According to Time Magazine, the number of international children adopted by American families has dropped 60% since 2004, due to changes in the developing world. These changes include 1) reform efforts; 2) economic growth; and 3) resurgent nationalism. (Time, January 21, 2013, "The Baby Deficit", by Kayla Webley) Stricter laws and policies in the form of individual countries' reform … [Read more...] about International Adoptions down due to Many Factors
adoption lawyer the woodlands
DNA Testing for Family Law and Immigration Cases has Strict Standards
DNA testing is sometimes used in paternity, adoption and immigration cases. Here are some reasons that DNA testing may be used and who may request the test: 1. In a traditional paternity case: As evidence of the identity of the biological father a. requested by the biological mother in order to enforce the duty of care and child support; or b. requested by the biological father … [Read more...] about DNA Testing for Family Law and Immigration Cases has Strict Standards
Important Information About Health Insurance and Your Adopted Child
When you are adopting a child, it is important to enroll your child in your health care plan within 30 days of his/her adoption OR placement for adoption. This is important for two reasons: 1) if you do so, this will allow coverage for your child under your group health care coverage to be effective immediately as of your child’s adoption or placement date; and 2) this will prevent a “lapse” in … [Read more...] about Important Information About Health Insurance and Your Adopted Child
International Adoption: Proving U.S. Citizenship for Adoptees
When a U.S. citizen couple (or single parent) adopts a child through international adoption procedure it is important to be certain that all steps have been followed so that the child is a U.S. citizen and can prove it, beyond any doubt. Adoptive parents should not consider the process completed until this happens. Although the procedures have become more standardized over the years, … [Read more...] about International Adoption: Proving U.S. Citizenship for Adoptees
News on Inter-country Adoption from the U.S. State Department
The U.S. State Department website about intercountry adoption is an excellent resource. This site has information about the process, about the Hague Convention, and individual countries, along with the latest news, alerts and notices. http://adoption.state.gov … [Read more...] about News on Inter-country Adoption from the U.S. State Department
Completing Your Child’s Foreign Adoption in Texas
When a family returns to the United States with their child who was adopted in another country, there are often additional steps to be taken. When a Texas resident adopts a child from another country, that adoption is governed by Texas law, United States law, international adoption law and treaties, and the law of the country where the adoption took place. In addition, the area of adoption … [Read more...] about Completing Your Child’s Foreign Adoption in Texas
What if you Don’t WANT Child Support for Your Child?
There are times when a parent may be entitled to collect child support for a child, but still would choose not to do so. Here is a list of the statements that we usually hear: “I don’t want any child support because my ex is dangerous or a bad influence, and I don’t want him around my child. S/he probably won’t visit if we don’t ask for child support.” “I can make it on my … [Read more...] about What if you Don’t WANT Child Support for Your Child?
Basic Facts About Adult Adoption in Texas
Adoption of an adult can be a fairly straightforward process. The adoptee’s biological parents do not need to be notified of the adoption and are not entitled to have a voice in the proceedings. There are many reasons to proceed with a formal adoption, even after the “child” reaches adulthood. The most common situation is one in which a step-parent has wanted to adopt the … [Read more...] about Basic Facts About Adult Adoption in Texas