Cross-Border Recognition of Adoption Decisions in the EU: Focus on Westland
In Westland, a dynamic municipality in the Haaglanden region with a multicultural community due to international greenhouse horticulture, EU legislation simplifies the recognition of adoption decisions between member states via Brussels II-bis and the Hague Adoption Convention. This is crucial for Westland families adopting children from abroad.
Legal Basis
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 (Parentage Regulation), directly applicable in Westland via the District Court of The Hague.
- Hague Adoption Convention article 23.
- Kingdom Act on recognition and enforcement, locally enforced by the Rotterdam District Court (judicial district Westland).
Automatic Recognition
Adoption decisions from other EU countries are automatically recognised in Westland without a special procedure, provided subsidiarity requirements are met. A certificate from the European Judicial Network is mandatory and can be applied for via the Westland municipality for quick processing.
Procedure in Case of Resistance in Westland
- Submit exequatur application to the Rotterdam District Court, The Hague location, competent for Westland.
- Processing period: maximum 1 month.
- Grounds for refusal: violation of public order or fundamental rights, assessed by local judges.
Practical Examples in Westland
An adoption from Poland by a Westland family led to direct recognition and registration in the civil registry at the Naaldwijk town hall. For non-EU adoptions, the Hague Convention applies with additional review by the Child Protection Board region The Hague. Annually, more than 50 EU adoption recognitions are handled in the region around Westland. Benefits: Quick integration of the child into Westland society, including access to local schools and childcare.
Local tip for Westlanders: Consult the legal counter in 's-Gravenzande for free advice on adoption recognition.