Recognition of a foreign adoption decree in France: why a certified translation is essential

Adopting a child from abroad is a profoundly human process, but also a legally complex one.
For a foreign adoption judgment to be recognized in France, it must be validated by the competent authorities.
This procedure, called recognition or exequatur , requires the presentation of officially translated documents .

DocuTrad explains to you, step by step, the formalities to be completed in order for your adoption to be legally recognized in France.

What is the recognition of a foreign adoption judgment?

When an adoption judgment is issued abroad, it does not automatically produce legal effect in France.
To be valid, it must be recognized by the judicial court of the place of residence of the adoptive parents.

This procedure aims to:

• verify the jurisdiction of the foreign court
  
• to ensure compliance with the fundamental principles of French law
  
• to guarantee the best interests of the child
  

Once recognition is granted, the foreign judgment is transcribed into the French civil registry , allowing the child to obtain a French birth certificate.

What documents are required for recognition?

The application must be complete and include:

• a full copy of the foreign adoption decree 
  
• proof of its finality (attestation or certificate of no appeal)
  
• the sworn translation of all the documents
  
• the adoptive parents' identity documents
  
• the family record book or the child's birth certificate if already established.
  

All documents written in another language must be translated by a sworn translator accredited to a Court of Appeal .

Why is certified translation mandatory?

A sworn translation guarantees the legal conformity of the adoption judgment and the accompanying documents.
An uncertified translation is rejected by the courts and civil registry offices.

Each DocuTrad certified translation includes:

• the statement “certified translation true to the original”
  
• the signature and stamp of a certified translator
  
• the numbering and the certification date .
  
• These translations have legal value before all French courts and administrations.

Steps in the recognition procedure in France

1. Composition of the complete file (judgment, certificate of no appeal, identity documents, sworn translations ).
   
2. Filing of the request with the competent judicial court (formerly TGI).
   
3. Review of the case by the public prosecutor .
   
4. Judge's decision : recognition or refusal due to incompatibility with French public policy.
   
5. Registration with the civil registry : if the judgment is recognized, a French birth certificate is issued for the child.
   

The procedure usually lasts between 3 and 6 months , depending on the jurisdiction.

Apostille and legalization: not to be overlooked

Before translation, some foreign judgments must be apostilled or legalized to attest to their authenticity.

• Apostille : if the country of origin is a signatory to the Hague Convention.
  
• Legalisation : if the country is not a signatory, by the French embassy or consulate.
  

DocuTrad can guide you through these steps to ensure the full validity of your documents.

Why choose DocuTrad?

DocuTrad is the trusted partner of families and lawyers specializing in international family law.

Our commitments:

• National network of translators accredited to the Courts of Appeal.
  
• Full compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Justice and the courts.
  
• Translations delivered within 24 hours in signed and sealed PDF format.
  
• DHL paper option (+€15) to receive the original version.
  
• Secure payment via Shopify or PayPal , confidentiality guaranteed.
  

Every DocuTrad translation is recognized by courts, prefectures and embassies.

FAQ

1. Can a simple translation suffice?
No. Only a certified translation, carried out by a licensed translator, has legal value.

2. Should the judgment be endorsed before translation?
Yes, the apostille or legalization must be affixed before the translation to be included in the certified version.

3. Are DocuTrad translations recognized by the courts?
Yes, they are accepted by French courts and civil registry offices.

4. What is the timeframe for a translation of an adoption decree?
On average 24 to 48 hours depending on the language and volume.

5. Is the translation valid for other procedures?
Yes, it can be used for consular procedures, a child's passport, or inheritance proceedings.