International Readoptions

Maybe. Make sure you check your child’s Visa status.  If they entered on an IH-4 or IR-4 Visa, they are permanent residents until you readopt them in the U.S., which must occur prior to their eighteenth birthday in order to receive automatic U.S. citizenship.  Regardless of whether it’s required, you should re-adopt your child in the U.S. so they are eligible to receive a U.S. birth certificate.

You will need to have all of your certified documents, including the immigration documentation, certified, translated copies of foreign adoption decrees, and the original birth certificate from the child’s country of origin ready to be filed with the court. You will also need a report from between one and four post-placement visits by your homestudy agency, depending on your child’s immigration status. We will prepare the Adoption Request and supporting documents, communicate with your agency, and set your case for the finalization hearing.  In most cases, it is not necessary that an attorney appear with you at the final hearing, but you and the child will need to appear.  It’s a quick, happy hearing and friends and family are encouraged to attend.

We charge a flat fee of $1,000 per child for an international readoption.  If your case involves complications or if you would like us to appear at the final hearing with you, you will be billed hourly for time spent beyond the standard $1,000.