Adoption

Intercountry Adoption

Each year, thousands of families in the United States adopt children from other countries. The process of adopting a child from overseas can be a formidable challenge. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Dayna Kelly have unique experience in the adoption arena. Attorney Dayna Kelly is an adoptive parent of twin boys from Cambodia. Prior to joining the Law Offices of Dayna Kelly, attorney Heather Sivaraman was an Adoption Case Manager and Program Director for an international aid organization assisting families adopting from Russia and Kazakhstan. Our attorneys can help you navigate the immigration procedures during your family’s adoption process.

Hague Convention Adoption (as of April 1, 2008)

This applies to United States Citizens adopting children from countries that are parties to The Hague Adoption Convention. For a list of these countries, please click here.

The determination as to whether your adoption falls under The Hague Adoption Convention can be complex. It is best to consult with an attorney in order to make this determination.

Adoption from non-Convention countries

I-130 Petition for an Adopted Child

This applies to United States Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents who have had legal custody and have resided with a child for a period of two years or more.

I-600 Orphan Petition

This applies to United States Citizens adopting a child who meets certain requirements and can be classified as an “orphan.” A child may be considered an orphan under the immigration regulations when the child’s sole or surviving parent is incapable of providing care and has, in writing, irrevocably released the child for adoption and emigration. When both parents are alive, a child may be considered an orphan in circumstances of disappearance, abandonment, desertion, separation, or loss.

Resources

Before You Start
Before Your Child Immigrates to the US
Immigration Through Adoption
Country Information
After Approval of Orphan and Hague Application
Bringing Your Internationally Adopted Child to the United States