[marnilevin18]

Having seen how agency and attorneys fees keep going up to beyond our budget, we are now seriously considering trying to do an independent international adoption through a friend with direct contacts at an orphanage. The difference in fees for two children between using an agency or going indie is about $11,000! But is this a risky thing to do? Has anyone tried it? What were the results? I would appreciate any info. Thanks. -Marni

[hjdeth1]

Marni,
Depends on the country. I have adopted 4 children indy from Ukraine with no problems.

What country?

[rae529]

Could you share how you get started? Do you find an attorney in the country to help with the paperwork? Can you really handle the paperwork and requirements by yourself? We are looking to adopt privately in Poland. Any info you could provide would be fantastic.
thanks.

[Jackobanzi]

Let me first say that I am not a professional in the field of adoption, so my advice is not to be taken as such. I am working my way through an indy international adoption myself, and what I'm saying comes from my experience and reading.

How to do it depends on the laws of the country from which you want to adopt. Some countries, like Honduras (I've recently learned), have requirements about adopting through certain agencies. Other countries, like the one I'm in, have you adopt through a government ministry. (Ours is the Ministry for the Protection of Women, Children, and Families)

You should also check with your state on pre-adoption requirements.

Provided you're not required to have an agency and that you're covered on the state's requirements...

You basically need a lawyer in the US, a lawyer in the country from which you want to adopt, and a good US embassy contact in that country.

You also need a lot of patience and to be extremely organized. Most of the immigration info can be found on the US Customs and Immigration Services website. The in-country lawyer and the embassy can help you with that country's specific laws. The US attorney is for re-adoption in your state.

If you want more specific info, PM me and I'd be happy to help you out.

Good luck!