Non-Convention Adoptions in Delft: Adoption from Countries Outside the Hague Convention
In Delft, located in the South Holland region, stricter national rules apply to adoptions from non-convention countries to optimally protect children's rights. This procedure differs from convention adoptions and requires thorough verification, with attention to local authorities such as the District Court of The Hague, which is competent for Delft.
Legal Basis
- Act on the Admission of Foreign Children for Adoption (Wobka), art. 12-15
- Civil Code Book 1, art. 1:227a
- Ministerial recognition via the Council for the Administration of Criminal Justice and Youth Protection (RSJ), relevant for Delft adoption parents
Procedure in Delft
- Application: Submit to the District Court of The Hague (location for Delft) with legalized documents (3-6 months, appointment via rechtspraak.nl).
- Verification: Country of origin check by the Central Authority for Intercountry Adoption (CAI) in The Hague, near Delft (6-12 months).
- Court Decision: Delft judge or Hague chamber decides on adoption, with hearing in the region.
- Nationalization: Child obtains Dutch citizenship via Delft municipality.
Risks and Requirements for Delft Parents
- No automatic recognition; exequatur via local court required.
- Stricter screening for child trafficking, with input from Safe at Home South Holland.
- Adoptive parents must have their main residence in Delft or surrounding municipalities.
Cost Indication for Delft
- Legal assistance via Delft law firms: €3,500-€7,500
- Translations/legalizations: €2,500-€5,500
- Total: €18,000-€38,000, including local court fees
These adoptions often take longer in the Delft region due to bureaucracy in countries of origin such as various African or Asian states, but local support via GGD Delft and adoption platforms accelerates advice.