[Waiting4Zach]

I am sure these questions have been asked before, but I am having trouble finding the answers.

On Part 3 #7. Were you adopted
It asks for date of adoption
Place of Final Adoption
Date Legal Custody Began
Date Physical Custody Began

My question is what is the date of adoption? And, Place of Final Adoption? I have to fill out the next section that asks if I had to re-adopt in US (which I did) so I know I what I would put there. Wasn't sure if I should put Guatemala on the first one. Date physical custody began would be the date they placed him in my arms, right?

Last question (maybe), what do I send them as proof of US Residence for me?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[DPline]

I have talked with a few people who have filed this form and it seems to be rather open to interpretation. Different people I have talked to have filled it out different ways and successfully received their child's COC.

The general consensus I have gotten is for Date of Legal Custody - either the date the Protocolo was signed (making you the legal parents) or the date the child was placed with you at pick up (and you thus became responsible for them.)

And for Date of Adoption - either the Protocolo date (again, the date the adoption was complete from a legal standpoint) or the Embassy Visa date (when the process was entirely completed in Guat.)

There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer as the adoption process is so different in different countries and Guatemala's was particularly unusual with all the different steps and dates.

On page 4 of the instructions under 'K' of the General Instructions it lists documents that are acceptable for Proof of required residence or physical presence in the United States. Basically mortgage or lease papers, employment records, SS quarterly reports, etc. that show your legal residence in the US.

Hope that helps!

[melissa41]

We used the date of protocol for date of legal adoption. (We have actually used this date for a variety of things like re-adoption in our state, CofC, insurance, etc) since the protocol language states (I am paraphrasing from memory) that the adoption is finalized, etc. The date we used for physical custody was the day we arrived in Guatemala and our son was brought to us. I don't beleieve we used our US Embassy date for anything.

[Waiting4Zach]

Thank you both so much for your help!