[waitinginnj]

I just returned from Russia with my daughter. I am trying to process all of the US paperwork now. I applied for the US Passport and SS number and citizenship papers. I am trying to work out the US birth certificate. I requested a packet of info from the courts, but I am not sure if this is the right things.

Does anyone have experience in this area and may be able to offer advice or info. Do I have to totally re-adopt her in NJ. This is fine, I just want whatever I have to do to be the right/best way.

Thanks in advance.

[tobemom]

At the present time I am waiting for the call to adopt my child from Russia,but I do know a little about readoption. According to NJ law your child needs to reside in your home for six months before you can readopt. It is not mandatory to do but it was suggested to me that it is a good idea. You might want to contact an adoption attorney who would know exactley the forms you would need and help you through the process. From what I hear it is really quick since the child is already adopted. It is just a formality. Congrat's.......

[subrasu]

We went through this process 2 years ago with our daughter who was adopted from India.

I agree that the recommended approach is 6 months in NJ before you can file the paperwork with the courts. Also you need to file a post placement study ( Homestudy after the baby is brought to your home) that need to be done before your adoption is finalized in the State of NJ.

You can proceed with your paperwork in court but the court will not give you a date to finalize the adoption before the report is submitted to the court.

The paperwork need to be filed at the Surrogate court ( We live in Union county; so it was in Elizabeth). There is also a web site of all the surrogate courts in NJ.

Recommended approach:
a) Find the surrogate court that applies to your jurisdication
b) Call and introduce yourself to the court clerk ( They are all usually extremely helpful and will provide you with all the details)
c) In this way you have already established a relationship with the court.

Our situation and may be for you

a) You do not need a lawyer to file the paperwork in the State of NJ. We filed all by ourself and the paperwork is very easy.

I have sample copies of document that you need to file and how many copies ( Check the current status with the court). If you need them you can use them (send me a E mail). Just change the name, and other informaion related to your situation. This is the only document required to finalize the adoption in the state of NJ.

By the way this was recommended by the court clerk when I called them for information. It's really a wonderful experience with the courts and you will see how they can actually make a difference in your lives.

Regards,

Suresh