By Jeff J. Horn – Divorce Attorney
Adopting a child from another country can be one of the most rewarding, and complex, ways to grow your family. If you’re pursuing international adoption in New Jersey, it’s important to understand how federal, international, and state laws intersect. Even after a child enters the U.S., legal steps in New Jersey are often required to finalize or recognize the adoption.
At Horn Law Group, we help Ocean County families navigate the legal challenges of adoption, both domestic and international.
Understanding International Adoption
International adoption involves adopting a child who is a citizen of another country. These cases are governed by both the laws of the child’s country of origin and U.S. immigration law. In most cases, the adoption must comply with:
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The Hague Adoption Convention, if the child’s country is a signatory
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements
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New Jersey state adoption law, if finalization or re-adoption is needed
The process typically includes extensive paperwork, background checks, home studies, and travel abroad.
The Role of the Hague Adoption Convention
The Hague Convention protects children in international adoptions by requiring specific legal safeguards. If the child’s country is part of the Hague Convention, you must use a Hague-accredited adoption agency and follow a clearly defined legal process.
Non-Hague countries may have different rules, but the U.S. still requires immigration approvals through forms like the I-600 or I-800.
For more information on the Hague Adoption Convention, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Finalizing or Re-Adopting in New Jersey
Even if your international adoption was completed overseas, New Jersey law may require or recommend additional legal steps, including:
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Re-adoption in a New Jersey court for added legal security
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Recognition of a foreign adoption decree
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Issuance of a U.S. birth certificate or Certificate of Foreign Birth
Re-adoption ensures your child’s legal rights are fully protected in the U.S. It also helps with school enrollment, Social Security, and estate planning.
Citizenship and Immigration Considerations
In many cases, internationally adopted children receive U.S. citizenship automatically under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, provided the adoption is finalized and certain criteria are met. However, incomplete documentation or a failure to finalize the adoption properly could delay or jeopardize citizenship.
Our team at Horn Law Group works with trusted immigration professionals to ensure this part of the process is handled thoroughly.
Legal Help for International Adoption in Ocean County
Whether you’re just beginning the process or you’ve already welcomed your child home, it’s critical to comply with New Jersey’s adoption laws. Every international adoption is different, and missing even one legal step could affect your child’s future rights.
At Horn Law Group in Toms River, we help Ocean County families complete international adoptions legally and confidently. From court recognition to documentation, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.
Thanks to Horn Law Group, LLC intern Dillon Uhrig
Photo by Natalya Zaritskaya on Unsplash