Orange County Adoption Lawyer

What is The Hague Versus Non-Hague Process for Adoption?

In all adoption processes the U.S. considers two factors:

• The suitability of prospective adoptive parents
• Whether the adoption meets U.S. immigration eligibility requirements

There are a few differences between Hague Convention Adoptions and non-Convention adoptions (orphan adoptions), namely that Convention adoptions afford more protections to the adoptive parents. Our Orange County adoption attorneys at Yekrangi & Associates can help you through the adoption process and other family based immigration issues. 

Questions about the adoption process and how it relates to immigration? Contact our firm today. 

What are the Requirements of Adoption Process from Convention Countries?

• Adoption Service Provider must be accredited by the Department of State, and licensed in the state where prospective adoptive parents reside
• Adoption Services Contract must include the agency’s policies, fees, history, relationships with supervised providers, and any other relevant information to the adoption process
• Prospective adoptive parents must file Form I-800-A before filing Form I-800
• Home Study is prepared by an accredited agency, meets both state and federal requirements, and is implemented by a supervised provider in such a way that
• Adoption Fees are detailed in full in the adoption services contract
• Parent Education is required to a minimum of 10 hours
• Petition Approval is determined by the country of origin, based on whether child is eligible under Form 1-800 definition of Convention adoptee
• Adoptee Medical Records are prepared by country of origin and prospective parents have two weeks to review
• Visa Application: IH-3 or IH-4 Visas, submit before adoption / legal custody process
• Adoption Records: maintained for 75 years

What are the Requirements of Adoption Process from Non-convention Countries?

• Adoption Service Provider must be licensed in the state where prospective adoptive parents reside
• Adoption Services Contract is not required by most state laws to disclose information about its policies or fees
• Home Study meets both state and federal requirements
• Prospective adoptive parents can file Form I-800-A and Form I-800 at the same time Parent Education is voluntary unless mandated by state law
• Petition Approval is determined by whether child meets the Form 1-600 definition of orphan
• Visa Application: IR-3 or IR-4 Visas, submit after adoption / legal process is completed *except Vietnam and Guatemala

Don't go through the immigration adoption process alone. To schedule an initial consultation with our Orange County adoption lawyer today, don't hesitate to contact us at (949) 478-4963.