Adopting a child from another country is a significant undertaking that crosses both borders and cultures. While it is an exciting chapter for many Texas families, it involves a complex landscape of international treaties, federal immigration laws, and specific state statutes. You shouldn’t have to sort through these requirements on your own.
Foster + Bloom provides the international adoption legal services you need to move forward with clarity, ensuring your family’s future is secure and your child’s rights are fully recognized.
If you are ready to begin or simply have questions about your specific circumstances, our team is here to help.
Why You Need a Lawyer for International Adoption
International adoption has several technical requirements that distinguish it from domestic processes. While a domestic adoption focuses primarily on state laws, an international adoption must comply with three distinct layers of regulation: the laws of the child’s country of origin, U.S. federal laws, and—in most cases—the requirements of the Hague Adoption Convention.
The Hague Convention is an international treaty designed to protect children and ensure ethical, transparent adoptions. Successfully managing these overlapping requirements requires a guide who understands how these different rules interact.
Without experienced support, families often run into unexpected delays, administrative hurdles, or issues regarding their child’s citizenship status.
Our role is to act as your advocate and strategist throughout this process. We make sure every document is properly authenticated, timelines are met, and federal requirements are satisfied. We want you to feel confident that your family’s foundation is sound from the very beginning.
Understanding Hague vs. Non-Hague Adoptions
One of the first things we help families understand is whether they are adopting from a “Hague Convention country” or a “non-Hague country.”
- Hague Convention Adoptions: These involve countries that have joined the treaty. The process is highly regulated and requires working with a Hague-accredited adoption agency. The legal steps are designed to ensure the child was not trafficked and that all options for the child in their home country were exhausted first.
- Non-Hague Adoptions: For countries that are not part of the treaty, the process follows the “orphan” definition under U.S. immigration law. While some requirements are different, the need for precise documentation and federal approval remains just as high.
Regardless of which path your journey takes, our attorneys—including specialists like Alyssa Jacobs and Eric Freeby—are equipped to guide you through the specific paperwork and court requirements for your situation.
The Role of the Universal Accreditation Act (UAA)
A critical piece of the international adoption puzzle is the Universal Accreditation Act (UAA). This federal law requires that all international adoptions involving U.S. citizens—whether from a Hague or non-Hague country—must be coordinated by an accredited or approved adoption service provider.
The UAA was implemented to ensure that every international adoption meets a high ethical standard. As your attorneys, we work closely with your accredited agency to ensure that the legal documentation provided by the child’s home country meets the rigorous standards set by the UAA. This oversight is vital for the successful processing of your child’s visa and eventual citizenship.
Kinship and Relative International Adoptions in Texas
Many Texas families reach out to us when they are seeking to adopt a relative or a child known to them in another country. These “kinship” adoptions are deeply personal but are still subject to the same strict international and federal laws as any other intercountry adoption.
If you are adopting a niece, nephew, or grandchild from abroad, the process still requires a home study and USCIS approval. It is important to understand that simply being a relative does not bypass the immigration requirements.
We specialize in helping families navigate these specific kinship cases, ensuring that the legal connection is recognized by both the child’s home country and the U.S. government.
What Does an International Adoption Attorney in Texas Do?
When you partner with Foster + Bloom in Texas, we help you build a solid legal framework for your adoption. We do more than file paperwork; we provide a clear strategy for the entire process.
Our attorneys offer support tailored to the specific needs of Texas families, from the initial application to the final court appearance in the Lone Star State.
Our work includes:
- Strategic Guidance: We help you understand the requirements of your child’s country of origin and how they align with U.S. and Texas law.
- Immigration Compliance: Working with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a major step. We guide you through filing I-800A/I-800 (for Hague countries) or I-600A/I-600 (for non-Hague countries) forms.
- Document Authentication and Translations: International adoptions require a high volume of paperwork, often needing “apostilles.” We organize and review these details to help prevent delays.
- Texas Court Representation: Once you return home, we represent you in Texas courts to finalize the “domestication” of your foreign adoption or a re-adoption.
How to Adopt a Child From Another Country: The Step-by-Step Process
Step 1. The Home Study and Initial USCIS Approval
Before adopting internationally, you need clearance from a Texas-licensed social worker. The home study is an evaluation of your home, background, and readiness to parent.
Step 2. Matching and Referral
Once approved, you will receive a referral for a child from your agency. We work with you and your agency to verify the child is eligible for adoption under international standards.
Step 3. The Foreign Legal Process
Usually, you will travel to the child’s country to complete the adoption or obtain legal custody. We work behind the scenes to make sure the foreign decree is structured correctly.
Step 4. The Visa Process: IR-3 vs. IR-4
- IR-3 Visa: Issued when the adoption is finalized abroad. Children generally become U.S. citizens automatically upon entry.
- IR-4 Visa: Issued when the adoption is not finalized abroad. The adoption must be finalized or “recognized” in a Texas court before citizenship is granted.
Step 5. Finalization or Re-Adoption in Texas
Even if the adoption was finalized abroad (IR-3), we strongly recommend a re-adoption proceeding in a Texas court. This ensures your child has a Texas-issued Certificate of Foreign Birth and long-term legal security.
Managing the Financial Aspect of International Adoption
Costs typically range between $30,000 and $60,000, covering agency services, foreign program expenses, and legal support.
- Federal Adoption Tax Credit: For 2025, families may be eligible for a credit of up to $17,280 per child.
- Employer Benefits: Many Texas employers offer adoption assistance programs.
- Grants and Loans: Several organizations provide grants specifically for international adoption.
Post-Adoption Support & Ongoing Legal Needs
Our relationship with your family doesn’t necessarily end with the final court order. As your child grows, you may have ongoing legal needs:
- Certificate of Citizenship (N-600): We can help you navigate the application process if it wasn’t automatic.
- Estate Planning: Welcoming a new child is the most important time to update your will and guardianship designations.
- Record Retention: We help you understand which foreign documents are vital to keep for your child’s future.
FAQs About International Adoption in Texas
How long does it take to finalize an international adoption?
Generally, 18 to 36 months from the start of the home study to the final court date in Texas.
Do I need a Certificate of Foreign Birth in Texas?
Yes. It is a state-issued document that is easily recognized by schools and doctors for all administrative purposes.
Can we adopt from a non-Hague country?
Yes. This follows the “orphan” (I-600) process, which requires careful legal oversight to meet U.S. standards.
Is international adoption only for married couples?
No. Many paths are open to single parents and LGBTQ+ families. We celebrate and protect every family.
Why Work With Foster + Bloom for International Adoption?
Our team brings over 185 years of combined experience to your journey. We offer:
- Specialized Expertise: Our focus is 100% on family formation.
- Clarity in Complexity: We provide a clear, step-by-step strategy.
- Nationwide Strength with Local Insight: We combine national resources with a deep understanding of Texas court procedures.
Your path to parenthood deserves peace of mind, clarity, and celebration. Let Foster + Bloom be your guide home.