Adoption eines ausländischen Kindes, Umwandlung einer schwachen in eine starke Adoption

A so-called weak adoption of a child made abroad can be converted into a so-called strong adoption by a decision of the family court.

Upon request, the family court may convert a so-called weak adoption into a so-called strong adoption.

• notarized application for conversion of adoption
• foreign adoption certificate.

Note: In most cases foreign documents with over certification are necessary:

• by the competent foreign authority (apostille) or
• legalization by the German foreign representation.

You have adopted a child abroad.

The court pronounces the adoption with strong effect if

• this is in the best interests of the child
• the necessary consents to an adoption with effect terminating the parent-child relationship have been granted, and
• overriding interests of the husband, wife or children of the adopter(s) or the adopted child are not opposed

• Notary costs
• Court costs
• the respective amount depends on the individual case

You must submit a notarized application for conversion to the competent local court. The court examines the application and also involves the locally competent youth welfare office and the central adoption office of the state youth welfare office during the proceedings.

The court pronounces the adoption with strong effect if

• this is in the best interests of the child
• the necessary consents to an adoption with effect terminating the parent-child relationship have been granted, and
• there are no overriding interests of the husband, wife or children of the adopter(s) or the adopted child.

Your adopted child then has all the rights and obligations of a natural child. In addition, if he or she is not yet 18 years old at the time of the application, he or she will receive German citizenship if you or your husband or wife are German citizens.

At least 3 months because of the given procedure, in more complex procedures possibly longer

There are no deadlines to be observed.

The rejection of the application may be appealed within one month pursuant to Sections 58 et seq. FamFG.

• Adoption of a foreign child Decision of conversion of a weak adoption into a strong adoption.
• A so-called weak adoption of a child made abroad can be converted into a so-called strong adoption by a decision of the family court.
• Required documents:
  • notarized application for conversion of adoption
  • foreign adoption certificate
• Fees:
  • Notary fees
  • court costs
  • the respective amount depends on the individual case
• responsible: Local court - family court -

In Thuringia: Jena Local Court