Non-Convention Adoptions: Adoption from Countries Outside the Hague Convention
For adoptions from non-Convention countries, stricter national rules apply to protect children's rights. This procedure fundamentally differs from Convention adoptions and requires additional verification.
Legal Basis
- Act on the Admission of Foreign Children for Adoption (Wobka), art. 12-15
- Civil Code Book 1, art. 1:227a
- Ministerial recognition required
Procedure
- Application: Filing with the court with legalized documents (3-6 months).
- Verification: Independent verification of country of origin (6-12 months).
- Court Decision: Dutch court decides on the adoption.
- Nationalisation: Child acquires Dutch citizenship.
Risks and Requirements
- No automatic recognition; exequatur required.
- Stricter screening for child trafficking.
- Adoptive parents must have residence in the Netherlands.
Cost Indication
- Legal assistance: €3,000-€7,000
- Translations/legalizations: €2,000-€5,000
- Total: €15,000-€35,000
These adoptions often take longer due to bureaucracy in countries of origin such as certain African or Asian states.
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