International Adoption Lawyers in Folsom, CA
Helping People Nationwide & Worldwide
Are you interested in adopting a child from another country? The domestic and international adoption landscape has changed significantly over the past decade, making family creation an option available to a broader audience than ever before. International adoption involves procedures and requirements that can be especially challenging, requiring much patience and persistence.
How Our International Adoption Attorneys in Folsom Can Help!
If you intend to adopt a child from abroad, our Folsom international adoption attorney can:
- Make sure the adoption agency you're interested in is a good one
- Oversee home studies, visa permits, and counseling sessions
- Collaborate closely with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS)
At Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C., we represent families nationwide and worldwide, providing you with knowledgeable, individualized support at each stage of your adoption process. Let us handle the legal burdens and protocol details so you can focus on growing your new family!
Types of International Adoption
Adopting a child from another country comes with different processes depending on where the child is from and their specific needs. Here are some common types of international adoption:
- Hague vs. Non-Hague Adoption – The Hague Adoption Convention ensures ethical adoption practices and safeguards children's rights. Countries that are part of the convention follow stricter guidelines. Non-Hague adoptions may have different processes, requiring additional legal steps.
- Relative & Kinship Adoption – Some families adopt relatives from other countries, such as nieces, nephews, or grandchildren. While this can simplify the adoption process, immigration laws still apply, and legal paperwork must be completed correctly.
- Special Needs Adoption – Some children available for international adoption have medical, developmental, or emotional challenges. Adoptive parents should be prepared for additional medical care, therapy, and long-term support.
Ready to Begin Your International Adoption? Let us guide you through the legal process. Contact us today at (916) 794-4576 for a consultation.
The International Adoption Process
On the whole, the international adoption process entails the following steps:
- Choose an international adoption agency, submit an application to the agency, and complete the home study (process typically lasts about several weeks to several months)
- Once your application has been approved, you will be placed on an international adoption waitlist
- After a child who meets your specified requirements is available (Note: this could take a year or several years), you will be notified
- You'll have the opportunity to visit, get matched with the child, and provide special needs of the child (such as vaccinations, therapy, and education)
- Assuming all goes well, you will depart the country with your new child
- Resume living in your home country/state and settle into your new family
- Throughout this process, your international adoption agency must help you to submit the necessary paperwork and visa clearance
- Note: representative requirements for the international adoption will depend on the country strategically chosen for adoption
International adoption concerns certain requirements that are not found in domestic adoption. You'll have to determine how to handle the long-term financial responsibilities and emotional challenges of adoption. You'll need to select an international adoption agency and monitor it to find out if it has had an ethical reputation and can meet your needs and budget.
Legal Requirements for International Adoption
Each country has its own adoption laws, and the U.S. government has specific immigration steps for bringing an adopted child into the country.
- U.S. Immigration & Visa Process – To legally bring an adopted child to the U.S., parents must complete a visa process through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This includes Form I-600 or I-800, depending on whether the adoption is from a Hague or non-Hague country.
- Country-Specific Adoption Laws – Every country has unique adoption laws regarding eligibility, consent, and timelines. Some nations require adoptive parents to visit multiple times before completing the adoption, while others may have residency requirements.
- Parental Eligibility Requirements – Most countries set rules on who can adopt, including age, marital status, income level, and criminal background checks. Prospective parents should review these requirements before selecting a country for adoption.
Challenges & Considerations in International Adoption
International adoption is rewarding but also comes with challenges. Understanding these factors ahead of time can help families prepare.
- Emotional & Cultural Adjustments – Children may struggle with language barriers, cultural differences, and attachment issues. Families should provide emotional support, counseling, and cultural integration activities.
- Costs & Financial Planning – International adoption can be expensive, often ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. Expenses include travel, agency fees, legal paperwork, and medical exams. Grants, loans, and tax credits may help offset costs.
- Ethical Adoption Practices – Unfortunately, adoption fraud and unethical practices exist. Families should work with reputable agencies to ensure the adoption is legitimate and the child's best interests are protected.
Adopting internationally requires patience and careful planning, but with the right legal guidance, families can navigate the process successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About International Adoption
How long does the international adoption process take?
- The process can take anywhere from one to five years, depending on the country, adoption agency, and legal requirements. Factors like paperwork, visa processing, and waitlists for child referrals can affect the timeline.
Can single parents adopt internationally?
- Yes, but eligibility depends on the country. Some countries allow single-parent adoptions, while others require adoptive parents to be married. It’s important to check country-specific rules before starting the process.
Do I need to travel to the child’s country for adoption?
- Most international adoptions require at least one visit, while some countries mandate multiple trips or even temporary residency before finalizing the adoption.
What medical exams are required for the adopted child?
- Before coming to the U.S., children must undergo medical screenings, including vaccinations and tests for infectious diseases. Some children may need additional medical care or developmental support after adoption.
Will my adopted child automatically become a U.S. citizen?
In many cases, yes. If the adoption is finalized abroad and meets U.S. immigration requirements, the child can receive automatic citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act. However, additional paperwork may be required for non-Hague adoptions.
What happens if the adoption is disrupted?
- In rare cases, an adoption may not proceed due to legal issues, changes in country policies, or personal circumstances. Families should have legal support and a plan in place to handle unexpected challenges.
Are there age limits for adoptive parents?
- Each country sets its own minimum and maximum age limits for adoptive parents. Some require parents to be at least 25 years old, while others may have an upper age limit based on the child's age.
Hire a Lawyer to Guide You with International Adoption
Adoptions are complex processes. However, they are made even more so when they involve other countries' legal systems and rules. If you need to adopt internationally, get in touch with our skilled, experienced international adoption lawyer in Folsom who can walk you through the entire adoption process, making it easier for you, your family, and your new family member-to-be.
Need Help with Adoption Laws? Our experienced attorneys are here to assist you. Contact us now at (916) 794-4576 to get started.
-
“Dedicated and Professional”
Ms.Andrews represented My husband and I for a very emotional child custody case in early 2010. She was professional, prepared and most importantly fought for our side to be heard by all parties involved.- Previous Client
We are thankful for all the hard work that she put into our case that lead to a positive ending for our case. We would recommend Ms. Andrews for any legal issues that you may have in family court. -
“I feel blessed to have Ms. Andrews on my side, and I highly recommend her services!”
- CarlosAfter the initial shock of being served divorce papers, I began interviewing attorneys to help me with the legal proceedings. The first couple of attorneys focused on how to address the support and division of property issues included in the papers I was served, without really asking me about my interests in this matter.
After meeting with Ms. Andrews, and ever since that initial interview and consultation, I always felt she had my best interests in mind. She immediately explained what I needed to file and when what to expect going forward and then asked me about my interests. Wow! She was exactly the kind of attorney I was looking for to represent me.
She was always responsive to my questions and requests, no matter how basic, and got back to me in a timely manner… at times outside normal work hours. But, the biggest and most pleasant surprise to me was when she began educating and guiding me through every step in order to achieve my interests and goals -– mainly, my number one priority and “my everything” in this whole process: to retain shared custody and visitation rights with my children. Her guidance and recommendations put me at ease and really helped put my children first.
Her knowledge, honesty, and dedication through numerous and unexpected court hearings involving custody and visitation issues not only resulted in the resolution of such issues in a competent and efficient manner but a resolution that Ms. Andrews knew I wanted.
Not only is Ms. Andrews reliable, helpful and an overall amazing attorney, her office staff is also very courteous, professional and efficient in keeping me apprised of what was needed and the status of the case. Thank you so much, Ms. Andrews… and staff!!
-
“Superior Customer Service”
- JetI was very lucky to have found Atty Andrews online because she addressed all of my questions and concerns over the phone for 30 mins without coming across as someone who is only interested in me as a client for money. She went above and beyond the phone consultation and normally there's a $150 consultation fee that she waived.
She was very helpful and honest and I felt that she genuinely had my best interest in mind and not her business for profit. She even recommended for me hire an attorney in Texas vs California because it is the most beneficial for my family and the one that makes sense the most. I would have loved to hire Atty Andrews to represent our family, but we will listen to all of her advice and recommendations. Thank you, Atty Andrews!!!
-
“Would Recommend to Anyone”
I cannot say enough good things about Tiffany Andrews. I had a previous attorney who completely messed up my case and the work Tiffany was able to do was amazing. She is efficient, honest, understanding, and incredibly intelligent. I would recommend her to anyone who wants a smart, educated, kind attorney who genuinely cares and can get results that you want. Truly impressed and grateful I found her!- Nicole -
“This Office is Great!”
I met with Brenda and Karen and both were very professional and gave excellent customer service. They were clear, concise and answered all of my questions. I came out of that office feeling like I was on the right footing and knew I had a powerful group behind me if I need it. I would recommend everybody!- James -
“Amazing Family Law Attorney!!”
Tiffany did an amazing job handling my case, most of which she did long distance as I relocated to another state across the country soon after she was hired. I just couldn't have gotten through that time in my life without her. She's extremely knowledgeable and relatable. She's truly gifted at what she does and I'd recommend her to anyone with Family Law issues.- Sandrell -
“I will always be thankful that you represented me.”
- Rachel L.Thank you for all your work and support on my file I appreciate everything you have done for me and all the recommendations you gave me. You truly helped me through one of the most difficult times and helped me get to a better place. I will always be thankful that you represented me.
-
“Professional and Effective”
I retained Tiffany Andrews to accomplish my divorce and am pleased with the service provided. My ex-wife was very uncooperative at times and prolonged the divorce unnecessarily. Tiffany was able to move things along and eventually get her to complete her part of the necessary paperwork. Further, I am in the military and was deployed while the process was ongoing. Even though I was half a world away Tiffany and her staff were able to keep me abreast of the situation and worked with me to sign paperwork and keep things rolling. I would highly recommend Tiffany Andrews to those in need of legal services.- Previous Client
