Adoption of 16 yr old russian stepchild

[LEO7457]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? North Carolina. I have a 16 year stepdaughter from Russia that I would like to adopt. She has had no contact with her Russian father since birth and she has been living with me and her mother since arrival here 4 years ago. We have found the father's address in Russia. Do I send him a letter with delivery confirmation telling him that I am going to adopt the child. Then wait 30 days for a response. If no response from him can I to take the letter and the deilivery confirmation to the court. Am I following the adoption law correctly which states " An individual listed in G.S. 48‑3‑601 who has not executed a consent or a relinquishment and who fails to respond to a notice of the adoption proceeding within 30 days after the service of the notice ". Thanks for the help

[nextwife]

Originally Posted by LEO7457

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? North Carolina. I have a 16 year stepdaughter from Russia that I would like to adopt. She has had no contact with her Russian father since birth and she has been living with me and her mother since arrival here 4 years ago. We have found the father's address in Russia. Do I send him a letter with delivery confirmation telling him that I am going to adopt the child. Then wait 30 days for a response. If no response from him can I to take the letter and the deilivery confirmation to the court. Am I following the adoption law correctly which states " An individual listed in G.S. 48‑3‑601 who has not executed a consent or a relinquishment and who fails to respond to a notice of the adoption proceeding within 30 days after the service of the notice ". Thanks for the help

]

What adoption law are you quoting? Service in English to a Russian father in Russia about a Russian child is NOT sufficient.

No, you must realize that Hague Convention agreements apply here, and you cannot unilaterally impose US adoption/ abandonment laws on a child born in a foreign nation under foreign laws.

Consult an adoption attorney familiar with RUSSIAN/American adoptions. Notice and consent must also comply with Russian law.

[stealth2]

Additionally, 30 days? LOL You can't even guarantee the letter would GET to him in 30 days!