[smr67]

We are in PA and we picked up the form a couple of weeks ago that we need to file for the recognition of foreign adoption. We were a little confused at first, but after several conversations with our agency, and the clerk at the courthouse, we found out that under the new law all counties in PA are required to use the same form (Petition to Register Foreign Adoption Decree Pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. &2908). The name change is done on the same form as the recognition. Our county gave us the forms we need to get a birth certificate as well -- they will submit that for us once the judge signs off on the recognition. Along with the recognition form, you will need to submit the original copy you received (that's why we need to go back in person) of the adoption decree and Guatemalan birth certificate -- they will call us to go back and pick up the documents when they are finished with them. You also need to submit a copy of the Visa to prove that the adoption is final (only folks with IR3's can use this recognition process for a Guatemalan adoption). If Philadelphia is not using the standard form than I would contact your state represenative because they are supposed to...Hope this helps.