[spectrecat]

I *think* we have decided on Ethiopia, so we're researching agencies now...

We will be moving in the fall (from TX to FL), and we're receiving different info from different agencies. One agency told us to wait to do anything until after we've moved. Another one told us that we could do everything now and then have it all updated when we move (this is the answer I'm getting most of the time).

Anyone move while in process? I'd love to go ahead and start paperwork, including home study stuff, so that once we move and are settled, we can get it updated and submitted.

[ocracoke]

I would first check with the FL requirements. I know that in my state (NC) I was required to be a resident of the state for 6months before they would start on my homestudy. Your homestudy will have to be done in the state you will live through the process. If you move states while in process it may not be a simple update but a whole new homestudy -- no need to waste money if that is the case. If FL takes 3, 4, 5 months to complete a homestudy then you don't want to have dossier documents that will be outdated by the time you start. Also your USCIS approval will be issued only after you have a completed homestudy. If you apply in TX but have a FL homestudy that will look strange. If you plan to move while in process I would speak with a FL homestudy agency about what they reccommend.

Samantha

[sak9645]

I would absolutely NOT proceed until you move.

An out of state move does not require a minor homestudy update or addendum; it requires, in many cases, what amounts to a whole new homestudy.

First off, you won't be able to use the same provider, in most cases, since most homestudy providers are licensed in only one state. So you are going to be starting with a new agency that has new requirements.

And each state has its own requirements, both for the content of the homestudy and for its format. You may wind up having to take a new set of preadoption classes, or get a new medical done with some additional testing.

Moreover, any out of state move affects your whole financial picture, job picture, and family picture. Will you get a better job, and will you have job security? Will your move save you money or cost you a bundle? Will you have a shorter commute or a longer one? Will child care costs and child care availability increase or decrease? Will you have a support system of relatives and friends nearby, or will you be isolated? And so on. Basically, the homestudy worker will probably need another couple of interviews to cover these topics; the interviews from your old homestudy will not suffice.

Obviously, your new home will need to be inspected. In some states, the social worker does the whole thing, determining whether it is safe and welcoming. In others, you may have requirements like a fire marshall's inspection.

All of these things could wind up costing you another $1,000-$3,000, on top of what you paid for the first homestudy. And if your first homestudy agency insisted that you pay in advance for post-placement fees, you will be out that money unless the agency is willing to refund it; you could have to pay again.

Some states may be reluctant to approve a homestudy if you haven't been resident for a certain amount of time, and you could face delays that cause some of your paperwork to expire, even if it would have been usable otherwise.

In short, my advice is either to complete your adoption/readoption and then move, or to move and then start your adoption process. Unless you want to spend a lot of extra time and money on your adoption, of course.

Sharon

[spectrecat]

Thanks for all the info. I should have clarified in my op that DH is in the military...so we have job security, no child care costs (I stay home), full medical coverage, most moving costs are covered, we have friends there, and so on. We've lived there before, so a lot of those unknowns won't be....but it's still a big move!

I guess I just need to contact the home study agencies directly and find out what Florida's requirements are before we do anything. We have friends here that have done the move/update the homestudy thing before with no trouble, but they weren't doing the same move we are.

Thanks for the help!

[Rapids]

I would wait until after the move. I know how it feels to want to be doing *something*, though. In the meantime, you could decide on an agency and country, and make a list of all the states you will need documents from, and research how to get ahold of those documents. That way, when you are ready to roll, everything will be set in place! When's your move?

[spectrecat]

Right now, they are telling DH October. So we could be moving then or in September. They're building a new training facility where DH will be an instructor, so it's sort of dependent on when those buildings and aircraft are finished. We were visiting there a couple weeks ago, and the construction is coming along, so it's looking like they will be ready. And being Florida, a hurricane could swoop in and do some fun stuff....we were in that area back in '04 and '05 when FL was hit pretty hard. Let's hope that's not the case when we move back!

Yeah, I think we could take advantage of the time and get everything ready. It would be great to get everything submitted quickly once we're there...being so prepared.

[Rapids]

My agency (based in GA) is opening a new office in FL! You could start talking to them now if you want. They are a smaller agency, very personal, and short referral times (so far). If you are interested, PM me.