Factsheet, Page 2
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LIBERIAN ADOPTION PROCEDURES: All adoptive parents recently go through an adoption agency in the U.S. prior to going through the adoption process. A petition for the adoption must be filed with the Probate Court. The petition must contain the name, age, residence, and martial status of the petitioners. The name, date and place of birth of the child, the date and manner in which the petitioners acquired custody of the child, facts (if any) that render consent of either parent unnecessary, the petitioners' desire to adopt the child, and the child's change of name, should also be contained in the petition. The court will also require written consent by the biological parents. If the child was born in wedlock, the consent of both parents is required. If the child was born out of wedlock, only the mother must consent. If the child is 16 years of age or older, only the child needs consent to the adoption. Please note that a child who is 16 years old or older is not considered a "child" by the Immigration and Nationality Act and therefore may be ineligible to immigrate to the United States. Parental consent is not required if the parents have abandoned the child, if the parental rights have been legally terminated, if the parents are deceased, or if a legal guardian has been appointed. The biological parents, during the proceedings, may withdraw consent. However, the court must permit the withdrawal of consent. Consent is irrevocable after the final order of adoption.
Following the filing of the petition, the court serves notice on all interested parties and orders an investigation by an investigator, who is appointed by the court. A written report of the investigation must be filed with the court within 30 days of issuance of the investigation order. Upon receipt of the investigation, the Court schedules the hearing and serves notice on all interested parties. The petitioners and children are required to attend the hearing. The court may waive the appearance of the child for good cause. This waiver must be stated in the order of adoption. All hearings are confidential and held in closed court. The court must be satisfied that the "moral and temporal interests" of the child will be satisfied by the adoption. Upon this showing, the adoption is ordered. The court can process the adoption as fast as they want.
AGE AND CIVIL STATUS REQUIREMENTS: Any adult may adopt children. There are no marriage requirements or specific age requirements. Any minor child present within Liberia may be adopted. The place of birth and residence are irrelevant of the adoptive parent.
ADOPTION AGENCIES AND ATTORNEYS: The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of qualified attorneys. The Embassy does not maintain a list of adoption agencies and can not recommend the services of any private attorney or adoption agency.
DOCTORS: The U.S. Embassy maintains current lists of doctors and sources for medicines, should either you or your child experience health problems while in Liberia.
LIBERIAN DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS:
- Petition for adoption
- Written consent of the biological parents acknowledged before an officer of the court (normally the Justice of the Peace)
There are no documents required within the laws concerning adoption. Normal paperwork such as a passport, and birth certificate may be needed as required by the court in a case-by-case basis. The parents will also need these documents required for the IV process.
Credits: U.S. Department of State
