In re D.G.J.
This case presented the Pennsylvania Superior Court with a factual scenario of first impression—U.S. citizens sought to adopt their foreign-born nephew, who has been residing with them in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa, where there is no foreign adoption decree made or entered into in conformity with the laws of the child’s home country. The Court ruled that the lower court erred in denying with prejudice and without a hearing petitions to confirm consent and for adoption. “Once Petitioners filed their petition to confirm birthparents’ consents and petition to adopt Child, the court should have issued Petitioners notice of a hearing as prescribed in section 2531 and in compliance with 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 2721-2725.” Therefore, the Superior Court reversed and remanded.