[loveajax]

So we are dipping our toes in and expect to get the papers to "redo" our HS today. I spoke with the agency director yesterday who told me that the agency has very few instate placements (I know how lucky we were the first time).

You would think I would understand things after being here for so long, but I am confused. If we adopt a baby out of state, can we also finalize in that state? Are there states with quick finalizations or where you don't have to be "present?" I ask because just to do the post placement stuff, the agency here wants to charge us like 10K (outrageous!).

[Steph-Jason]

First of all- congrats on getting ready again!!

I think it depends on the state. M was born in MN & we finalized in the state we live in. But- I've heard that some have to ravel to the state the baby was born in. If I remember correctly every state has it's own laws/regulations as far as adoptions. Good luck!!

[loveajax]

Thanks, Steph. I live in an "agency only" state and man it just makes it really expensive (even though they are not going to really "help" in matching, etc.). Arrgggh!!! I was thinking about looking at FL because my FIL has a place there so hopefully we could avoid those hotel/housing costs during the ICPC (which I also don't understand!).

[BrandyHagz]

Yes, it depends on the state and their resident requirements as well as laws. Some states require parents to finalize the adoption of a child born and placed in that state, while others don't really care.

Some states that allow you to finalize in their do so quickly (within a few weeks) while others can be more than a year later.

Some states that allow you to finalize in their state require you to travel, while others don't. Some make you take part over the phone, while still others will just do it and send you the documents.

It all depends on the states involved (as always, there is NEVER an easy answer).

States like Ohio have really strict finalization requirements and post placement/pre-finalization requirements - while Texas is fairly lax and will even allow you to participate in the finalization via conference call.

Good luck!

[BlessedbySnuggs]

Karen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG, how exciting!!!!!

We adopted M in CA and finalized in TX. We could have finalized in CA though. I agree with Steph...I think every state has their own set of rules and regulations.

Congrats again!!!!!

[BrandyHagz]

If you are going to work in a different state and finalize in a different state, are you required to even use an agency in your state for anything other than a homestudy?

It doesn't seem to make much sense - if all they will be doing is the homestudy and providing no other services.

[loveajax]

Thank you, guys!! When I get closer to looking at "matching agencies" or whatever, I'll look at the specific state laws and may need more advice!

[Linny]

We live in IL and have finalized in FL twice. I have to admit it's much easier and simpler to finalize in FL than IL anytime. Plus, you don't have to be present, which means you don't have to worry about what clothes to wear, what the weather may be, etc.....much easier in my opinion!!!! We DID have to have our homestudy doneby our IL agency; and, in the one case, our IL agency had to do our post-placement visits because we'd already come back to IL with our baby. (In one adoption, we stayed down there.)

THe first thing you need to find out though...is WILL your state allow you to final in another state----because some states are ridiculous enough to NOT accept the finalization from one state to another. (Yeah, I think this type of thinking IS ridiculous.)........your agency or adoption attorney should know this.

PM me if you want. We've been through a lot with stuff like this.

Sincerely,

Linny

[loveajax]

Thank you, Linny! I am going to PM you!

[feelingreyt]

No advice, just a big CONGRATS on getting ready for baby #2!!!

[bevy]

We also adopted from Florida and did not have to be present. we are from Canada though so its actually almost easier for us to come home. We were able to leave as soon as Jaxon was born in 2005. We then finalized over the phone a few months later.

What state are you in?

[loveajax]

Tara, I am in MA (it's going to snow here tomorrow...wth?!). I am trying to figure out a way to avoid giving unnecessary fees to the agency here (they are ridiculous...but they are all ridiculously expensive in my state).

[OakShannon]

I have no help to offer. But I wanted to say, congratulations!

[aclee]

Originally Posted by BrandyHagz

If you are going to work in a different state and finalize in a different state, are you required to even use an agency in your state for anything other than a homestudy?

It doesn't seem to make much sense - if all they will be doing is the homestudy and providing no other services.

They will also provide her post placement follow up, and most likely do her ICPC paperwork from the MA side. This is what our local agency does for us. Yes, MA allows you to finalize in another state. FL is a good state to finalize in from my research. Not every state allows a non-resident to finalize there though. We finalized with Ty in Missouri, and will finalize Matty in New Jersey, so those are two other states that also allow non residents to finalize. KS has a fast finalization and you can finalize there as well.

I'm very excited for you I"m going to PM you...you shouldn't pay 10K for that stuff...not even close. We were 1K to update the HS, 1K for case management (ICPC basically) and then $350 a post placement visit (we have to do 4 for Matty, but 3 for Ty which is typical). They are awesome to work with. They might charge you 2K on the HS though, because you didn't work with them last time...still maybe 4K total plus your placement fees...

[Nevada Jen]

Its really going to depend where the baby is born. If its really going to cost you that much to finalize you can use a state that allows non-residents to finalize adoptions of babies that were not born there. Utah used to allow that. Don't know if they still do. Many states will allow a non resident to finalize an adoption of a baby born in their state.

Honestly, its probably worth it to pay an experienced adoption attorney to discuss the options with you. That way, you do not have to ask the agency questions about things you would rather not before they complete your homestudy