Adoption outside the US
When families are considering adoption, the process leads some to adopt children from other countries. If the parents adopt outside the US, the parents travel to the other country and formalize the adoption in the foreign country. Then the family returns to the United States with the child.
Difference in adoptions inside and outside the US
- Sometimes the document or process may differ from the adoption process in the States
- Documents may look different or even be in another language.
In Tennessee, there is a process to “readopt” the child and obtain a final adoption decree that is recognized in the same manner as an adoption that originally took place in Tennessee.
Re-adoption in the US
The parents can file a Petition for Re-adoption of a Child Originally Adopted in Another Country. The petition provides the court with information about the child and the circumstances of the adoption.
Copies of the initial Adoption documents are attached as an Exhibit. Because the rights of the child’s biological parents were terminated in the prior action, they do not have to be notified and are not necessary parties to the case.
After the Petition is filed, a brief hearing is held where the court takes evidence and reviews the proposed Final Decree of Re-adoption. Upon the court’s approval, the parties receive a new court order evidencing the adoption and suitable for any needs of the family to demonstrate a valid adoption.
Child Welfare Information Gateway talks about Re-adoption after an Intercountry Adoption here
If you have any questions about re-adoption, please call us at 865-637-6550. The attorneys at Held Law Firm would love to talk with you about your options for re-adoption.
