What Is The Adoption Dossier?
What is The Adoption Dossier?
What Adoptive Parents Must Do:
1. Home Study Report
A licensed social worker visits your home, interviews your family, and writes a report describing your readiness to adopt.
You’ll need to share personal information, finances, medical records, and references.
The home study process is a bit different when you are a US citizens residing abroad.
2. Medical Reports
Each adoptive parent (and sometimes other household members) must have a recent physical exam.
The doctor signs a medical clearance form confirming you are healthy enough to parent.
3. Police & Background Clearances
Every adult in the home must complete local, state, and FBI fingerprint background checks.
This ensures there are no disqualifying criminal histories.
4. Civil Documents
Collect official copies of birth certificates, marriage certificate (if married), divorce decrees (if applicable), and proof of citizenship.
5. Financial Records
Provide recent tax returns, employment letters, pay stubs, or bank statements to show financial stability.
6. Translations & Apostilles
Because Bulgaria requires documents in Bulgarian, all U.S. documents must be translated.
An Apostille (a special certification under Hague Country regulations) is required on many originals to prove they are authentic.
The Agency’s Role and Support
How the Agency Supports You
1. Step-by-Step Guidelines
The agency gives you a detailed list of every required document, with examples and templates, so you know exactly what’s needed.
2. Referrals to Professionals
They connect you with trusted social workers for your home study, and provide guidance for finding resources for completion of paperwork and requirements.
3. Instructions for Clearances
Agencies provide instructions on how and where to complete fingerprinting and background checks. They track your progress so deadlines are not missed.
4. Document Review
Before submission, your agency reviews every document for accuracy, ensuring dates, signatures, and seals are correct — preventing costly delays.
5. Translations & Apostille Help
Many agencies have in-house or partner translation services. They also guide you in obtaining apostilles from state authorities and ensure each document meets Bulgarian legal standards.
6. Dossier Assembly & Submission
Once everything is ready, the agency organizes your dossier (the packet of documents) and submits it to Bulgaria’s Ministry of Justice on your behalf.
Go back to the Bulgaria Main Page.
Go back to the Serbia Main Page.
Succes Stories
Learning about the process by seeing how different families went through each step can be a good learning experience for future adoptive parents. We've shared several stories, each with real timelines, and steps, as they happened in real life to real families.
Christian and Sandra's Story
Finished adoption in 27 months.
Monica and Manny's Story
Finished adoption in 25 months
Jeremy and Jessica's Story
Finished adoption in 20 months
Stacy and Sam's Story
Finished adoption in 18.5 months
Gabe and Jessica's
Adopted 2 Year Old
Ana' Story
Finished adoption in 20 months.
Paul and April's Story
Finished adoption in 28 months
Mike and Megan's Story
Finished adoption in 30 months
Daniel and Alexandra's Story
Finished adoption in 36 months
Continue Your Research
We are humbled to have over 25 years of experience with Bulgarian, Polish and Serbian international adoption. We also help parents adopt children with special needs such as Down Syndrome. Continue to learn about the process and your options by checking the links below. If you have any questions, we offer a FREE, No-Obligation Consult. The consult is a great place to start your research.
Text us or call us with any questions. 704 527 7673.
Learn More About Home Study Process
When Should I Start The Home Study?
Difference Between Home Study and Adoption Agency?
Why Do I Need an Accredited Agency?
"One Less Orphan" Stories:
Monica and Manuel’s Adoption – 25 Months
Christian and Cassie’s Adoption – 27 Months
Jeremy and Jessica’s Adoption – 20 Months
Samuel and Stacie’s Adoption – 18.5 Months
Daniel and Alexandra’s Adoption – 36 Months
Paul and April’s Adoption – 28 Months
Mike and Megan’s Adoption – 30 Months
More
See our verse of encouragement
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