International Adoption: Lithuania

Your experience when adopting internationally depends heavily on the country from which you adopt.  Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding travel, marital status of adoptive parents, and children that may be adopted. 

Lithuania is a small independent democratic country in Eastern Europe that has a fairly stable adoption policy.  Below are some of the general rules and conditions to keep in mind when considering adoption from Lithuania:

• Adoption preference is given to applicants of Lithuanian descent.
• Children available for adoption include healthy and special needs boys, girls, and siblings aged 1-15.
• Parents can expect up to a two year wait for a healthy, young child.
• Lithuanian adoption requires two trips to the expected orphanage. Each trip is approximately two weeks long and six weeks apart.
• Adoption applicants for non-special needs children must be married couples between the ages of 25-50 and married for a minimum of one year. 
• Single women looking to adopt may do so in exceptional circumstances only. 
• There is a 40 day waiting period from the time the adoption petition is filed with a judge and the petition becomes finalized.  
• Visa processing is done through Warsaw, Poland.
• Post-placement follow up is required for three years.
• Lithuania is a member of the Hague Convention.

Remember to always check with your adoption agency and attorney to ensure that adopting from Lithuania is feasible for you and your family.