[Dawnb93]

Well, we're leaving Monday for trip #2 to Moscow! We go to court on Thursday and return home on Friday for the 10 day waiting period. I couldn't be away from my daughter for 21 days, so we're doing 3 trips. Any advice on what I should expect at the hearing? I've testified in court hundreds of times when I was working, but now I'm suddenly nervous! Like we're going to say something wrong and they're going to deny the adoption. Thanks all!

Dawn

[kretzklan]

Talk to your agency personnel about who should speak for your family. We were first told the mother should speak - then it was changed to father. So, at the last minute DH had to take notes on all the right things to say. It will be fine - for most folks court is a short and easy part of the overall journey! Good luck on your trip...have fun!

[coachmom]

you r coordinator will help you with everything the judge might ask.. Just look the judge in the eye while you are talking instead of the translator. I think that helps..
I was a nervous wreck too but when it was all over, I realized that it was not as big of a deal as I thought.. But you are normal if you are nervous!
Congrats on your trip!!
hope you get at least a partial waiver! if not a full..

Coachmom

[amanda_p]

It is nerve wracking, but believe me it will be fine. In ours I was the one that spoke the most and then my husband was asked maybe two or three questions. The judge asked him our wedding date and he looked back at me because he couldnt remember! The judge started laughing!! It was quite funny. She asked me how many times we saw our daughter and if we liked her. She asked about our son that we had brought home a couple of years earlier. How he was doing with us. I think she asked how much we made, and asked who would be taking care of the child when we were at work. She asked if we were told all of the things about our daughter like Hep C antibodies....really it wasnt difficult at all. We had pictures of our meeting and some with the three of us. Take a deep breath and it will go smoothly. I agree about looking at the judge and not the translator. Once it was all over we said Thank you in Russian. I think it lasted about 25 minutes.

[orenmommy]

Best wishes to you for trip #2

[amyfk]

HI Dawn

I want to wish you best of luck in court and on your adoption! I really dont remember what we were asked. I was grilled because I have some health issues. They barely asked my dh anything at all. Nevertheless the adoption was granted.
Cant wait to hear your info. upon your return.
Amy K, NJ

[cac_li]

Dawn--
A family from a yahoo list serve just had court last week and he posted that the judge asked a lot of questions about the recession and how it affected his family. He asked how much the family had in savings, asked them how much they had left over every month after the bills, asked them what would happen if one of them lost their job, what would happen if the bank called in their mortgage ( he said that he told judge that it wouldn't happen b/c his bank was not involved in the subprime mortgage loans.) He did say to know your finances well! Good luck and I hope that helps.

[votemom]

congrats on your court date! we did 3 trips too. it wasn't as bad as i thot. i was actually really glad to be home for those 10 days to REALLY get prepped for our girls' homecoming.

[jeannecr]

Exciting! Can't wait to hear how it goes!

[angelkisses0102]

Wow so much good news on the forum today! We had one very long and difficult court session (actually over two days) and one super easy, done in 30 minutes court. The judge in DD's adoption asked about everything...and then some...it got crazy. For DD's I was told DH would do most of the talking but the judge grilled me...for DS's we both spoke.

Just answer the questions (yes while looking at the judge and not the translator) and you'll be fine.

All the best.

[mommyto4]

Best wishes in court , some have it short and sweet and others long and stressful. In the end you should be fine and court will be a distant memory. Your facilitator should prep you usually the day before court for the type of questions your judge will ask. Some judges direct all questions to the husband some have the wife answer, your facilitator should be able to let you know what your judge prefers. Prayers going out that all goes well, this is an experience of a lifetime enjoy!