[jerryscuba]

We are starting to think about #2 and are toying with the idea of adopting without placement agency.
I would welcome any feedback from people who have adopted independently from Guatemala through an attorney.
I'm also looking for attorneys that are willing to work with clients directly.

Thanks for any feedback!
Ralf

[mattecook]

Ralf,

As you know we were going to adopt independently but got nervous with all the ortega law talk and decided to go with an agency. One that I am very impressed with. However, I know you already know, but Kelly's attorney welcomes people to bypass the agency and use her services directly. I am excited that you are going to start again. You going to adopt a baby girl this time??

Ami

[DFSquare]

I'm still really new to research, but I thought it wasn't legal to adopt from Guatemala without an agency. Maybe I'm confusing a) my Countries, or b) my terms?

Is it a cost savings or time savings to not use an agency? What are the pros and cons to this?

Dawn - who's always interested in more information!

[becky]

It's not illegal. It's not necessarily a great thing if you haven't adopted before. Many people do one adoption and then try to stay in touch with their attorney so they can go directly to him/her for the second.

Also...you probably need to speak very good spanish if you want to go it alone. Even if the attorney speaks english, it doesn't mean any of his/her staff does.

Good Luck!

[CGM]

Hey R ~ THAT IS AWESOME NEWS!!! PLEASE talk to Kelly ~ how exciting!!!

[jerryscuba]

Unfortunately the attorney our last agency chose for us was such a looser that I would rather jump in the lake before trusting him with another adoption.

I actually know about Ivanna but we still have plenty of time before we actually start the next process. I just want to check all my options this time.

Ralf

[mattecook]

Ralf,

Please don't jump LOL. Even though he was a loser your son is adorable and the apple of his daddy's eyes. BTW if we were going on that agencies attorney choices many of us would be in that lake.

Ami

[giovanni7460]

I do have a question of going without an agency. Would anyone be will to let me know what the fee is for attorney alone? I adopted my son 1.5 years ago. However this is for a friend of mine. She just asked me last night how that works and the fee. Thank you for any of you who can share that with me.
Patty

[csw]

Hi Patty..
I definately varies..one attorney I know of her total fee's are $23,000 I believe..I am guessing that included DNA fee etc..
Ralf..another adoption already? I know once you get your child home its amazing how soon you want another one..even with Ana up 12 times at night I wanted to start the paperwork for a 3rd child fairly soon after!

[wvamom]

Ralf--how about if you want a shot at the same birthmom (should she become pregnant again) but not necessarily the same attorney? (Just a thought--probably an irrational one, at that).
Carolyn