Domestic Interstate Compact Law

Atlanta, Georgia, Interstate Adoption Lawyers

Claiborne, Outman & Surmay, P.C., works closely with state and federal adoption authorities to facilitate adoptions that are regulated by the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).The information on this page gives a brief overview of the ICPC, and is not intended to be comprehensive, or to serve as legal advice. Our attorneys will fully explain how the Compact affects your specific adoption case. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced adoption attorneys.

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

Informally known among adoption attorneys and agencies as the ICPC, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children is not a federal law; however, all fifty states have agreed to abide by its provisions. In its simplest form, the ICPC is an agreement that says that when a child residing in one state is to be adopted by parents in another state, both states must approve the movement of the child across state lines.

The ICPC was designed to:

•· Ensure that the child's health, welfare, and best interests are protected at all times AND

•· Ensure that the movement of the child across state lines is conducted legally.

Whenever there is interstate movement of a child, attorneys are needed in both the sending and receiving states to ensure that all laws have been followed. Although the ICPC is not a federal law, adopting parents and their legal representatives are required to demonstrate compliance as part of their adoption process.

The ICPC becomes complex when the "sending" and "receiving" states' adoption laws differ significantly. Our membership in the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys gives us access to a network of trusted, experienced, and highly-capable attorneys in each of the 50 states. Unfortunately, from time to time, individuals encounter problems with the ICPC. We realize the difficulties that interstate adoptions may pose, and we stand ready to help you.

Having difficulty with the ICPC?

The attorneys of Claiborne, Outman & Surmay have represented clients declined by the ICPC, and have aided them with getting their adoption approval accomplished.

For more information about the ICPC and how it might affect your planned adoption, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.