforts of the convention for the betterment of the child welfare system as a whole.

Hague Convention Countries

There are currently 98 nations that are part of The Hague Adoption Convention. Alphabetically, they are as follows:

  • Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria
  • Bahamas, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso
  • Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic
  • Denmark, Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia
  • Fiji, Finland, France
  • Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala
  • Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary
  • Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg
  • Macau, Macedonia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro
  • Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway
  • Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal
  • Republic of Korea, Romania
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Servia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, south Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland
  • Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan
  • Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan
  • Venezuela
  • Zimbabwe

Benefits of Adopting a Child from One of The Hague Convention Countries

There are many benefits to adopting from a Hague country because this convention provides safeguards for both the child or children being adopted and the person doing the adopting. What this means for those wanting to adopt a child from another country is that adopting from a Hague country simplifies the process significantly.

Also, the U.S. convention process only works with adoption service providers that have been accredited or approved at the federal level. This international adoption process also involves requirements for transparency, adoption and custody certificates, and specific convention forms. Meanwhile, adoptions of children from non-Hague countries may involve additional requirements and take longer to process.

How a Family Law Attorney Can Help with the International Adoption Process

The decision to adopt from a Hague Convention country or non-Hague nation is a very personal one that you and your family will have to make. But regardless of where you adopt a child from, the international adoption process requires the aid and expertise of a family lawyer in order to maneuver the legal landscape and ensure the quickest and best results for everyone involved.

Theodore Alatsas, Esq. specializes in adoption matters for families in and around Brooklyn. He assists local families with all aspects of both domestic and international adoptions so that families can concentrate on their new children without undertaking the legal hassles and headaches alone.

If you are interested in bringing a new child into your life, please contact us online or at 718-233-2903, and we will be glad to assist you during every step of the way of this exciting life-changing event.

Ted Alatsas
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Trusted Brooklyn, New York Family Law Attorney helping NY residents with Elder Law and Asset Protection
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