If an adoption has been carried out abroad, the family court can determine on application whether it is to be recognized in Germany and what effects can be attributed to it. The family court in whose district a higher regional court has its seat is responsible for the recognition procedure for the district of this higher regional court. If the adoption was carried out in accordance with the Hague Adoption Convention and a certificate from the competent Central Authority is available, the adoption is generally recognized by law.

If an adoption carried out in accordance with foreign law has weaker effects than an adoption pronounced in accordance with German substantive provisions, the family court may, upon notarial application, pronounce the conversion into an adoption with the strong effects provided for under German law. The application for conversion can also be made years after the adoption.