The finalization hearing serves as the end of the formal adoption process for adoptive parents. We have been through two finalizations hearings in two different states. The hearings were very different.
Our first finalization hearing took place almost 1 year after the birth of our oldest son. Generally, the rule for Oklahoma is finalization occurs after an adopted child resides in the state for 6 months. Unfortunately for us, the judge had other plans. In our county at that time, there was a single judge who handled all adoption finalizations. She did not like agencies, it seemed she especially disliked our agency. To this day, we still do not understand her motives.
We filed our finalization paperwork immediately after completing all requirements, including the several follow up home visits Oklahoma requires. Soon after the finalization paperwork was filed with the court, the judge started making us jump through hoops. A lot of hoops. She requested additional information, she wanted an accounting submitted by the agency, she required additional documents filed that were not part of the statutes. Apparently, her requirements we above those of the State of Oklahoma. It was a six month ordeal of additional filings and hoop clearing. We finally made it! Only a couple of days before our son's first birthday it was official, he was ours forever! We celebrated his "gotcha day" and his birthday all at once. Our parents were here for the hearing and celebrated with us.
Our second finalization was much more simple and enjoyable. We were able to finalize after only 5 months due to additional paperwork signed by Rogan's birthmother. We finalized Rogan's adoption in Texas, a state with very friendly adoption laws.
The hearing for Rogan was a walk in the park. The only hiccup was our lawyer did not tell us which floor to meet on and we spent some time searching for each other. When our hearing began, the judge was excited for us. It was very informal, comfortable, and enjoyable. Again, our parents made the trip with us and were present for the hearing. The hearing lasted about 20 minutes and afterward we took pictures and we all went out to eat to celebrate.
The finalization hearing is the end to all the formality of adoption. Afterward, you feel your child is officially yours and there is no looking back. It provides a feeling of relief.
In other news...
My husband is off of work for the next several days and we're taking advantage of it. I'll be off line until late next week. We will be having too much fun with our kids no time for blogging! Enjoy your weekend.
2 comments:
Ours was like your 2nd...relaxed and fun! The judge was go very glad to be doing an adoption finalization as opposed to her usual work. And yes there was that finality that was great! Kim
Congrats! What a huge, beautiful relief it must all be.
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