Adoptions
The Law Offices of Deborah L. Karpatian, located in Glendale, California, represents individuals in the area of Adoptions throughout the Los Angeles area and Southern California, including the cities of Burbank, Alhambra, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Alameda, San Gabriel, and Pasadena.
International adoptions in the U.S. are quite common. U.S. citizens have been doing more international adoptions when starting or expanding their families, as well as providing safe, loving homes to children in need. There are two ways to bring an adopted child into the United States. The fastest and easiest way is to adopt an orphan who automatically becomes eligible to enter the United States as an immediate relative. Only U.S. citizens are eligible to immigrate a child as an orphan. The second way is to adopt a child and reside with that child for two years prior to petitioning for the child. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may immigrate a child with whom they have lived for two years.
For many individuals, the process starts by filing a Form I-600A, an Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services determines whether or not a prospective adoptive parent will be able to properly care for an orphan. This decision is based, primarily, on FBI fingerprint clearances and home studies. The Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, is required in all instances. The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services determines what child the U.S. citizen has adopted, or will adopt, and whether he or she meets the definition of an "orphan." If a Form I-600A has not previously been filed, then the U.S. citizen will also be required to submit the documentation that would normally have been submitted with the I-600A at this time.
U.S. regulations require that all foreign adoptions undergo an investigation in order to comply with the laws of both the United States and the foreign-sending country. When necessary, an overseas investigation may be initiated. This investigation can cause significant delays in handling your case.
The Law Offices of Deborah L. Karapetian consist of dedicated, professional international adoption attorneys who are qualified to handle your foreign-related adoptions. Whether it's a non-relative person or couple wishing to welcome a foreign child into their home, the sponsorship of overseas children, or a grandparent or other relative wishing to adopt the child they are raising, we can help.
If you have questions or concerns regarding international or foreign adoptions, contact us today for a consultation.
