should I panic?

I don't think you have a lot to worry about. Few agencies are operational on the shoulders of only ONE person. I suspect that while it might cause things to pause for a bit, they'll continue on. However, in a couple of weeks or so, I'd be certain to call the agency and inquire as to the status of everything, just to ease your mind, KWIM? Sincerely, Linny

Coincidentally, we got a letter ealier this month that our SW was retiring as of yesterday. Completely unexpected! I don't know about you, but having a surprise like that really threw me and I was VERY upset. Anyway, I called the agency a few days later and spoke with the director - she assured us that our process would continue on (for all that means!) and we would not lose any time. I'm sure that is the case with you all as well. I understand though - I cried all evening at the thought of another roadblock. I'm sure that this will not have a negative affect on the process. -- Keep us posted! Ashley

He died on 12/9 and the only way I found out about it was when I did a Google search to find my adoption agency website. Does anyone else find that sort of fishy? I plan to contact them tomorrow. Maybe no news means everything is continuing "business as usual"

OK, all is good. The attorney who passed away was only the staff attorney and not the owner of the agency. They have a new attorney on staff starting today. The reason they didn't tell me is that they are all still overwhelmed and reeling over such a sudden and sad loss. He was not quite 60 & died of a brain anyurism. And honestly it didn't have too much effect on the business so it was not worth worrying me. Little did they know that I can worry myself!