[*marcy*]

From the many posts that I've read, it seems that a great deal of how quickly everything goes through (after getting the referral) depends on the competency of the attorney the agency uses. First, is that correct?

Do attorneys send referrals to a certain "group" of agencies that they use, or do the attorneys usually send everything through one particular agency that they prefer?

Would you ever base what agency you go with on which attorneys they use? And if so, how would you know what attorneys they use before the fact?

I am still doing my research and trying to figure out the best way to narrow down my choices. I'm still looking at about 6 different agencies.

Thanks!!

[KevinK]

You pretty much have it correct. Some agencies and attorneys have exclusivity deals, others do not. It can really vary.

Who the lawyer is definitely counts. In fact, many "agency" policy are really more dictated by the attorneys (so far as visiting and stuff like thatis concerned).

Also, the attorney is generally the legal guardian of the child. So they have a lot of involvement.

Researching attorneys is much like researching agencies - ask people who have worked with them.
But on the other hand, the best agencies have long standing relationships with good attorneys whom they trust - so the two do often go hand in hand with one another.

Kevin

[wannahave3]

it seems that a great deal of how quickly everything goes through (after getting the referral) depends on the competency of the attorney the agency uses. First, is that correct?

Yes!

Do attorneys send referrals to a certain "group" of agencies that they use, or do the attorneys usually send everything through one particular agency that they prefer?

Depends, some attorneys work exclusively with one agency and others work with several. That is a great question to sk when interviewing agencies!

Would you ever base what agency you go with on which attorneys they use? And if so, how would you know what attorneys they use before the fact?

Yes, I would ask the agency the names of the attorneys they use and then either a. post the names here asking for feedback or b. go through the Guatemalan attorney feedback list and PM the people for more info. Personally I would be leary of an agency that would refuse to tell you the names of the attorneys they use...

Good luck with your decision!

[BrandiS]

Hi Marcy,

I just sent you a PM.. Just wanted to say 'welcome'..

[jerryscuba]

I would base my agency choice also on the length of the communication chain of a particular agency.
Our agency doesn't talk directly to the attorneys nor do they want the adoptive parents to talk to the atty. All 'communication' goes through a facilitator in GC who is so over-worked that information only trickels in. That even leads to the fact that this agency has to have customers sign a statement that they can only expect updates when certain major milestones happen. Of course you won't see this statement when you sign up with them.

And yes, I would also base the decision on the attorneys an agency uses. The agency does nothing but hooking you up with the atty. After that it is in the atty's hands to get the work done quick. Many agencies are actually hesitant to pressure their atty's. They are afraid of loosing them. Without attorney no Guate adoptions...

Good luck with your agency choice!
Ralf

[readytobeamommy]

You said it very well Ralf. Communication is key between agency and attorney!

[jt421_2000]

My agency has a exclusive relationship with one attorney. They also have a personal relationship with the attorney and her family. I know that this agency calls Guatemala daily for updates. I found them to keep me informed throughout my process. PM me if you would like the name of the agency. They also have a American trained DR to see the babies and that DR e mails you directly and he is open to e mail from the adoptive famlies.

[dixiemom]

We worked with the same agency as jt421_2000 and I can attest to what she has already posted. I am one of those people who just has to know everything that is going on and I called or e-mailed EVERY day. They never made me feel like the pest I was. Because they are in contact daily with the attorney in Guatemala they were able to provide me with so much information that I really appreciated. The agency/attorney relationship is ULTRA important. Feel free to PM me as well :-)

You will know when you find the "right fit"......

Best wishes!

[smomma]

Hello,
You were in touch with the attorney's every day? I would truly love to know who your agency is. We are working on our home study and have not choosen an agency yet.

[P.E.Z.]

The best information about an agency is current clients.
Seek them out to get the truth.
I sure wish I would have.
You DON'T want a timeline like ours.