International Adoption
Mark Iverson has adopted a child internationally and offers a unique perspective to adoptive families in Washington and Idaho who are interested in international adoption.

What is international re-adoption?
When a child is adopted from another country it is necessary to re-adopt the child under the laws of the state the adoptive couple resides in to obtain a US birth certificate.

• Foreign Adoption:
  Most families that adopt a child internationally do so through an agency.  The child is adopted in the foreign country.  Upon return to the US, the child is re-adopted under the laws of the state of the adoptive couple.  Both Washington and Idaho recognize foreign adoption decrees and have a process for allowing the adoptive couple to re-adopt.
• Foreign Guardianship:
  In some countries the parental rights are terminated but the child is placed with the adopting family under a guardianship.  The court in Washington and Idaho will recognize the termination orders of the foreign country and allow the adopting family to adopt.

International Agency Adoption:
There are a number of different agencies throughout the United States which place babies and older children from foreign countries with couples in the United States. Each agency has its own requirements. For instance, many require that the adoptive couple be under the age of 40. For particular requirements, contact the agency directly.

The prospective adoptive couple must meet with a caseworker associated with the agency and have a pre-placement report (home study) performed. The couple must provide social history, medical history, financial status and other information. Once the adoptive couple is approved, the agency matches a child with the prospective adoptive couple.

International Private Adoption:
It is also possible to adopt a child from a foreign country privately. A pre-placement report is still required and must be obtained from a caseworker who is associated with an agency licensed in the United States. There are immigration issues and the Hague convention may apply.

Free Consultation:
If you would like more information on an international adoption and would like to speak with an attorney about the legal process for adopting a child born in a foreign country, please contact us at 509-462-3678 or 800-338-8273 or via email: mark@adoptionlegalservices.org

Testimonial

 

We have used Mark Iverson's legal services for adoption finalizations since 2004. We have adopted 10 children and find Mark to be professional and informative throughout the adoption finalization process. Mark is sensitive to birth parent as well as adoptive parent issues. Mr. Iverson is well known & recommended throughout the foster care/adoptive parenting system here in Spokane because he is very helpful, instructive and his fees are reasonable. We recommend Mark to everyone we know in need of adoption legal services. We have NEVER had anyone come back disappointed!-Terri & Greg Bade