Well, we got exciting news that the paternity hearing was for today for Sadie and the birthfather's rights were terminated today!
Many of you don't know how this works...here's a quick rundown of domestic adoption.
Parental rights for both birthmom and birthfather have to be either terminated or relinquished.
Once this happens, our agency then monitors us for 6 months until it is determined that the child is in a safe environment and doing well. So really, right now we are kind of like foster parents in that we don't have full custody of her, the agency does. (Correct me Deaconess girls if any of you are reading this).
At this point the birthparents cannot "change their mind". I can't tell you how many people worry about this for us. As long as we don't flunk this next 6 months, she will officially become a Shockley sometime early next year!!! So, Tuesday we have our first post-placement visit at our agency (one of 3 to be done before we are released to adopt her).
Thank you for all of your prayers for today and for our sweet children!
8 comments:
After three kids, I have to say you have this down pat. I wish so many people weren't skeptical about domestic adoption. The same "problems" that occur in domestic adoptions, can also occur in "international" adoptions. And to be quite frank, it is generally due to shoddy legal work than anything else. Molly is correct....the birthparents cannot "change their minds" at this point. Just a little plug for these domestic babies!
that is great molly...i am sure you will pass with flying colors.
YIPPY!! What a relief. Um, pretty sure you won't flunk the next few months. HA
WOOHOO!! We have a termination trial on 11/3 for our bio dad...bio mom was terminated in July. We have been trying since last January to get him terminated but his atty won't get him to court! (He is in prison!) SO much different than domestic adoption! I am pretty sure you don't have anything to worry about, but I also know the relief of not having anyone looking over your shoulder as you "mommy" your kids!
I remember people not "getting it" and asking us all the time if Ty's bm could change her mind even long after termination, and they found it even more odd that we spoke highly of her and wanted her to be a part of our lives!! I always felt peace about each step of the process! Congrats again on your beautiful Sadie, what a gift!!
Sadie's toes looks SO long in that picture. so funny! we would love to get together again . . . at your convenience. i know your days are a little more eventful than mine. :)
I'm getting a little worried since you haven't updated all week! I hope everything is ok. Look forward to seeing your family tomorrow evening and holding that sweet little Sadie...I may have to steal a kiss or two....
so after birth mom and b-dad sign they cant change there minds YET its still not official for 6 months?
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