[mig42]

just wondering if the time between placement and finalization is governed by the State the adoption takes place in, or is it decided on by the Agency you're using?

We're waiting to be matched in NJ so if anyone knows the timeframe here that would be great. I did hear 6 - 8 months, just wondering if its possible to finalize sooner than that?

Thanks

[Cjmeck]

I'm in OH and its state mandated. The child has to be placed in your home for 6 months prior to finalization occuring. In some counties, you can schedule the hearing far in advance. In other counties, you cannot even schedule the hearing until after 6 months have actually passed; and it take awhile to get a courtdate. So, therefore, the common timeline for finalization is 6-8 months. My agency, lawyer and dd's bmom all live in a county where we can schedule our finalization date early; and therefore I'll get to finalize a week after our 6 month mark. My own county would be more like 7-8 months. That maybe the case with NJ law as well.

[Fran27]

We adopted from NJ. It can't be earlier than 6 months, then only they can start sending paperwork etc so it takes an additional 1-2 months.

Our children were officially placed with us on February 26th, and we will probably finalize at the end of Octobor or in November. In our case our HS expires in November so we're probably going to have to update it again, which bites.

I know it's just a formality but I can't wait for it to be done!

[mommamarci]

It kind of depends. The state does set a minimum, but the agency can require it be longer also if they hold custody. In my home state (Indiana) we were told some counties allow finalization as early as 30 days. However, one agency we had planned to work with made families wait 3 months before finalizing.

[Stormster]

In Michigan it was 6 months and then you need to file some follow-up paperwork ..with us once the paperwork was in it took just 2 weeks. It was all done between the attorney and the state.

[jren]

We were 10 months in PA. A NJ placement was also a possibility and I think the time to finalization was much shorter b/c the time to TPR is shorter.

[devildogwife]

Iowa was 6 months, but we had some of the time waived due to Cameron's medical issues so we could consent for his care.

[mom2justynsarah]

It is governed by the state. We live in S. Florida. Our adoption was finalized when my daughter was 6 months old. Another friend (who also lives here) had her daughter's adoption finalized at 8 months.

[JustCourtney]

We are in IL, and the average is about 6 months. We have to have 3 post placement visits, and paperwork filed by our SW for each to be able to finalize, so if we drag our feet, it can take longer. We are really hoping that we can get it all wrapped up by the end of this year for tax purposes! Fingers crossed!

[munketoes]

In SC here. We have a 90 day waiting period, but tpr was already done. We had some of it waived because he is a special needs child. He moved in full time April 17 and we will finalize July 17th

[amberl10]

It's according to the state the baby is born in. In our state we had to have the baby living with us for 180 days before finalization could take place.