What is International Adoption?
International adoption, also referred to as foreign adoption, is the adoption of a child from another country. This can also be referred to as Inter-country Adoption. Children are typically adopted from orphanages as their birth parents have been unable to care for them. This can be due to financial constraints and emotional issues, for example.
We advise:
- Parents who are living in this country and want to adopt a child from abroad. We guide families through every stage of the international adoption process, from obtaining the necessary assessments and approvals in the UK to advising on whether the adoption is recognised under both UK and foreign law, and what steps if any need to be taken to ensure that your child will be able to enter and live with you in the UK and that you will be recognised as your child’s legal parents.
- Parents who are living or working abroad and want to adopt a child, either abroad or within the UK. We can advise on when it is necessary to comply with English adoption law, liaise with UK authorities such as the Department for Education and local authorities, and ensure compliance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption and other international regulations. We can also assist with the court proceedings that may be necessary to ensure your adoption is recognised in UK.
Our specialist team have extensive experience with re-adoption proceedings and also proceedings for the recognition of a foreign adoption.
Whether you are adopting from abroad or bringing an adopted child to live in the UK, our experienced foreign adoption lawyers provide clear legal advice and practical support to make the process as smooth as possible and legally secure.
Goodman Ray Solicitors were the instructed lawyers for the adopters on the leading cases in relation to the recognition of a foreign adoption order under English law:
Our Approach to International Adoption
We are committed to providing our clients with the right approach and best solution to resolving their matters. Our highly skilled and experienced team can deliver a realistic and fair perspective. Our team has worked extensively on providing individuals with advice surrounding International Adoption.
We’re proud to celebrate National Adoption Week every year
By raising awareness and understanding of adoption, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children waiting for their forever homes.
A blog by Marie Campbell.
Get in touch with our international adoption solicitors
Please get in touch using whatever method is easiest for you. If you want to discuss foreign adoption then please contact Goodman Ray Solicitors on 020 7608 1227 or you can contact us online through our website or by emailing us at mail@goodmanray.com.
Call us
☎️ Call our London office on 020 7608 1227
☎️ Call our Brighton office on 01273 090211
Frequently Asked Questions
To be sure that you are eligible for International Adoption you must be over 21 years of age, habitually reside in the UK, and you have not been found guilty of a prescribed offence. Some countries do have different eligibility criteria so you must check this before considering International Adoption.
You must be habitually resident in the UK to comply with UK adoption regulations, and this will ensure that you can undergo a suitability assessment.
If you are a couple thinking of adopting a child then you must have been living together for at least 2 years. You will need to demonstrate the strength of your relationship and that it is well established.
You are entitled to adopt a child that you are related to. If you choose to do so then you must go through the same process as any other Foreign Adoption.
The UK has restrictions on the following countries:
• Guatemala
• Cambodia
• Haiti
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Ethiopia
If you want to adopt from a restricted country then you must provide a statement as to your reasons and why you think your case is exceptional.
