[kitdem]

An agency that I'm thinking of using for Kazakhstan just called me to suggest Azerbaijan, which apparnatly just reopened after some reorganization of their adoption laws. Anyway...does anyone know anything about the process there...horror stories or successes, or mid-stream stories welcome. Just trying to get an idea if I want to go further with Az. Sounds interesting!

[matthewsmom0505]

Our agency, who we are planning to use for Guatemala, called and told us the same thing--we made the switch after much dileberation, but then our coordinator called a few days later and said that they had heard some concerns about the Hague affecting Azerbaijan also this year. We then switched back to Guat., but I still have a lot of my thoughts on Az. We need to decide soon since the medical reports for each country are so different and our appointments are coming up soon! Hopefully we'll both get some good feedback here to help with our decisions!

[kitdem]

great to hear from you...we are interested in Kaz or Az because my husband is Turkish and he feels very connected to that geographical area. I'm getting the feeling that Az is complicated (like you said) and maybe not particularly organized. It might take longer than other countires, too, for that reason. Feel free to IM me at kitdem@gmail.com if you want to stay in touch over this. We could also share agency details...

[Mandy4President]

Did they mention what kind of stay would be required in country?

[kitdem]

It looks like Az requires 2 visits of about 1-2 weeks each. The second one comes about a month after the first. But I think things change a lot there, especially with the new Hague stuff going on. Best to ask an agency....

[Waiting4Skip]

Is there any new news on this front? Just curious.

[souris]

Hello, I am new to this forum. My DH and I are both French. We are going through the psychologist and social worker visits for now in order to get our French paperworks. This takes 9 months so hopefully we will be able to legally adopt in November. We wont adopt in France as my DH already has children and the waiting list is 5 to 7 years for a french child.
So we decided to adopt in Azerbaijan. My Dh is an expat (we are in Dubai now) and we have been living in Baku (AZ) for 2 and half years. I just loved the place and miss it's people greatly. We cannot start the adoption process before having our french paperworks, but we already contacted a lawyer in Baku so we can be prepared about what we will need etc... From what he said, it will take from 3 to 6 months for all the legal docs to be submitted to the court and being able to bring the child home. 2 visits are needed. You also need to chose if you want a boy or a girl (I find it impossible to make a choice but it is mandatory) and if you want the biological parents to be alive or dead.
You also need to understand that in Baku, it is all about who you know and what connections you have. If you happen to know the right person, thing can go smooth and quick.
We are not going through an agency but directly with the lawyer who will take care of everything. Translations, docs, appointment etc... I am awaiting an email from him with more details and will let you know.
For the fees, we were told 10 000USD for the court and institution and all the docs. As for the lawyer fees it will not be accurate as we know him through friends and he is doing it as a favour.
Hope this help