[GuatMommy2Be]

We have been home for 2w2d and yesterday I got the summons for jury duty. I am really upset about it. I'm not ready to leave the baby, and she is not ready for me to leave either. She is still not comfortable with her Daddy (who can't take off work to watch her) and I am not ready to leave her with anyone!

Any suggestions?? I'm planning on writing a letter...

[artistchic]

My husband says that you can defer it one time. I agree, don't go now, wait.

[AnaM-H]

Most states allow you to defer one time.

[shelbydog]

You call and tell them you just adopted/came home with baby. When I had my bio child, I got the summons a week later and called and they were very nice about it and took me off the list. Just call them.

[kvondera]

The same thing happened to me when we brought our second daughter home. I was able to explain why I felt I needed to be excused and they allowed it. There was no way I could leave her at that time.
Good luck!

[karen nickols]

for the week we got home with Samuel. I couldn't defer b/c my boss (without my knowledge) had it defered already. I have heard that they can't do that but he did. Worked it so it was a better time for HIM.

[angelstamper]

You should have the choice to be excused. When I was called a few weeks after DS came home, I was able to sign a document stating that I was the primary caretaker of my child and there were no other means of a babysitter that wouldn't cost me money. No questions asked and I was excused. Didn't have to go at all.

There are several reasons one can be excused: over 65, a full time college student, handicap and childcare.

Call them and ask.

HTH

[stephjoel99]

In Florida you can be excused if you are the primary caretaker (sahm) of a child under 6. I have been excused about 4 times. One time I didn't get the card back in before the deadline and I did have to serve. It is not hard to get excused with small children in most county/civil courts.

[acjmn4ever]

The same thing happened to me. I just called the court and explained our situation and they said to put it in writing and send it in and that it would be fine. I explained that it would be detrimental to my child to leave him so early in the bonding process. It actually was not hard to get out of. The sooner you do it the better. Good luck and congratulation on your new little one!

[ourdreamcametru]

I keep children in my home and I just called and told them I was self employed and they took me off the list, didn't even ask any questions or for proof!

[annaguat]

Yes, just let them know you take care of a young child. You can also let them know it would be a financial hardship if you would have to pay for child care.They will want to know the name and age of the child. I have never had any issues. Also if you want to do the jury duty just let them know when you can do it. For example my 19 yr old got summoned but it interfered with her college classes so she scheduled it for Christmas vacation. There was no problem with that. Best wishes and I hope you can work something out. Anna

[mayaprincess]

In most states, you can be excused because you are the primary care giver of a small child.

[Shannavi]

I don't know how strict your state is about Jury Duty but I think you should write a letter explaining the importance of attachment and bonding with adopted children. With the possibility of being away if chosen as a juror, it could jeopardize the attachment phase. Maybe include you don't have anyone to leave her with. I would really lay it on thick.

[WVUMom418]

I had the same thing happen when I brought Mia home, I had to write a letter stating why I wanted to be relieved of duty and it was approved.

[mommytoEli]

in CA, the primary caregiver can request a postponement if they are caring or a child under 3. maybe your state has something similar?