Procedure for the Adoption of Children in Ukraine

Procedure for adopting a daughter or son and obtaining guardianship

We have specially developed three cooperation options for you. Depending on your preferences and available free time, choose the package that suits you.

A family’s decision to adopt a child is always commendable. If you intend to adopt a child, you should be prepared for a laborious procedure of collecting and preparing documents. In addition, you will face a complex court process, and only after that will you be able to adopt the child.

The Family Code of Ukraine sets out a number of requirements that prospective adoptive parents must meet. Thus, the following persons have the right to adopt a child:

Article 212 of the Family Code of Ukraine talks about persons who are prohibited from being adoptive parents. In particular, the following citizens cannot be adoptive parents:

Documents required for adoption of a child

To start the adoption procedure, the adopter (adopters) must submit an application to the court. Adoption, guardianship are matters considered in a separate proceeding. This means that there is no defendant in such court proceedings. At the same time, guardianship authorities and the child (if the child’s age allows him or her to adequately perceive this procedure) must be present in such a case.

The following documents are required to formalize adoption:

• an application for adoption;
• copies of passports and identification codes of the prospective parents;
• proof of family income for the last six months – employment and salary certificates, income declarations from entrepreneurial activity;
• a copy of the marriage certificate if the persons wishing to adopt children are married;
• a medical examination certificate confirming that the prospective adopters do not have dangerous illnesses;
• if only the husband or wife acts as the adopter of the child, the consent of the other spouse certified by a notary is required;
• a certificate of no criminal record;
• proof of ownership or use of residential premises.

Article 252 of the Civil Procedure Code of Ukraine requires, in addition to filing the adoption application, submitting a large package of documents. To collect all necessary papers in time and not worry about their correct preparation, it is best to involve a qualified lawyer in the process.

After reviewing the documents, the child services interview the applicants, establishing the truthfulness and seriousness of their intentions:

• draws up a report confirming the presence of acceptable housing conditions;
• issues a decision approving the adoption.

To these papers, the administration of the institution where the child resides adds:

• a copy of the child’s birth certificate;
• confirmation of the child’s status: death certificate(s) of the parents, court decision on loss of parental rights, declaration of missing persons, incapacity, an act about the discovery of an abandoned infant;
• a notarized consent to adoption from the parents, guardians, or custodians of the child;
• the child’s opinion, if he or she is able to formulate it;
• the medical commission’s conclusion regarding the physical and mental development of the adoptee;
• an act confirming the acquaintance of the child with the prospective adopters.

The full package of documents is submitted by prospective adopters to the court for consideration.

Adoption of a child without the consent of the biological parents

Children are adopted after obtaining the voluntary consent of the parents. If the biological parents are minors, permission from their parents is required.

In some cases a child can be adopted without the consent of the biological parents:

• if their identity is unknown;
• they are declared missing;
• incapacitated;
• deprived of parental rights to the child being adopted;
• abandoned the child within two months after birth;
• it has been proven in court that the parents, without valid reasons, lived separately from the child for more than 6 months, did not care for or financially support him/her.

Company services for child adoption

Lawyers of the “Nakaz” company provide assistance in the process of adopting a child (adopting a daughter or son):

• competent consultations on all stages of adoption;
• collection and preparation of necessary documents;
• verification of the content of conclusions received from the juvenile affairs commission;
• obtaining consent from parents, guardians, guardianship authorities;
• drafting and filing the application with the court;
• representation of the client’s interests in court;
• obtaining a new birth certificate for the adopted children (changing the surname, patronymic).

Our specialists have practical experience in adoption cases. We will help collect and prepare all necessary documents, check their content, and defend you in court.

Advantages of cooperating with the legal company “Nakaz”

Our advantages:

• qualified legal consultations – all legislative changes and the requirements of the child services and the court are taken into account;
• prompt preparation of documentation;
• full support of the adoption process – from collecting papers for the guardianship commission to issuing the child’s new personal documents after adoption approval;
• assistance to Ukrainian citizens and foreigners – in accordance with international norms and regulations;
• an individual approach to each situation – clients receive personal recommendations;
• a flexible pricing policy – the cost of services is discussed and set depending on the time spent by lawyers.

Service cost

Clients can choose the necessary package of legal support services for adoption.

To start the standard adoption procedure, it is sufficient to sign a contract for basic support. The simplest cooperation option includes analysis of the situation, filing an application with the court and one specialist visit.

If the case becomes complicated and a party appears opposing your interests, you can order standard or complex support. Approximate cost of services – 15-30 thousand грн. Final prices are agreed with the client taking into account the circumstances of the court proceedings.