[auntiepippi]

Has anyone completed/researched the readoption process in Illinois? If so, what is the procedure and about how much does it cost? Thanks in advance for your help!
Donna

[kauai2k]

We are within a month and a half of finishing. So far we have had several steps completed.

I would research the requirements for each specific county. We filed for readoption in DuPage. However, I know someone who is almost done with her readoption in Cook County and a few steps were not required with her case.

In particular, in DuPage Co. the court will typically not accept the post-placement visit reports and, in fact, require a guardian ad litem to visit the house and make its own report.

We also have had to provide copies of our criminal background checks, the home study, all the copies from Guatemala's documentation, etc.

We expect to be completed on January 3.

As for cost, my husband's employer provides a legal program benefit, so I can't answer that question.

Best wishes,
diane

[Mary Mulcahy]

Diane is right, DuPage has a lot more rules, I did my readoption in Cook Co. Only one court session is needed. There is also a court appointed guardian (that I never met). I had to supply copies of my home study, Guatelaman adoption documents and the social worker post placement reports. Since I readopted my second son over year later (lack of energy to deal with more paper) I was required to have a follow up visit. The legal fees, exta social worker visit, and copies of the new birth certificate cost me over $1,000.00. I don't think its possible to change the name without this process in Illinois. By the way my order was complete in May and I still don't have the new birth certificate.

If you need a very reliable and nice attorney, PM me
I used this person twice.
Mary
PS the cook co readoptions are done at the Daly Center and they actually "serve" the child with paper. Here is Ricco being served by the sherif. The judge does not allow pictures.

[auntiepippi]

Diane and Mary, thank you so much for that information. We are in Kane County, so I guess I need to research their requirements. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question. Has anyone else readopted in IL - anyone in Kane County? Thanks again! Donna

[kauai2k]

I took a minute and looked over a few things...
With our first court date, we were able to change his name - but the court advised us not to change documents/policies already in his adopted name until the final court date is completed.
So far it looks like our attorneys have billed almost $1,000 and we still have one more court date.
We had to show the judge our foster care license, the letter from Mary Donnelley from DCFS regarding the Cable 37, and he also wants another updated and complete medical report. It does depend on the judge in DuPage as to how picky they are. But for sure, the guardian visit isn't optional. She is coming this week...
From start to finish this should take us 3 months - and we started the day we received his COC.
Best wishes,
diane
Mary - I love the picture of your son being "served". That step is also required in DuPage, but no cameras at all allowed...

[stillxling]

Hi Donna,

Thanks for asking this question. I havn't done any research on this yet either. Any info I do find I'll be sure to pass on, and if you can pass on your info too that would be great. I know there is a mom that lives in Kane County, and her son came home a few months ago, she might possibly have some info.

[sing4Him4]

Our adoption was completed in Kankakee Co. It took us a couple of months and re-adoption was the only way we could legally change our son's name. Although they did fail to include that item in the documentation. So they just hand wrote it in and then the judge signed it. So our official papers have handwriting on them. Our son was also "served" with the papers needed to complete the adoption. It was very cute.

The re-adoption took place a year ago in Oct. and we still don't have the new birth certificate. We just contacted them AGAIN and they say it is still coming.

As far as cost, ours was about the cost of Mary's as well.

Good luck to you,

[ChristyQO]

I too have not researched it in detail, but our SW said that it will cost between $500-$900 per child depending on which lawyer we use. They have recommended laywers. We plan on doing 2 at once. Our son came home in 2000 and since I am the QUEEN of procrastination, I have yet to readpot him! So discounts for 2? BTW, we live in Bureau County.

[Mary Mulcahy]

You do not have to live in Cook County to readopt there. I live in DuPage but its a little easier to do it in cook and you only go to court once. If you need a good attorney PM for mine she was excellent.
Mary