Readoption vs. Finalization

You will complete a readoption if you completed a full and final adoption in the country from which you adopted to obtain a California birth certificate. If you completed a guardianship (as in Korea, Uganda, Phillipines, Pakistan or Iran), you will need to complete a finalization in order to complete your adoption.

Finalization is the process in which you finalize your adoption in court and obtain a final Adoption Decree. This process is also how you will get a new birth certificate that changes the child’s legal name and names you as the parents. At this point the original birth certificate is sealed. This will be done after you have completed your post placement requirements.

Readoption is very similar, except that you do not need to finalize your adoption, but only file to receive a new birth certificate. Many families are busy and excited about their new family once they return to the U.S. and forget about this part, but it is a very important step that you don’t want to skip. It is very difficult or impossible to obtain your original adoption documents from the other country if anything were to happen to them—readopting is your full-proof backup. We are happy to recommend some articles that talk about how important readopting is as well. You may complete a readoption after your first post placement visit.

While this all sounds very formal, everyone working with you is very excited that you’ve completed this spectacular journey and wants to celebrate with you. Even the court house makes this day a celebration! The judge just wants to make sure you have all the pertinent information about your child. Many families have parties with friends and families after the court hearing, as well as celebrate the anniversary of this important day for years and years.

Please contact our office to receive the packet of court document and instructions.