[wannabamom]

Hi all,
As some of you already know, we've just started the Home Study, process!!!! One question which scares me is that, if anything goes wrong (god forbid), like Bmom changes her mind, DNA does not match, etc... and we're given another referral, do we have to pay all the money all over again??????? I'm so scared and confused. My agency does not tell me many things and I've read some of your posts here about referral loss, etc..

Thanks,

[LisaDR]

My agency it goes towards another referral, as most I would figuire

[dspakowsky]

If for some reason you loose your referral, the money should go towards another referral. I haven't heard of it any other way.

However, that rarely happens. Stay encouraged and think positive. The success rates for Guatemala are very high.

[SydneyRN]

My agency puts it towards another referral, minus any court costs already paid. We had not even entered FC before we lost our referral so we weren't out any of the money that we had already sent.

If this isn't clearly spelled out in your contract, I would ask to make sure that you get it in writing. It's a LOT of money and I wouldn't be comfortable unless my agency was willing to explicitly spell out what happens in worst case scenario. Just my .02.

[deneen]

Your agnecy should have you signing a contract at some point (preferably before they accept your dossier) which should outline the "what ifs" like a lost referral or unanticipated medical needs etc. At any case, there should be something in writing. I know there were 3 exceptions in our contract ...1) termination by adoptive parents; 2) termination by birth mom; 3) termination by attorney/agency. Each had specific monetary stipulations.

Just KNOW or ASK before you proceed. Be informed of your rights. I know too often that those of us anxious for children fear asking anything because we don't want to rock the proverbial boat.

Best wishes, Deneen

[lcpd]

My agency said the money would be transferred to another referral. I would definately ask for clarification. Peace of mind goes along way with all of this adoption stuff.

[Bassette]

This may vary somewhat agency to agency. I would read the contract carefully before signing and make sure this situation is detailed. My agency would have applied all fees toward a new referal. Zero monies lost.

[Disneycrazed]

Ours told us that we would not have to pay for another referral but if DNA had to be re-done we would have to pay for that.