Search Site
Menu

Qualifications for a Hague international adoption

When people want to expand their family they have many options. When people choose to adopt a child, they can choose to do so nationally or internationally. When adopting a child internationally, individuals in Arkansas are choosing to find an adopted child from outside of the United States. It can be a complicated and legally difficult process to complete an international adoption.

Under international laws there are many requirements that must be met in order for an international adoption to be completed. More specifically, under The Hague convention the child and the adult must meet certain criteria.

In order to be eligible for a Hague adoption, the child must be under the age of 16 when the petitioner files an application to adopt the child. The child must also have habitually resided within a country that has signed onto The Hague convention. A child’s country of residence will also determine that the child is eligible for an international adoption. And finally, all necessary consents from the child’s home country must have been obtained.

There are also requirements for an adult who wishes to complete a Hague adoption internationally. In order to be an eligible adoptive parent, the individual must be a resident of the United States of America. The individual must also be a United States citizen.

If the person is married, the individual’s spouse must also sign the application and agreed to adopt the child. If the individual is unmarried at the time of the adoption, the individual must be at least 24-years-old when the process is started and 25-years-old when the application to determine the suitability of the adoption is filed.

International adoptions are one of the most complicated family law issues parents in Arkansas may encounter. This process can be frustrating without the right guidance. By consulting with an attorney, individuals may be able to get a better grasp on their adoption options with in the state of Arkansas.

Panther Pay
Contact us

Please fill out the form below and one of our attorneys will contact you.

Quick Contact Form

Our Office
  • Little Rock Office
    320 Executive Court
    Suite 306
    Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
    Phone: 501-228-0668
    Fax: 501-228-5399
Learn More

Awards