[JanetC]

Hi! I was wondering if any of you have any info on True Love Adoptions out of VA or Marks of Grace out of NC and Tn. They both looked interesting to us but wanted some feedback from other people! If you don't feel comfortable posting it on here then please feel free to e-mail us at ccolema5@tampabay.rr.com

Thank you so much!!

[blittle]

I can tell you what I found out about TLA Adoptions. I was looking into them and called the people that write the adoption laws for our state. They informed me that even though they say they are not a facilitator, our state still considers them as such. If we were to have used them we would have been commiting a crime and the adoption would have been overturned at the finalization. Our "contact" called Virginia and they were looking into this company. They are not licensed and although their name had adoption in it, they are NOT an adoption agency. The other question was, why can the agencies that post there, not find families in their own state. There are hundreds of people in each state that want to adopt. That was the major question we had problems with.

You may want to look into American Adoptions. They have a high success rate and you can cap your expenses from the start.

Good Luck!

[Bogie]

I strongly recommend NOT looking into American Adoptions. My husband and I matched with a bmom through them. She changed her mind and decided to parent at the hospital. We later found out that the counselor she had been working with had been pressuring her into the adoption plan - and was NOT supportive to her at all in th hospitla. American Adoptions only makes money if placement happens. They provided NO support for us when the adoption fell through. The only thing we heard from them after they told us she was parenting was a letter requesting the fees we still owed them. I was NOT impressed!

[My PoohBear]

Although I have not gone with Marks of Grace yet I am leaning towards them. They are very nice and they really care about aparents and bparents. Like I said I have not formally gone with them but they send me weekly updates. Letting me know how they are doing and what is going on with them and their bmoms. I think that is wonderful and I don't know of anyone else who does that.

I have not heard of American Adoptions and after reading these posts I'm glade.

[Linny]

I just contacted Marks of Grace via phone. I haven't talked with them yet; and I can tell you that I am a little nervous as it isn't an 'agency'. Yet, I just had 'one of those feelings'? (As Christians, I know you know what I mean). We will see. All I know is that we haven't been waiting that long.....but I think we are 'spoiled'. It took only four months to have our youngest baby; and I feel that 'anxiousness' for the next baby! (See.....isn't this the time I'm supposed to believe in 'have no anxiousness about tomorrow...."?)

Linny

[JanetC]

Since we have been talking with them, they seem like such friendly and kind people. Thanks for all your responses. I feel so blessed that we have found them!

We pray that each of you get matched quickly! We are so anxious to adopt, also!!

[Janeinpain]

Yes, work with them! I wouldn't hesitate. If we were to adopt again which we won't be since we have a big family now, we would certainly work with them.

However, another resource is Theadoptionguide.com
Mary runs this site and I think she's fabulous!!!! Any, and I mean any adoption question, she can help you with including situations she has. Check out that site when you can especially for those of you who are talking with other agencies.

[Linny]

Okay. Marks of Grace sent a very nice email to me. But.......I get nervous when someone/agency talks about that (grrrrrrr) 'adoption tax credit' before they even give any types of fees.
I understand that they work from donations and contributions.....but talking about the tax credit, already has me thinking they are going to expect ten grand! Our adoption of our latest baby was well under $8,000.....and that's including an entirely new homestudy and agency placing fee.
I don't mean to be a 'wet blanket'....because I have not talked with Randy Marsh personally yet; but I know if this is the type of money they are hoping for......we simply cannot afford it.
We are already working with a local attorney who is wonderful. She networks with other agencies and attorneys......but I like to be pro-active and do some networking myself too.
Anyone with any info or comments.....I'd really appreciate them. Better to have a handle on this before I talk with M of G....than to get my hopes up and find myself quite discouraged.....

Thanks ahead of time....

Linny

[Janeinpain]

Linny,

Every agency I talked to always brought up the tax credit, and I think in the case of Marks of Grace, it was not meant to be a way to increase the cost of the adoption if I understand you correctly. I believe you can adopt under $10K through them. Please talk to Randy or Lisa before you bail with them. Also, if you feel that way, tell them that! They would appreciate your honesty and feedback.

I think other agencies should do the same. Now while I'm making these suggestions, we ended up paying A LOT of money for our adoption but it was our fault for not doing a lot of research beforehand. I can't say we should have waited and worked with MoG, because we wouldn't have our little precious bundle today. We just got matched with what we thought, was the perfect situation and were able to borrow the extra funds.

If we were to adopt again, I would be calling Lisa and Randy at MoG before anyone. But that's my opinion, maybe I'm wrong but I have yet to hear anyone in any adoption forum, complain about them. That to me speaks loudly.

[ellia3]

Hi i have been speaking with Lisa at Marks of Grace and she has been really nice and helpful but someone in a previous post mentioned they are not an adoption agency. If anyone knows what their business is considered please let me know. Also is it legal to adopt through them would appreciate any info especially from someone who has worked with them. I was in the process of sending them my profile but I'd like a little e more info if anyone is familiar with them please. They really seem very nice and legit to me but I guess you never know. Lisa said they are a Christian based organization.

[Linny]

I've been talking with Marks of Grace today. Yes, they are very nice and helpful.
I asked them if I understood 'how this works' when we live in another state. I told them how I understood it, and was told I was correct. I told them I was also going to contact our local attorney...which they felt quite fine with. This, then, is how it works: (Though, this is pending our speaking with our own attorney; who will call me back within a few days.)

Mof G calls to say they have a baby.
You go to NC to talk with birthmom, sign, etc. (In our case, we do not want an open adoption or that 'long ride' with a birthmom. We just cannot handle the heartbreak if she were to decide to parent.)
You stay in NC for the time period of the interstate compact; revocation period, etc. (which, in some cases, this revocation period can be waived)
Basically, your local attorney works with Randy Marsh or any other NC attorney.

We were intested, because our attorney networks with other attorneys too...in and out of state. So, right now, I cannot see any difference in dealing with Marks of Grace, compared to any other attorney.

I'll be glad to post anything once I speak with our local attorney.

Hope this has helped.


Linny

[Astri]

We are presently matched and expecting our little one in March. Marks of Grace and Adoptionwise have really helped us. Randy Marsh is a wonderful attorney and Lisa Marsh works with birthmothers and adoptive couples. I highly recommend working with them! Ana

[JanetC]

We are so thrilled! We just found out yesterday that we are matched with a birthmother!!!! She is due in June. Marks of Grace has been amazing and wonderful to us and the birthmothers. We'll keep you updated.

Thanks for all your wonderful responses!

Our prayers are with you!

[Linny]

Janet:
THIS IS WONDERFUL NEWS! I know that Ms Marsh told me that because we are wanting an AA baby, we should be matched fairly quickly. We are specifying gender this time though........so I know this alone will make us wait longer.
BUT..........yours HAS gone quickly! THIS IS GREAT!

Sincerely,

Linny

[Janeinpain]

Congratulations!

I know it's a long way away, but time will go by fast! What kind of adoption situation does the birthmother want?

Anyway, again, I think so highly of Lisa and Mark, I am confident everything will go well.

We have talked about adopting again and if we do, they will be who we call!