International law can be a very sticky subject for families looking to adopt children from abroad. Family law varies greatly by nation, and changes to existing law or international agreements can leave those currently negotiating the tricky waters of adoption feeling stranded. It is important for families looking to adopt internationally to know their rights and responsibilities.
Our Florham Park readers may be interested in recent condemnations of the stance of lawmakers in one major foreign nation regarding changes to its adoption law. The change in question ends a long-standing agreement between Russia and the United States, creating a period of uncertainty between now and January 2014, when the adoption ban will be officially implemented.
The executive director of the Teaneck-based Homestudies and Adoption Placement Services has advised her clients that the organization will remain in contact during this difficult time. However, because Russia is the third most common place for U.S. parents to adopt children from, some adoption agencies have begun laying off staff members.
Adoption can be fraught with pitfalls, even within the same nation, state or city. Those seeking to adopt children either domestically or internationally should strive to understand how both current and potential upcoming legal changes can affect their families. Understanding these elements can be the first step toward ensuring a smooth adoption process that ultimately brings together a new family.
Source: Daily Record, "Morris group decries Russia's ban on adoptions," Lorraine Ash, Jan. 13, 2013
