[MilehighDad]

We've finalized in two different states, and the procedure was vastly different. In both cases, though, they used a regular courtroom and the judge came out and conducted the hearing. The big difference was that in Colorado we had no lawyer and the judge just had a long, pretty informal discussion with us about the placement, our parenting styles, and where we had grown up and lived. In Missouri, though, our lawyer ran the discussion, and we were each sworn in and put on the witness stand for questioning. I've never been put on the stand before! Also, the questions were really very formal, just confirming everything that was already being filed such as birthdates, names, placement dates, TPR dates of bparents, etc. In both cases, though, we got to take a bunch of pictures in the courtroom before heading out.

There should be room for lots of people and I'm glad you're going to have a big celebration. It's a big day! Congrats!