State Recognition of Intercountry Adoptions Finalized Abroad - Kentucky

Effect and Recognition of a Foreign Adoption Decree

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 199.585(1)-(2)

The Commonwealth of Kentucky shall recognize a decree, judgment, or final order of adoption issued by a court or other governmental authority with appropriate jurisdiction in a foreign country when the child to be adopted has been approved for U.S. citizenship or as otherwise provided by Federal law.

Upon presentation of an original decree, judgment, or final order of adoption issued by a court or other governmental authority with appropriate jurisdiction in a foreign country, the secretary or his or her designee shall issue, within 30 days, a certified notice that the foreign adoption is registered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The secretary or his or her designee may require a translated copy if the original decree, judgment, or final order is not in English. The cabinet shall maintain all records and notices of foreign adoptions in a manner similar to other adoption records.

Readoption After an Intercountry Adoption

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 199.585(3)

A petition for adoption under § 199.470 shall be required for a child born outside the United States without a decree, judgment, or final order of adoption issued by a court or other governmental authority with appropriate jurisdiction in a foreign country, or for any child born outside of the United States who does not qualify for U.S. citizenship upon entry into the United States.

Application for a U.S. Birth Certificate

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 213.056(2)

The State registrar will prepare a record of foreign birth for a foreign-born child who was adopted by a Kentucky resident and whose record of birth cannot be obtained from the country of birth.