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Adoption of a foreign child, conversion of a weak adoption into a strong adoption

Service Description

On application, the family court can convert a so-called weak adoption into a so-called strong adoption.

Process flow

You must submit a notarized application for conversion to the competent local court. The court examines the application and also involves the local youth welfare office and the central adoption office of the state youth welfare office during the proceedings.

The court pronounces the adoption with strong effect if

  • this is in the best interests of the child,
  • the necessary consent to an adoption with an effect terminating the parent-child relationship has been granted and
  • there are no overriding interests of the husband, wife or children of the adopter or the adopted child to the contrary.

Your adopted child then has all the rights and obligations of a natural child. In addition, if they are under the age of 18 at the time of the application, they will be granted German citizenship if you or your husband or wife are German citizens.

Competent authority

In Thuringia: Jena Local Court

Requirements

You have adopted a child abroad.

The court pronounces the adoption with strong effect if

  • this is in the best interests of the child,
  • the necessary consent to an adoption with an effect terminating the parent-child relationship has been granted and
  • there are no overriding interests of the husband, wife or children of the adopter(s) or the adopted child to the contrary

Which documents are required?

  • notarized application for conversion of the adoption
  • foreign adoption certificate.

Note: In most cases, foreign documents with over-certification are required:

  • by the competent foreign authority (apostille) or
  • legalization by the German diplomatic mission abroad.

What are the fees?

  • Notary fees
  • court costs
  • the respective amount depends on the individual case

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

There are no deadlines to be observed.

Processing duration

At least 3 months due to the prescribed procedure, possibly longer in more complex procedures

Legal basis

Applications / forms

The rejection of the application can be appealed within one month in accordance with Sections 58 et seq. FamFG.

Author

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Thuringian Ministry for Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection

Professionally released on

22.08.2022

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6Plus)

Competent Authority

Amtsgericht Erfurt

Address
Rudolfstr. 46
99092 Erfurt

Postal address
Post office box 90 04 33
99107 Erfurt
Telephone
0361 57355-5002
Fax
0361 57355-5000
E-Mail
Contact us
WWW
https://gerichte.thueringen.de/gerichte-in-thueringen/landgericht-erfurt/amtsgericht-erfurt