What if the other parent lives in a different country?

The adoption can still proceed. Many families complete stepparent adoption when the biological parent lives abroad.

Service of process internationally:

• May require service through the Hague Convention process or letters rogatory (depending on the country)
• Can be more complex and take longer than domestic service
• Service by publication may be an option if the foreign address is unknown

If the bio parent is cooperative:

• They can sign consent at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their country
• The consent must be properly notarized/authenticated

If the bio parent is absent/uninvolved:

• Abandonment can still be established regardless of their location
• The fact that they live in another country doesn't excuse lack of contact with the child

Our recommendation:

• Use our document preparation service ($349) for all court filings
• If international service is needed, consult with a family law attorney about the service process specifically
• Call us at (855) 924-0450 to discuss your situation

We've handled many international scenarios over our 25+ years.