Another Question

Hi Amanda, May I suggest that you may be reading way too much! You are in the Philippines completing a Domestic Adoption not an InterCountry Adoption. That statement is for InterCountry Adoptions, not you. Since you like to read I will write for you. There are some InterCountry requirements for the Domestic process but they only involve clearance from the US Embassy, a criminal background check (FBI Finger printing) and Legal Capacity to Adopt. The Embassy clearance is $80. They will just do an embassy database check and then write you a letter. The FBI search is $18 plus the cost for the NBI for the finger print card unless the Embassy starts doing Fingerprinting (Then it would be $50) or you can do it on a US Military installation ($?). The DSWD can provide you with a list of US Agencies that can sign off on your home study/Child Study (Which is the Legal Capacity to Adopt). It's stupid requirement because your home/child study is in the Philippines and the coordination should really be done by ICAB but they won't do it unless the RTC orders them. Anyway by the time you need this the State Department may already have a procedure in place and you won't have to get it on your own. Or simply send me a note and I will give the name and contact information of the social worker that helped me. (There is no fee) You already have custody of the child and the DSWD is working with you and placed the child with you. Then you shouldn't worry about the legalities too much.... remember... they (DSWD) are working for the child. The courts will usually follow the recommendations of the DSWD. If you are worried about the process then talk with your social worker in the DSWD office. They will help you to understand and calm your worries. I hope they were the ones that recommended your Lawyer. In any case just make sure when your Lawyer files your petition or does any process you get the original with the received date stamped by the court. Let your Lawyer keep the copies. You can make an appointment with the consul in the US Embassy. They can guide you with the right process to follow for immigration which is what you are implying is your goal. Unless you are able to complete the adoption in less than a year, the I-600 is not best process for you because it is more costly and involves Intercountry requirements. It should take close to a year and a half to two years for you to complete and By that time you can meet the requirements for either the I-130 or simply file the I-600K which is an application for US Citizenship for children residing abroad. When you go to the US Embassy the processors will emphasize the two year custody requirements. They will make statements about the Physical Custody and may also state that the clock starts when you receive the Full and Final Decree. This is the part where all adoptions must have the 6 months trial custody period for bonding but the court will waive this part in your case. When you file your petition include the date the DSWD placed the child in your care. This will take care of the custody requirements in the form of proof from the date the DSWD gave you custody not the date of the Final. HTH, Johnny