[Derek's Wife]

Hi my name is Niffer and I am an Army spouse. My husband and I are adopting a baby in July and I have lots of questions!
Here's a little bit of information about me. My husband and I have been trying for a family for three years, working with the best military fertility doctor at Tripler. To our avail nothing came of it. While we still intend to keep trying for our own, we are adopting a family members baby this summer.
I have a lot of questions regarding tricare and hsopital stays when the baby is born and moving the baby across country right after birth. Anyone who can help I would appreaciate it!

[tobeafamily]

Hi & Welcome,

DH & I adopted our son Ryan 2 1/2 years ago. He was AD/USN (now retired) at the time.

To answer:

1. Tricare will cover your child's care from the day you're named legal guardians - usually shortly after birth. Initial hospital charges are covered under their biological mother's care.

2. As soon as you get your court documents naming you legal guardians with intent to adopt, DH should take them to PSD and get the child added to DEERS as a legal ward with intent to adopt - it's a special category of ward. Then all you'll need to do is update once the adoption is final.

3. As to interstate travel, this I think falls under ICPC - Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children. The sending and receiving states must both be notified and agree that the movement of the child is appropriate and that you'll be supervised by a licensed social worker until your adoption is final. This is primarily done to prevent illegal child trafficking and abduction. I say I think because it may not apply in relative adoption. See your adoption attorney.

How else can we help?

Regina

[Derek's Wife]

Regina, Thanks so much for the advice. from the advice thatmy lawyer gave me, there won't be a problem with interstate travel ince I intend to stay there until the adoption is final. Which shouldn't take long since it is a private family adoption and both parents were able to terminate their rights prenatally, due to a stipulation. How long did it take you to finalize?

[tobeafamily]

Time to finalize varies between states, some take longer, some shorter. Unless your child is born in one of the few states (Texas is one) that allows non-residents to finalize there, you will finalize following the laws of the state in which you are legal residents.

It took us 6 months to finalize, as this is what the law required - three visits with a social worker, not less than thirty days apart, over the course of 6 months. SW Report along with petition for adoption filed.

HTH

Regina

[Derek's Wife]

Well, the nice thing is that I am a permanent resident of the state of Colorado, even though I don't live there(since I am still in college full time!) So, with that and the military status, I was told by my lawyer we can all finalize in CO without any worries.
Thanks for your post!