Adopting a child from another country is a life-changing experience that brings joy, challenges, and new responsibilities. If you’ve welcomed a child into your family through international adoption, planning for their future is essential, and that includes your estate plan. Families with adopted children face unique considerations that should be addressed with the help of an estate planning attorney.
Whether domestic or international, adoption makes your child a legal family member. However, estate planning ensures that your wishes are clearly outlined and legally enforceable, especially when dealing with international adoption.
According to Belonging Network, planning for your internationally adopted child’s future helps protect their well-being and makes sure they have everything they need, even if you’re not around.
Estate planning attorneys often emphasize that internationally adopted children should be treated no differently than biological children in your will or trust. The legal status of your child—whether born in another country or adopted here—should be fully recognized in your estate plan to avoid any potential issues.
However, a child who hasn’t yet completed the naturalization process may encounter some issues. Your estate planning attorney can help you solve these issues in advance, with provisions addressing any gaps in legal status, citizenship, or future travel needs.
If you’ve already adopted a child, it’s time to revisit your existing estate plan. Some families may already have a will or trust but fail to update it after welcoming a new member. Estate planning documents should include all children, both biological and adopted, to ensure that there’s no confusion over your intentions.
Even if you’ve recently adopted and don’t yet have an estate plan, an attorney can help you get started, ensuring that everything from guardianship to financial provisions is covered.
Choosing a guardian is one of the most critical parts of an estate plan for any family. For families with internationally adopted children, the decision may involve specific considerations.
For example, your adopted child may have unique needs due to their background or history. You’ll want to name someone who understands those needs and is willing to take on the responsibility of raising your child in a way that honors their culture and experiences.
You may also consider naming an alternate guardian if the primary guardian cannot serve. A well-crafted estate plan can give you peace of mind that your adopted child will be cared for by someone you trust, no matter what happens.
A trust can be a powerful tool for ensuring that your adopted child’s financial future is secure. When setting up a trust, you can specify how and when funds will be distributed to your child, ensuring that their education, medical care and other needs are met throughout their lifetime. This can be especially helpful for children with special needs or medical conditions, which are sometimes more common in international adoptions.
Working with an estate planning attorney can help you structure the trust to reflect your child’s specific needs and future goals, offering long-term protection and stability.
International adoptions can be expensive, with fees ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 or more. While this investment brings a new family member into your home, ensuring that your financial planning aligns with your family’s new needs is essential.
Estate planning attorneys can help you manage the financial implications of adoption by creating a plan that supports your adopted child’s education, health care and general well-being, ensuring that they have access to necessary resources as they grow.
Many families who adopt internationally navigate cultural considerations that may impact their child’s upbringing. Choosing guardians and trustees who will honor your child’s cultural background and respect their heritage is essential.
Discussing these aspects with your estate planning attorney will help ensure that your estate plan reflects your family's cultural needs and provides meaningful and thoughtful care for your adopted child.
As a parent of an internationally adopted child, you’ve already made significant decisions to create a loving, stable home. It’s time to ensure their future security by creating an estate plan that addresses their unique needs. An estate planning attorney can guide you through this process, helping you protect what matters most.
Contact our estate planning law office today to schedule a consultation if you’d like to learn more or start creating a plan. Our experienced team is ready to help you craft an estate plan that safeguards your adopted child’s future.
Legacy One Law Firm, APLC is an estate planning law firm in Los Angeles, California, serving families throughout the State. Schedule a quick and easy consultation with our estate planning attorney, Sedric E. Collins, Esq., or call 323-900-5450.
