Adoption eines ausländischen Kindes: Umwandlung einer schwachen in eine starke Adoption beantragen

A so-called weak adoption of a child made abroad can be converted into a so-called strong adoption by order of the family court.

On application, the family court can convert a so-called weak adoption into a so-called strong adoption.

• notarized application for conversion of the adoption
• foreign adoption certificate

Note:

• In most cases, foreign documents with over-certification are required: by the competent foreign authority (apostille) or legalization by the German diplomatic mission abroad.

You have adopted a child abroad.

The court pronounces the adoption with strong effect if

• this is in the best interests of the child,
• the necessary consent to an adoption with an effect terminating the parent-child relationship has been granted and
• there are no overriding interests of the husband, wife or children of the adopter(s) or the adopted child to the contrary.

• Notary fees
• Court costs

The respective amount depends on the individual case.

You must submit a notarized application for conversion to the competent local court (here: family court). The court examines the application and also involves the locally responsible youth welfare office and the central adoption office of the state youth welfare office during the proceedings.

The court pronounces the adoption with strong effect if

• this is in the best interests of the child,
• the necessary consent to an adoption with an effect terminating the parent-child relationship has been granted and
• the overriding interests of the husband, the wife or the children of the adopter(s) or the adopted childor the adopted child do not conflict with this.

Your adopted child then has all the rights and obligations of a natural child. In addition, if they are under the age of 18 at the time of the application, they will be granted German citizenship if you or your husband or wife are German citizens.

• at least 3 months due to the prescribed procedure, longer in more complex procedures if necessary.

• none

• Adoption of a foreign child: Conversion of a weak adoption into a strong adoption
• A notarized application for conversion must be filed with the competent local court (here: family court)in whose district a Higher Regional Court has its seat, for the district of this Higher Regional Court
• The amount of the notary and court costs depends on the individual case

As a rule, the family court in whose district a higher regional court has its seat decides on the application to adopt a foreign child for the district of this higher regional court.