[SingleMama2B]

Hi "NJClan9"... talk to your AGENCY!!! They will know what is CURRENTLY happening in your region and possibly how the judge views/requires things. I have also heard, that in the "future" one of the changes they want to make, is that Parents will NEED to stay in country for the 10days! When and IF this ever happens, your agency will know and prepare you for it.

I adopted in Dec. 2004, and even though I was a single parent (sole working provider), and DD that I was adopting was severely malnourished, (8.5 months old, weighing only 34 lbs!!!) and in Russia's eyes, considered "Special Needs"... the JUDGE in the Moscow region REFUSED to waive the 10 days, though he did ALLOW the weekends to count (Which they usually do not count in the 10 days). Not that this helped me any.... Court was 12/23/04.... 10 days ended when their 10+ days of HOLIDAYS started... I COULD NOT afford (on many fronts) to stay in country, and had to ASK THE JUDGE to travel home and come back... He did grant that one.

When I went back to the orphanage to see DD the next day, (which was a Friday), they told me that I would NOT be able to see her or take her for the weekend back to Moscow, as it did NOT matter them that the Judge granted the adoption... So I had to change my plane ticket to depart on Sunday (whereas Saturday was CHRISTMAS)!!! I was depressed that I couldn't spend the time with her, but I did actually leave my Hotel room on Christmas day, and went to RED SQUARE by myself.... Even had a picture taken standing in RS infront of a Christmas tree so that Family and Friends know that I DID leave my room!!!

Anyway.... Talk to your Agency and get the latest for YOUR REGION, as sooooo much IS Region Specific, and how the Judge views the individual Child/ren (special or medical needs, etc.).

Blessings.............