🍼 6 Essential Steps in the Adoption Process in Serbia
The adoption process in Serbia is a meaningful journey that transforms lives. While it may seem complex at first glance, understanding the steps can make the experience smoother and more rewarding. This guide walks you through each stage, ensuring you know what to expect and how to prepare.
📌 Step 1: Make the Initial Inquiry
Start your journey by contacting the Social Welfare Center in your area. This authority manages the adoption process and protects children’s rights. They will give you clear guidance on legal requirements, procedures, and the documents you’ll need to submit.
📌 Step 2: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Before you proceed, you must meet specific conditions. Here’s what’s required:
- ✅ Be at least 18 years old and at least 16 years older than the child.
- ✅ Be in good physical and mental health.
- ✅ Have a stable income to support the child.
- ✅ Hold a clean criminal record.
📌 Step 3: Complete Pre-Adoption Training and Evaluation
Next, you will attend pre-adoption training. This training helps prepare you for the challenges and joys of adoption. After training, a team of social workers and psychologists will evaluate your readiness. This evaluation ensures you are well-suited to welcome a child into your family.
📌 Step 4: Search for a Child
Once approved, you can begin your search. The Social Welfare Center provides a list of children eligible for adoption. This list includes details such as age, gender, and health status, helping you make an informed choice.
📌 Step 5: Placement
If you find a child you wish to adopt, submit a formal application. Include necessary documents like birth and marriage certificates and proof of income. The Social Welfare Center will review your application and conduct a home investigation.
👉 If everything checks out, they will recommend the placement of the child with you.
👉 The child will then live with you during a six-month probationary period, while the authorities monitor and support your family.
📌 Step 6: Finalize the Adoption
Finally, after the probation, you can apply to the court to finalize the adoption. The court holds a hearing to confirm that adoption is in the child’s best interest. Once approved, you’ll receive a final court order, making the adoption official and permanent.
⚖️ Important Notes
- ➡ The adoption process in Serbia can take time, but patience is key.
- ➡ The ultimate goal is to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for a child.
- ➡ Social Welfare Centers and adoption professionals are ready to support you every step of the way.
🌍 Considering International Adoption?
If you are a foreign national interested in adopting in Serbia, we recommend reading our comprehensive legal guide for international child adoption. You’ll find everything you need to navigate the process with confidence. 👉 read the GUIDE
📞 Need Expert Guidance?
If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey or have questions, contact us today!
📍 Stojković Attorneys / STATT
Cara Dušana 55/3, Stari grad, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
📞 +381 11 328 19 14
📧 [email protected]
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