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Contact Maryland and D.C. Adoption Attorney, Sheri A. Mullikin
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Readoption
If an adoption is finalized internationally, upon their return home, many families choose to “readopt” the child in the United States. Although many states, including Maryland, will recognize and enforce an international adoption decree, some do not. Whether a state recognizes an international adoption decree or not, readoption is a means of validating the parent/child relationship under United States laws, thus securing a child's inheritance rights and right to support. In Maryland, there is a process to obtain a Certificate of Foreign Birth without a United States adoption decree; however, in many states the ability to do so requires completion of a readoption.
A readoption is often recommended because of the possibility that the foreign country will later attempt to overturn the original adoption decree due to a change in adoption laws or policies or due to corruption of the process (such as baby-trafficking); however, a valid United States adoption decree will not be able to be overturned by the foreign government. Practically speaking, readoption is advised because an adoption decree in English from a United States court is likely to be more readily accepted as proof of adoption, rather than a translation of a decree in another language. And should the limited foreign documentation of the adoption ever be destroyed or lost, it is much easier to simply obtain an adoption decree from the local courthouse, rather than the foreign country. Finally, readoption is also a method to obtain a name change, if desired, for the child and a Certificate of Birth from Maryland that reflects the child's new name.
While some states have simplified the readoption process, Maryland has not. To complete a readoption in Maryland, you must file a Petition for Adoption in your local circuit court, along with all required exhibits such as foreign adoption decrees and papers, home study and medical reports, and so forth.
If you would like more information about readoption in Maryland or Washington, D.C., please contact Sheri today.
A readoption is often recommended because of the possibility that the foreign country will later attempt to overturn the original adoption decree due to a change in adoption laws or policies or due to corruption of the process (such as baby-trafficking); however, a valid United States adoption decree will not be able to be overturned by the foreign government. Practically speaking, readoption is advised because an adoption decree in English from a United States court is likely to be more readily accepted as proof of adoption, rather than a translation of a decree in another language. And should the limited foreign documentation of the adoption ever be destroyed or lost, it is much easier to simply obtain an adoption decree from the local courthouse, rather than the foreign country. Finally, readoption is also a method to obtain a name change, if desired, for the child and a Certificate of Birth from Maryland that reflects the child's new name.
While some states have simplified the readoption process, Maryland has not. To complete a readoption in Maryland, you must file a Petition for Adoption in your local circuit court, along with all required exhibits such as foreign adoption decrees and papers, home study and medical reports, and so forth.
If you would like more information about readoption in Maryland or Washington, D.C., please contact Sheri today.