Court

We were very nervous about court. We had heard from several other families and even from our agency that the prosecutors office in Tomsk had a political agenda to make international adoptions difficult and the specific prosecutor we would be seeing was very, very difficult. She had challenged adoptions the judge approved, blocked others and in general put prospective parents through the wringer even when she ended up supporting the adoption at the conclusion of the process.

So we were surprised – astonished might be a better word - when our court proceedings went smoothly. We were in the court for a total of two hours. (I have heard of some cases taking whole days or more) The judge introduced everyone in the room, explained what the process would be and then read our petition for adoption. She asked us if we still supported that petition and we said yes. We then had to make a speech – covering why we decided to adopt – why from Russia and why this child in particular. We told the court what preparations we had made for him, that we were aware of his medical condition, and asked formally that we be allowed to adopt, to change his name and to have our names added to his birth certificate.

Then the judge and prosecutor were to ask us questions. Their questioning was very minimal – how stable were our respective companies? What were our plans for child care for the little man? Did we attend church and would he? The questioning was very short and very minimal. We were pleased but also confused that it did not take longer or seem very rough at all.

Then the representative from the baby home and the state guardianship authority both testified that our little guy had no family in Russia that could care for him, that he had been offered for placement with three different Russian families that had declined him and that it was their opinion that we had formed a healthy bond with him during our visits and it was in his best interest to be placed with us.

This is when it is the procecutor’s turn to take over – she can re open questioning of us and is usually when she begins to make all sorts of objections. In our case she stood up and said she hand no further questions, she agreed with the state representatives and supported our petition to adopt. That was it.

The judge too a 10 minute recess and when she came back she granted our adoption. I was so overwrought waiting for there to be trouble that I had a hard time taking it in. And of course I cried. The prosecutor actually came over to congratulate us and shake our hands. Our agency reps said this is the first time in 8 years they have seen that happen. God was surely looking out for us and for our little guy. Thank you to every one that has been sending prayers our way!! We are parents! Woo Hooo!!

Signing off now to go see the little man again!