Factsheet, Page 3

AGE AND CIVIL STATUS REQUIREMENTS : Married and single people may adopt from Ukraine. Prospective adopting parents have to be of legal age (18 years old and older), and the difference between the age of the adopting parent and adopted child must be at least 15 years, although this can be waived if circumstances warrant. If the child is adopted by a relative, the age difference is not considered.

U.S. FAMILIES

RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS : There are no residency requirements to adopt in Ukraine.

TIME FRAME : It takes 2-6 months to be matched with a Ukrainian orphan after adopting parents submit their dossier with the National Adoption Center. Parents can also expect a three to four week wait between the initial filing of the adoption in the local court and issuance of the final adoption decree.

ADOPTION AGENCIES AND ATTORNEYS : Ukraine does not allow adoption agencies to operate or locate a child for adoption in Ukraine. However, facilitators are allowed to assist with translation and interpretation services. Prospective adopting parents can protect themselves by openly discussing all fees and expenses in great detail before hiring a facilitator or interpreter. Discuss recommendations with adoption agencies and with other families who hired these individuals in the past. Prospective adopting parents are advised to fully research any adoption agency or facilitator they plan to use for adoption services. For U.S.- based agencies, it is suggested that prospective adopting parents contact the Better Business Bureau and licensing office of the Department of Health and Family Services in the state where the agency is located. The U.S. Embassy in Kiev has a list of translators known to work in Ukraine. These are general translation service providers and do not necessarily have experience with adoptions. Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the Department of State can vouch for the efficacy or professionalism of any agent, facilitator, or interpreter.

The U.S. Embassy in Kiev has received reports of questionable practices during the adoption process by adopting parents. Please see Important Notice Regarding Adoption Agents and Facilitators at the Web site for the Bureau of Consular Affairs at http://travel.state.gov.

UKRAINIAN ADOPTION FEES : There are no Ukrainian fees except those for court filing, notarial, translation and similar services.

The U.S. Embassy in Kiev notes that adopting parents pay anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 lump sum fees to their adoption agencies for services rendered. This can include lodging, transportation, authentication of Ukrainian documents, fees for expedited services and interpreter's services. Adopting parents have also reported being charged additional fees for services rendered after arriving in Ukraine.

Prospective adopting parents are advised to request a fee schedule when meeting with their adoption agency and discuss under what circumstances additional, unexpected fees may be charged.

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Credits: U.S. Department of State