::unmarried couple to adopt from asia?

Unmarried couples cannot adopt internationally as couples. One member of the couple can adopt as a single person, if the country from which the person is adopting allows single parent adoption. In the U.S. -- though I don't know about the UK, a few states allow the single's partner (straight or gay) to petition the court to be given parental rights equal to that of the adoptive parent, once the child comes home. In any homestudy, all adults living in the home must be interviewed, fingerprinted, etc. This includes not only spouses and unmarried partners, but also roommates and relatives. A single person will be asked about his/her social life, and the fact that he/she is in a stable partnership will be noted. Some agencies are very comfortable working with unmarried couples in this way; others are less so, so look around. Do be aware, however, that you will have a hard time adopting from Asia as a single. Korea, for example, does not allow any unmarried people, whether truly single or in a partnership, to adopt. China no longer allows singles to adopt, except in the case of certain hard to place children -- usually those of school age and/or with significant special needs. Moreover, both members of a married couple, or a single person, must be at least 30 years old in order to adopt. It is very difficult to adopt and immigrate a child from Mongolia In 2010, the last year for which statistics are available, only one child came to the U.S. on an adoption visa. I doubt that the UK has received many Mongolian children, either. The good news is that Mongolia is a Hague country, and more acceptable to the UK than some non-Hague countries. Singles can adopt from Mongolia, at least at present. Sharon

Sharon - thank you so much for your reply, very informative!