Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer Blog
It wasn’t too long ago that Americans regularly sought foreign adoptions because they were easier and less costly than adopting an American child. But three of the most popular countries for foreign adoption are changing the rules, and making it harder for Americans to adopt oversees.
China, Russia and Guatamala have scaled back or even halted foreign adoptions as they try to improve their internal accountability, and at the same time these countries have made eligibility requirements stiffer than ever. China, for example, will deny an adoption based on a prospective parents’ body mass index (BMI).
The price has also risen to as much as $40,000, which is twice what it was just ten years ago. Industry insiders say that it has never been harder for Americans to adopt children from overseas. In fact, the number of children adopted internationally was cut in half in the five years between 2004 and 2009.
The Hague Convention on Intercountry adoption, decreasing population growth, increasing stability in countries like Russia and China, and a greater emphasis on placing children within their birth countries have all contributed to decreasing the number of children available for adoption by American parents. International adoptions are governed by U.S. federal law, the laws of the country where the child was born, and the laws of the state where you reside. It is important to find out whether the country you are trying to adopt a child from is a Hague Convention country or a Non-Hague Convention country. A Florida Family Law Attorney can help you with this process.
If you are considering adoption, you will need the services of a family law attorney. Please contact our Jacksonville, Florida law firm for legal counsel.
Read more details of the slowing international adoption market at International adoptions grow more difficult.