In international adoption, prospective adoptive parents must work with a Hague Accredited or Approved Adoption Service provider. This is true for both relative and non-relative adoptions. To successfully attain Hague Accreditation or Approval, international adoption agencies must undergo a rigorous review by their accrediting entity to ensure substantial compliance with relevant U.S. law. To maintain
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International Adoption – Is it over?
Using nice round numbers, international adoption is in a free fall and about to hit rock bottom. From its peak in 2004 of 23,000 incoming international adoptions, it has precipitously declined to a new low of 1,000 international adoptions in 2023. The reasons are many, and the history of how this happened is important to…
What adoption options do I have for a foreign-born child already in the United States?
We often hear from prospective adoptive families who are caring for a foreign-born child in the United States that the child needs adoption and permanency. The child may have come to the United States on parole or a non-immigrant or immigrant visa. Ultimately, the prospective adoptive parents want the child to have a permanent immigration…
As the tax time draws near:
Our friends at the Internal Revenue Service announced the annual inflation adjustments for tax year 2025, including slight increases for the Adoption Tax Credit and adoption assistance exclusion. This will impact the individual tax returns filed in 2026 and will benefit families whose adoptions are completed in 2025.
In Rev. Pro. 2024-40, the IRS…
New Regulations in Intercountry Adoption Become Effective January 2025
New regulations for intercountry adoption became effective January 8, 2025. This change is significant in the world of intercountry adoption and particularly for adoption agencies. The last major change for intercountry adoption regulation was in 2014, with the Universal Accreditation Act.
Agencies and their accrediting entities are preparing for these changes, though it is yet…
How Are Intended Parents Protected in a Surrogacy Contract?
A surrogacy contract guides involved parties through the surrogacy journey, outlining each individual’s responsibilities, roles, and rights before, during, and after pregnancy. Since surrogacy involves a third party, getting a legal contract to protect the intended parents’ rights is essential.
Understanding Surrogacy Contracts
A surrogacy contract is a legal document bearing the details of an…
Domestic vs. International Adoption
Adopting a child can be an exciting but daunting experience. It is better to have all the facts before embarking on the journey to adopt a child. Learning about the differences between domestic and international adoption and the processes involved can help you make a more informed decision.
Which Adoption Costs More?
It really depends. Typically,…
What are the Benefits of Hiring an Adoption Attorney?
Now that you’ve decided to adopt a child, you may have concerns regarding the legal process. This is perfectly normal. Deciding to adopt a child isn’t something prospective parents take lightly. Finalizing the adoption process is not always straightforward and can be filled with many roadblocks.
Having a seasoned attorney on your side can be…
A Few Clarifications About Surrogacy Procedures
Couples who want children but are unable to have them through traditional means often turn to adoption or surrogacy. Of the two, surrogacy is likely the least understood. Here is a look at some of the issues that a couple exploring surrogacy may need a little clarification on. A few definitions An article on PBS…