Brenda,
Thank you for your comments, because this will be our first open adoption , unlike our sons' adoptions which went from semi to close ( unfortunate for us due to birthmothers desires). I agree,her role as the biological mother will be different and should not be seen as "cousin Lisa"
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Also, where will the adoption be finalized? In most states you will need a homestudy. Where do you live outside the US? Legally I am not sure how that works. I do know you will not be able to travel outside the US withou a finalized adoption. They are getting really strict about that.
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Yes, you can finalize while living outside the U.S. We did it twice with our two sons. We've lived overseas since 9/95 (we are a military family). Our eldest was 2 1/2 months old. We did it again 2 1/2 years later when we picked up our second son (we used the same agency). We lived in Spain the entire time. How? Because it would be a financial hardship, the Florida Judge allowed us not to appear in person. The military lawyer swore us in via the telephone and the finalization action was completed twice .
We are now living in Japan and hopefully the Judge will be merciful and not have has fly home for a five minute hearing. The only difference is we are using a different agency and this adoption will take place in Georgia vice Florida.
I guess if they can do marriages via the telephone, adoptions can be done also.
The court mailed us our papers in the mail.
You are correct, we do plan to make sure she have counselling. I am seriously thinking of using Open Door Adoption Agency since they are a reputable full service agency and near my family.
Lastly, the father? No problem, just another story which will be handled thru the proper channels.
Is there a particular book, I can buy her ? She has requested prenatal books but, in addition to that I want to give her something regarding birth mother and their choices.
Thank you,
Yasta
November 03- decided to adopt
January 04- decided to go independent
Febuary 15 04- Started homestudy
Febuary 28- Matched with birthmother
Baby due - August 8th