Passport Problems, any ideas!!!???

September 27, 2005

Hi everyone, we have a problem. Our finalization won't be complete till mid-December on our eight month old baby, Inigo. I was trying to travel to Toronto with him next week, and have run into problems getting a passport for him. Presently we have his original birth certificate, it bears his birth mothers last name. She has gone off the radar, so I cannot get her to sign a release.. Apparently this is necessary.

I don't understand the whole thing, as she already signed away parental rights when he was born/placed with us. Anyone have any ideas, practical adice, have already faced this problem? I would appreciate all advice.

Poulla

Lynn226

September 27, 2005

I don't have any advice. I just want to make sure that you have access to the State Department website concerning passports. Perhaps you've been there already.

[url]http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html[/url]

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clshepherd

September 28, 2005

We adopted through an agency and when bmom signed TPR - it actually placed custody with the agency. The agency in turn placed the child with us and provided medical and travel releases that allowed us continue with life as usual.

With that said, we didn't have to attempt a cross into Canada -but this might be an option if adopting through an agency.

Good luck.

blessedbybug

September 29, 2005

I don't think I will be of much help. We live in Canada but I am from the States and we were unable to obtain a passport for our DD until after we finalized and had the birth certificate bearing our names as parents. We did not attempt to travel with just the birth certificate and adoption order.

Have you contacted your agency for some guidance?? As another poster mentioned, your agency may be able to help with the release to travel.

Also, are you travelling from the States to Toronto? If so, you MAY not need a passport. That rule regarding passport requirements (although it is recommended) between the US and Canada is not in effect yet. If you have the birth certificate and your adoption order that gives you custody, signed by your child's first mother (and if you are not traveling with your spouse, you will need a signed letter stating you can travel) that may be what you need. I would inquire regarding this option.

HTH and hope you get to travel...

poullafouca

October 8, 2005

Thanks everyone, I abandoned the idea. I contacted Government and Private passport offices, and it seemed that it would be fraught with difficulty. His birth mother did rear her head but it was too late. No biggie, I'll wait till we finalize, it's in December, so not too long now... and then COSTA RICA FOR NEW YEAR!!! WOO HOOO!!!

Also I found out that we could have travelled with his birth certificate, but as it has his birth name on we needed bith Mummy as a signatory...

Never mind.

Thanks for all your thoughts.

Poulla