Under the American law you can adopt the child upto the age of 16 yrs. The particulars of child need to be included in the homestudy and it has to be mentioned that the present real mother or father is incapable of maintianing the child giving reasons.

If you are adopting an infant from Edhi, the whole process from the time you submit an application to when you can bring the baby home takes 10-15 months in most cases. This time is based largely on the agency from which you are adopting and their referral times. It typically takes 3-6 months for the in-country process, from the time you receive custody of the baby till you get the immigration paperwork completed and get the child's visa. See similar questions...

In order to adopt a child from overseas and bring him/her to the US, you need to satisfy BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services) requirements. At least one of the adoptive parents needs to be a US Citizen. You have to engage an adoption agency registered in your state to conduct a home study for you. Once the home study report is finalized, you submit that along with supporting paperwork and form I-600A Advance Petition to Adopt and Orphan to BCIS. See similar questions...

Yes. Christians can adopt in Pakistan as they are governed by Christian laws. Muslims, on the other hand, do not "adopt" a child but gain guardianship of the child according to Muslim law. However, it is important to note that most Pakistani orphanages will only allow a Christian couple to adopt a child born to a Christian mother. One option for couples would be to look into Christian orphanages/NGOs in Pakistan. See similar questions...

To adopt a Philadelphia child, call 1-800-TO ADOPT and request the PhillyKids Connection. For PA, call 1-800-585-SWAN (7926) ? Statewide Adoption Network - or go to www.adoptpakids.org. Both the "PhillyKids Connection" and SWAN will refer you to an agency for a homestudy and to start the process. See similar questions...

Once your dossier is submitted for translation, a referral is given within 2-4 weeks. Parents specify the criteria the orphanage will use in selecting their child. The orphanage selects a child and then sends photos, medical information and the child's story to the agency. Families are asked to give the referral careful consideration. If they accept the referral, they are asked to sign an acceptance letter. If they decline, another referral will be made within 1 month. See similar questions...

There is nothing in the law that prohibits single women from adopting, if they can satisfy the requirements for the organization placing the babies. Incidentally, Hadiqa Kiyani, a famous pop singer in Pakistan, has recently adopted a little boy from Edhi. She is a single mom and a high profile one! See similar questions...

Yes. In addition to all the regular paperwork, you will need a Certificate of Conversion to prove that the conversion took place, your Islamic marriage certificate (Nikka Namah), and a letter from a religious leader or imam vouching that you and your spouse are Muslims in good standing and that you intend to raise the child in the Islamic faith. See similar questions...

In order to adopt a relative child, parental rights must be terminated. Once parental rights are terminated, a county agency will begin a kinship search. You can present yourself as an adoptive candidate at that time. Once a preliminary criminal background check is performed to ensure you are an eligible adoptive parent, you will begin the Waiting Child adoption process. See similar questions...

Yes. You can adopt a relative if one or both of the birth parents are deceased and the other parent willingly relinquishes parental rights through the Pakistani Family Court. It is best to consult an adoption lawyer in Pakistan. Several lawyers are listed on our website. See similar questions...

Adoptions are handled in the Probate Court, except in Belknap, Carroll, Coos, Grafton, Rockingham and Sullivan Counties where adoptions are handled by the Family Division. To begin the process, call the Probate Court register's office or the Family Division in the county where you live. To find the right court for you, go to Court Locations. See similar questions...

Definitely, these types of adoption are referred to as Relative or Designated Adoptions. In most cases the adoptive family you choose will have to obtain an adoption study through a licensed child-placing agency. You as a birth parent(s) have the right to choose the family that will be right for your baby and that family may be someone you already know. See similar questions...

YES! There are many wonderful sibling groups of all ages available. There are many sibling groups of 2 available and also some sibling groups of 3* available. It is also possible to adopt 2 unrelated children at the same time. See similar questions...

Not necessarily. The custodial agency may be evaluating a number of families for that child. The family chosen will be the one the agency feels can best meet the child's needs. That may mean a family skilled in dealing with post trauma stress, fetal alcohol syndrome, or ADHD. Or it may be a family who has access to special resources. When an agency and you decide that you are the most appropriate family, the child's worker will set up a series of visits between you and the child. See similar questions...