[NigelCharisse]

Hello

If you are looking to adopt a child from the philippines is it a good idea to just get a lawyer straight off the bat and if so is it a case of getting a lawyer in the philippines and also in Canada or can you get a lawyer from here that would deal with both sides.

Also if it is a good idea to get a lawyer what kind of costs are we dealing with as I have no idea, I have never needed the services of a lawyer and quite naive to lawyer costs. I guess I could be quite proud of this but does not help when things like this pop up.

[cungar]

You don't need a lawyer if you are doing an an Inter Country adoption through the ICAB in the Philippines. If there are no unforseen complications, you can do the whole process without a lawyer.

As far as costs, the Philippines is probably the least expensive country to adopt from. You can probably compete the process for under $9000. But you have to be prepared for a long wait. From the time you start the application process to completion, you may be looking at 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years.

[2pinokids]

Hello- We have adopted twice from the Philippines and are currently in the process again. We live in B.C. and you definately do not need a lawyer for the adoption application. you will need one after the placement when you apply in your provence to get your adoption finalized.( our cost for this was about $750.00) As for applying in the Philippines You should be sure the agency you work with is ICAB approved, otherwise you will not be following protocall. The Philippines are very sticky about their rules being followed to a T. The waiting times vary, ours were both about 1 year from being approved by ICAB to placement. This is also variable depending on what age you are willing to accept, as well as special needs, boy, girl etc. Another family here in BC also was just recently placed a little girl and they waited about 9 mos. for their proposal. Be patient it's well worth the wait!
Pam

[larryman]

The Philippinnes consolate in Vancouver told us that all we need is a good lawyer and he/she can doing everything for you and we don't need an agency and since my wife is a Filipina we can adopt any child in the Philippines. THIS ADVISE IS TOTALLY WRONG AND OFF TRACK AND COMPLETELY AGAINST THE PROTOCAL ESTABLISHED BETWEEN ICAB AND THE PROVINCE OF THE COUNTRY WHERE WE RESIDED.

[larryman]

Bottom line is you don't need a lawyer for your adoption.
This is what most people at home are talking about but sadly most of them don't really know the involvement of the DSWD in the adoption process and ICAB is a special branch of that DSWD,a part public and part private organisation.