Adopting a Relative Child

1POSTS

4 years ago

Hi Everyone,
I would like to ask for your help. We want to adopt my Niece from Philippines. She is a daughter of my Sister. Can anyone advice us for the first step of process. And please share your thoughts about this topic. Share your knowledge about this topic... we appreciate much.Thank you in advance...

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15653POSTS

4 years ago

Your first step should be contacting your local Jugendamt, which is in charge of adoptions.
But do not hold your hopes hight: Adoptions of kids from third world countries are almost impossible in Germany (to prevent child trafficking, which was rampant under adoption disguise in the past) and a local adoption elsewhere is almost certainly not recognised here (so don鈥檛 follow Tom鈥檚 advise above!).
German friends of mine adopted a baby in Singapore - through the official (and known as incorruptible) channels there - and cannot bring her to Germany, because she would not be their child here! (They knew this and are o.k. with it, though.)

TominStuttgart Germany Expert

2808POSTS

4 years ago

I agree with most of Beppi's comments that adoptions from most third world countries are no longer happening due to abuses.

But the poster has a very different situation. It's not a German trying to get whatever foreign kid; it's a Filipino looking to take custody of a Filipino relative. One will have to get confirmation from both countries in the end but I would first look into how it would work from the Philippines. German officials are careful but not heartless or stupid. There can be many reasons a child is taken up by grandparents, aunts, uncles or siblings if there are compelling reasons.

The relationship can be a significant factor; not a case of one more or less selling a kid due to poverty or a profit motive. And while family reunion visas are usually limited to a spouse and minor children; other relatives are occasionally given exemption due to dire circumstances. So I doubt it would be easy but still worth inquiring about.

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15653POSTS

4 years ago

Tom is right!
I did not think of the possibility that you want to adopt a deceased near relative's child because he/she would otherwise have no guardian. In such cases, although the buerocratic hurdles will probably be high, it might be possible to get the local adoption in your home country recognised here on humanitarian grounds.
You should definitely talk to your local Jugendamt first!

Peace_ Member

1POSTS

3 years ago

@Baby Joi Hi Baby Joi, I am in the same situation like you - trying to adopt my niece and bring her to Germany. How did your process go? Can you share your experiences?

Thanks in advance!

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15653POSTS

3 years ago

@Peace_ The user you refer to, Baby Joi, only posted this one post, never replied to our answers and didn't frequent this forum any more shortly afterwards. I think it is unlikely that you will receive his/her reply.

But our answers above are still valid. Thus, If you want to become legal guardian of a deceased relative's child, go ahead with your local authorities and the German Jugendamt. But in most other cases, it is probably better to give up this plan!

Janet Amoo New member

3POSTS

last year

Hi Everyone

Please I would like to have some info of adoption. I want to adopt my niece from Ghana to Germany.聽 I would like to know if it is possible to bring her after聽 the adoption.聽 Thank you

TominStuttgart Germany Expert

2808POSTS

last year

A legally adopted child is the same as one鈥檚 own child. One would apply for a family reunion visa. If one can financially support the whole family without needing any kind of public assistance then it should be approved. The question is if one has a recognized legal adoption. This is a big step, not like just having a relative visit. For all purposes one becomes the legal guardian. Nobody here can say how German consular authorities will judge such an adoption in Ghana. They scrutinize that it is not some kind of slavery or scam, putting the welfare of the child as a priority. And the poster鈥檚 profile claims they are Italian. If this is true then as an EU and Schengen citizen they should have little trouble. If they are simply a Ghanaian citizen, then why claim to be Italian - and living in Germany? Already some issues to make one doubt the sincerity of the claims.

Janet Amoo New member

3POSTS

last year

#10

I am a Ghana by birth but I have Italian citizenship but recently living and working in Germany

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15653POSTS

last year

#11

Adopting relatives is not usually allowed, adopting from third world countries extremely difficult (because of much abuse in the past) - and adopting anyone for the purpose of getting a visa is actually illegal.

in any case, you need a good lawyer for family law to guide you through the process. So better contact one now for a first consultation, in which he/she could tell you the chances.

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