[scarlett8]

My husband and I have been investigating international adoption; however, my nephew called today to say that he has a friend who is due in 2 mos. and would we be interested in adopting her baby? She lives in TX and we live in MI. We do not have a home study done yet. Where do we start? Is this even feasible to think we can get everything done in 2 mos. if all parties are agreeable?

[tobeafamily]

Scarlett,

Yes, it is feasable. Stop 1: Experienced adoption attorney. Look for one who has handled a lot of domestic parental placement adoptions. Check the member listing for the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys at www.adoptionattorneys.com. Call at least three in your area and compare fees, services. etc.

Next, your attorney will help you complete a home study using a social worker.

At the same time, you can meet with this expectant parent and see if there's a connection. If so, then the expectant parent contacts your attorney to provide information needed for filing, etc. They'll also help you locate and work with an attorney in Texas, needed to handle parental rights termination and other court proceedings.

Once the child is born, this expectant parent must re-make their decision to place, so guard your hearts. You travel to the birth state, where placement occurs. Once parental rights have been voluntarily terminated, your attorney submits a request to transfer the adoption to your home state via ICPC. Once ICPC clears, you go home.

Now, Texas is one of the few states that allows non-residents to finalize there so be sure and compare the costs and procedures for finalization both in your home state and in TX.

HTH, best of luck.

Regina