Readoption

Today was our re-adoption of Andrei in the state of Wisconsin. His adoption was completely valid in this state, but the readoption will make it easier for him in the future. Previously he only had his Russian birth certificate. It was in Russian, and the translation looks like something I could have easily made on my computer. (We did have it formally translated and notarized, though) Some states don't recognize these birth certificates because they are easy to forge. Also, if he needs another copy of his birth certificate later in life (marriage or whatever), he would have had to write to Russia to obtain it. Not very easy.

So we hired an attourney and went to court today. Six months to the day of our last court date. I swore in first, and the attorney asked me if we went to Russia and adopted Andrei, and if we had our homestudy, and if we thought it was in Andrei's best interest that we adopt him. Then he asked me if I understood that this meant that I had all the same rights and responsibilites as a natural parent. Yes to all. :) Then he asked Brent all the same questions and then we were done.

It took 10 minutes - quite different from the 6 hour long interview in Russia.

Now he will have a Wisconsin birth certificate that says he is a foreign born American citizen.