Lithuania
Families must make two trips to Lithuania to complete their adoption. Your first trip will include your court hearing. A 40-day waiting period is required by Lithuanian law and begins the day your adoption is approved in court. After this time, you will make your second trip to pick up your child. Each trip is 7-14 days in length. Both parents are required to make the first trip.
Aside from the requirements of traveling, the experience will help you to gain a greater understanding of your child’s birth country and culture, which will serve to help your child understand and value his/her origins. It also serves the children better for attachment and bonding purposes.
While in Lithuania, the Family Law Center staff will assist with transportation, lodging, and appointments related to your adoption. Depending on your preferences and availability of options in the area where you will be staying, you may stay in either a hotel or an apartment.
Adoption travel is not a vacation. Travel within Lithuania may not be easy or relaxing. It may be exhausting as one has to deal with jetlag and caring for a new child who may not adjust very easily.
For more information about Bethany's Lithuania program, please call 1.877.64.ADOPT, e-mail us at
bcsinternational@bethany.org, or fill out our
contact form.