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WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHILE YOU WAIT2. Contacting a Lawyer in Pakistan
There are three identity cards issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). One is a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) for residents of Pakistan and persons having dual nationalities. The second is a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) and the third is the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). The difference between NICOP and POC is that the POC is a little more restrictive in terms of what you can transact in Pakistan and is much easier to obtain. The POC can be obtained by non-Pakistani spouses and families
of Pakistani passport or NICOP holders. It allows entry in Pakistan
without a visa and exempts one from registering as a foreigner and
lets them transact most business. For the purpose of international adoption, only a NICOP or CNIC allows an adoptive parent to get a "B" form (or "CRC" Child Registration Certificate) for a child which is an identity card issued to minors under 18. The "B" form is necessary to get the Pakistani passport, which is required in order to get a visa to take the child out of the country. NOTE: Some agencies have obtained "B" forms under the name of a CNIC holding guardian instead of adoptive parents to get around the NICOP requirement but this needs to be clarified from NADRA. Further information on NICOP can be viewed at the NADRA website at http://www.nadra.gov.pk/site/340/default.aspx
It is a good idea to be prepared with an experienced attorney ready and willing to prepare and present your case. Adoption is not recognized in Pakistan and therefore adoptive parent(s) can gain legal custody only through guardianship in Pakistani family courts as prescribed by the Guardian and Wards Act of 1890. The decree has to state that the petitioner and spouse (if married) have obtained legal custody of the child for emigration and adoption. It is very important to verify with a potential attorney if she/he has handled guardianship cases in Pakistani courts for UK citizens. Ask them for references, the names of some of their previous clients and contact information. An experienced attorney is highly recommended. One has to also ascertain exactly what services the attorney is providing for their fee. Some attorneys will agree to only represent you in court and others may provide more services such as assisting with getting documents like birth certificate, child's CRC (Child Registration Certificate), and child's Pakistani passport. Check all documents for spelling errors, incorrect dates, and any inaccurate information as soon as you receive the court documents and review your attorney's court submissions beforehand because any small error could cause you weeks or even months of delays to rectify the problem. If you are unable to be in Pakistan and personally handle some of the paperwork or court appearances and therefore wish to appoint someone to act on your behalf by power-of-attorney, your attorney should be able make arrangements for that. Verify with the attorney if they have handled such cases and get client names and contact information. Again, an experienced attorney is highly recommended. Lawyers fees can vary greatly from one lawyer to another. It helps to ask couples experienced with adoption to determine if the fees are reasonable. The following are names of lawyers that are recommended by families
that have adopted from Pakistan:
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