Today I Purchased a file folder to organize documents.
This is the first step in our dossier preparation.
We started scheduling medical exams for each other. Had to have necessary medical forms for both homestudy and dossier. We also began obtaining personal referrences for social worker we need at least six character referrences from family and friends. Gary and I both decide own our neighbors that live next to us, two dear close friends, three family members and two friends from our work.
I begin printing all necessary documnents early for dossier and making letter head for notary seals. Trying to have everything ready and in order for dossier and checking each document off my list as I obtain them.
Between paperwork, medical exams, notary visits, we are working on completing all necessary classes for adopting in a Hague Country. Adopting a child in Bulgaria you are require to complete 12 hours of educational training. These classe you are able to complete online. Each class through our agencyis set under a Hague guideline. Each two hour class consist a variety of adoption education followed by an exam.
A certificate is given upon completion and is necessary to adopt through a Hague Country.
Wednesday I will request additional notarize copies of marriage license to appostille. Since we were married in Arkansas we have to obtain a certified copy from their Court House and then send to the State for the appostille.
All documents are good for only 6 months so it is important that they do not expire within the 6 month period.
Marriage licenses are good for one year.
Immigration approval is valid for 12 months of approval date.
Fingerprints are valid for 18 months of print clearance.
Child abuse clearances and FBI clearances were mailed and waiting for approval with our social worker. We should receive clearances within 4 to 6 weeks. And then go to local State Police for local criminal clearances.
Hoping to have homestudy complete by first week of May. Once complete we are able to apply for our I800A (Immigration Approval). We should receive approval by Mid June and submit dossier by first week of July. Dossier will be translated and submitted to MOJ for review.
We should receive a decision within two months of acceptance.
First trip hoping by September or mid August.
During our first trip we will be able to visit daily and at this point make final decision on adoption.
Shortly after our first trip we file paperwork for adoption of our child and wait for our court hearing. This will take place in about two to 3 months. We do not have to be present for court hearing, our attorney Toni will represent us in court. During court hearing the judge willmake the decision whether we will be premitted to adopt our daughter.
Shortly after court we will receive a decision. Once we are approved we file the I800stating the child we have adopted and return to Bulgaria.
Once in Bulgaria we have our child medical exam, apply for Passport, Visa to enter the United States.
Lilypie Waiting to Adopt tickers
