Learning Center

Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit: What Families Need to Know

Adoption is a life‑changing decision filled with hope, excitement, and the joy of building a family. At Greenberg & Greenberg, our adoption attorneys know that the process can also come with...

Domestic Adoption vs. International Adoption: What Families Need to Know

Exploring Your Adoption OptionsWhen growing your family through adoption, one of the first major decisions is choosing between a domestic (American) adoption and an international adoption. At...

Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits Usage

The current administration has emphasized that immigrants entering the United States must be financially self‑sufficient and should not become a financial burden on the American public. In response...

Understanding Adult Adoption: What It Is and When It Makes Sense

When most people hear the word “adoption,” they think about welcoming a child into a family. But adoption isn’t only for minors. Adult adoption is a meaningful legal process that helps solidify...

The Importance of Consulting an Attorney for International Adoption

Understanding International Adoption LawsNot all countries permit international adoption, which is why understanding the legal landscape beforehand is crucial. Each country has its own set of rules...

James M. Greenberg, Esq. Presents: International Adoption Workshop

James M. Greenberg will be presenting at the APC Conference alongside other adoption experts. Join us as we learn about the intricacies of international adoption from Bulgaria, Colombia, Hungary,...

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I am delighted to announce that I have joined the Gift of Adoption’s New York chapter’s board of directors. Being an adult adoptee, adoption professional and Uncle of an adopted child, I am the ideal person to help those wishing to create their family through adoption along their journey. Each year, Gift of Adoption New York receives requests from approximately 23 qualified families – representing a funding need of $120,000. The goal of the New York Chapter’s all-volunteer board is to raise enough funds to help complete each of these adoptions. 100% of the money raised by the chapter is directed to uniting children with forever families in the area. If Gift of Adoption’s mission resonates with you, please consider joining the board as a volunteer; you can click on the New York Chapter Page for more information. If you’re moved to make a donation to help the chapter meet its goal of helping New York families finalize their adoptions, I invite you to donate here. https://giftofadoption.org/

This Thanksgiving, at Greenberg & Greenberg, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the love and care our clients have so generously given. Opening their hearts and home to a child is an extraordinary act of kindness, and their commitment to nurturing and guiding them is truly inspiring. Their decision to adopt has created a family built on love, compassion, and unwavering support. We are incredibly thankful for the positive impact they have made in someone's life and the lives of those around them. As we gather to celebrate the season of gratitude, please know how much their dedication is appreciated. Wishing you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and countless blessings.

Key Objectives of The Hague Adoption Convention - Protection of Children: The Convention aims to ensure that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child, preventing abduction, sale, or trafficking. Safeguards for Adoptive Families: It establishes legal standards and procedures that help protect prospective adoptive parents from fraudulent adoption practices. Cooperation Between Countries: It promotes collaboration between the child's country of origin and the adoptive parents' country, ensuring that adoptions are carried out in a transparent and ethical manner. Subsidiarity Principle: The Convention emphasizes that efforts should be made to place a child in their country of origin before considering international adoption, supporting domestic adoption and family preservation whenever possible. Countries that have signed and ratified the Convention must follow its guidelines, and adoption agencies in these countries must be accredited to perform international adoptions under the treaty's standards. This legal framework helps harmonize adoption processes and protects the welfare of children across borders.

International adoption can be expensive due to agency fees, legal costs, travel expenses, and post-adoption support. Prospective adoptive families can explore various financial resources to help manage the high costs associated with international adoption. There are numerous grants available specifically for adoptive parents, offered by nonprofit organizations that provide financial aid to families committed to adoption. Additionally, low-interest adoption loans can be an option to cover immediate expenses, allowing families to pay back the costs over time. Adoptive parents may also apply for adoption grants from various organizations such as Helpusadopt.org and Gift of Adoptions. At the conclusion of the adoption process, adoptive parents may also qualify for federal adoption tax credit, which can significantly reduce the financial burden by providing a tax refund or credit for qualifying adoption expenses. It's important to research these options early in the process to understand eligibility requirements and application timelines. Crowdfunding has become another effective way to raise funds, with many families turning to online platforms to share their adoption journey and gather support from friends, family, and the broader community. Hosting fundraising events, such as bake sales, auctions, or benefit dinners, can also generate funds while raising awareness about adoption.

🌟 November is National Adoption Month! 🌟 Hey everyone! Did you know that November is all about celebrating adoption? Whether it's domestic or international, adoption is a beautiful way to build families and change lives. ❤️ There are so many kids out there waiting for a loving home, and this month is the perfect time to learn more, get involved, or even start your own adoption journey. 🌍🏡 Let's spread the love and raise awareness! Share your adoption stories, resources, or just a kind word to support those on this incredible path. Together, we can make a difference! #NationalAdoptionMonth #AdoptionAwareness #FamilyIsLove #AdoptionJourney #SpreadTheLove

As we approach the new school year, we wanted to bring attention to a sensitive topic that might arise during classroom activities, specifically the family tree project. For adopted children, creating a family tree can be a challenging and complicated task. To ensure a positive experience, we suggest taking some proactive steps. Communication with the school is important for adoptive parents. They should have an open conversation with the child's teacher or school administration before the project begins. This helps the school understand the child's background and can prompt adjustments to the assignment if necessary. Discuss the family tree project with your child ahead of time. This preparation can help them feel more confident and equipped to handle any questions or feelings that might come up. Some creative approaches to this project include adding the child's country of origin, their adopted family memebers, and journey details. Country of Origin: Children can create a tree that includes information about their country of origin, providing a rich cultural context. Adopted Family’s Tree: The project can focus on the adoptive family’s lineage and history, allowing the child to feel included and connected. Journey Details: Include details such as the airline they took to come to their new home or the name of the orphanage they were adopted from. This can highlight the unique and special journey they undertook to join their family. These options can make the family tree project more inclusive and meaningful for adopted children, while also educating their classmates about different family structures and experiences. We hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.

As the back-to-school rush begins, excitement goes hand-in-hand with safety! That’s why our team has compiled a few helpful tips to ensure a successful and secure school year for all. Swipe through ↩️ Safety is a shared responsibility, and being prepared can make all the difference! If you have any questions or need advice, our door is always open. Let's make this school year both fun and safe!

Today is Independence Day in Pakistan! This day recognizes and celebrates Pakistan's freedom, democracy, and national unity. I'd like to mark this occasion by advocating for international adoption, ensuring that every child finds the love, security and their forever home. My immigration law firm is a great resource to get the adoption process started. It is best to speak with an immigration attorney and discuss the adoption process, especially for international adoptions from Muslim countries, before doing anything else.

It's so common to receive calls from adult adoptee's asking if the can legalize their relationships with their "step-parent" or adult who served as the "father or mother figure" their whole lives. This legal process provides the adult adoptee and adoptive parent with that finality they have been looking for ...in some situations the adult adoptee's birth certificate can be amended as well to list the adoptive parent's name.

As our nation pauses to celebrate July 4, we are sending each of you our warmest wishes for a memorable holiday. Whether you are planning to enjoy a barbecue, marvel at the fireworks, or spend quality time with loved ones, we hope your day is full of fun, rest, and reflection. Please note that our office will be closed in observance of Independence Day. We will be back on Monday, July 8th and will respond to any communications received over the holiday as soon as possible! Enjoy the holiday, and stay safe

Where are your children now? Joel and I would love to hear how everything is going. 📸 Photo of Jonathan Schechter and his uncle Jaime Greenberg. Jonathan was adopted from Medellin Colombia 19 years ago and now he is a sophomore at Alabama.

Special shoutout to all the incredible fathers out there who chose to build their families through adoption! 🌟 This Father's Day, we're celebrating those amazing dads who opened their hearts and homes, making them a part of their forever family.

🇺🇸 In honor of Memorial Day, our office will be closed. We will be back to our regular hours starting Tuesday, May 28. We invite you to join us in remembering that Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend. It's a time for us to come together and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

Adoptive Parents Committee’s annual conference serves to promote accurate information concerning Adoption, Foster Care, Surrogacy, and Embryo Adoption. James Greenberg, along with his colleagues from The Alliance for Children, Inc., will be hosting a workshop on international adoption from Bulgaria, Colombia, Hungary, and Vietnam. Following that, he will be available at the vendor's tables to answer questions regarding international adoption worldwide. We hope to see you there!

IN-PERSON ADOPTION INFORMATION SESSION Jamaica, NY, March 11th, 6-7:30PM EST Alliance for Children will be holding an IN-PERSON information session in Queens (Jamaica), NY, for families interested in adoption. All families welcome! Join us to learn more about our adoption services such as the application process, home study and our domestic and international adoption programs. The meeting is FREE but you must register to attend. We will be limiting attendance, so please register early. It will take place on March 11th , at 6:00 PM EST. This link is for registration only this is an in person meeting Registration Link : https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrf-igrjouHdxaIHn3p7dFs3RAoNgd4rLm Registration Link : https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrf-igrjouHdxaIHn3p7dFs3RAoNgd4rLm

Congratulations Yvette and Jesus on your adoption that took place this morning via Microsoft Teams! Even a worldwide pandemic could not stop you from building your family through the miracle of adoption ! Your daughter is beautiful, and thank you for allowing me to part of your lives!

Congratulations Christopher and family on your re-adoption today at Nassau County Surrogate’s Court. I am thankful to be a small part of this wonderful process and your life.

Ariana Greenberg (far right) off to Towson University today...I think I miss her already 😢

We recently hosted these children from Colombia at Clay Nation. They have come to NY from Colombia to be adopted and find their forever homes. Please visit KIDSAVE.ORG for more information

KIDSAVE PROGRAM @Clay Nation

So proud to be a part of this amazing program...today at Clay Nation in Glen Cove NY Greenberg & Greenberg,People Need Caring Inc and a few other sponsors are hosting this adoption program.

Ari graduates !!

Congratulations to my nephew Jonathan moving up today from middle school@to HS! We Colombians don’t age a bit he looks the same today and as handsome as ever proud of you!!

Kicked off my 2019 Campaign for Nassau County Legislator at The Swan Cub in Roslyn, NY. Thank you to the friends, family and supporters like Olivia Peebles (who performed the Pledge of Allegiance) for your support...I’ll see you on soon!

Congratulations to Mason and his family. I am so grateful to have been a small part of your adoption journey! Finalization of adoption hearing June 18,2019

So yesterday was a wonderful day for me. I was a part of three citizenship ceremonies and Elena’s was the final one. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives!

Blessed to be a part of Abiha’s post adoption and citizenship process yesterday. She’s the sweetest little girl. Congratulations! Another family created through the love of international adoption.

Congratulations Olivia I’m officially becoming a Citizen yesterday. I am so honored to be a small part of your life.