I originally posted a thread in the Legal Matters area, but didn't get a response, so I thought I would try again here. Although maybe this would be better in the step parenting section?
Anyhoo, here's my question/ issue, slightly re-phrased:
My DH is South African and has a 12 year old son (DSS) who lives with DH's parents. DSS's Mother (DH and the Ex were never married) has very little to do with DSS but the arrangement between her and my in-laws is informal. We don't think she will oppose any moves to bring him to live with us (famous last words...)
I have met and get on with DSS well - I've spent a couple of months on two separate occasions in SA. We speak on the phone a lot, he's a great kid. He wants to come and live with us and we want that too. DH and I have discussed me formally adopting him. We have spoken to DSS about this and he wants me to adopt him (sorry, it's hard to be concise when this is in fact a complicated matter). So, we all want this.
From some basic internet research I know I will have to use the services of an SA qualified social worker and we'll have to get the courts involved over there, but what I am not clear about is what, if anything, we will need to do in terms of getting any social services or court involvement here in the UK. I guess i need to talk to a family lawyer but just wondered if anyone had any experience of adopting from a different jurisdiction, and in particular from SA? If you do, are there any legal or other hoops that we will need to jump through (immigration matters aside) once he is here?
Thanks in advance
here's the original thread
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on adoption.
Adoption
Adopting DSS from South Africa
23 replies
LulaPalooza · 25/04/2012 14:15
OP posts:
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.