Changes to Ukrainian Civil Code Affect Timeframe for Adoptions
Last Updated: July 2, 2018 This Notice Supersedes the Message issued on January 30, 2018 As a reminder, on December 15, 2017, the new Civil Code of Ukraine went into effect, increasing the appeal period of all civil cases, including the appeals process for adoption decrees, from 10 days to 30 calendar days. After a Ukrainian civil court approves an adoption decree, the judgement will not go into effect until 30 calendar days have passed to allow for an appeal to be filed. After this period, adoptive parents may be given physical custody of the adopted child and may then apply for a new birth certificate and passport and finalize the adoption. NOTE: Adoptive parents may have to wait an additional six to 12 weeks in Ukraine to obtain the child’s passport, birth certificate, and other required documents. This wait time is in addition to the 30-day waiting period following the final court hearing. Before you travel to finalize your child’s ad...