Anonymous wrote:This is OP. This has nothing to do with the thread but as the topic has started.........our private adoption cost $24,000 so the $12,000 tax credit doesnt pay for all of it.

PP who adopted four times and started the tax credit issue. I hear you about it not covering all of the expenses, but it's a huge help. When I adopted the first time, MD also had a special needs adoption tax credit and it was pretty easy to qualify if you were adopting any child over the age of two.

As to applying for it, the only time I was asked for extra paperwork was 2011 tax year. I had sent everything with my taxes - any of the tax programs (H&R Block, Turbo Tax) list what you have to send, which is minimal. However, I got a letter requesting supporting documents. I resent my taxes with the supporting documents to a new address that was provided and had the refund within days. Just make sure that you only submit your qualified expenses, not all of your expenses.

For some of us, paying thousands of dollars up front is a financial sacrifice even if we eventually get paid back. In our case, the adoption funds came back to us about 15m after we paid the money. In 2010 most 2nd parent adoption claims were being rejected by the IRS. In 2011, they clarified the rules to definitely allow 2nd parent adoptions claims, but most filers were asked to provide additional paperwork. In our case that meant an additional 6m delay. (which is probably more than you ever wanted to know, but just sayin'...)

This is OP. This has nothing to do with the thread but as the topic has started.........our private adoption cost $24,000 so the $12,000 tax credit doesnt pay for all of it.

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the PPs who had a good experience in Baltimore City. That said, I don't know that it's your average Adoption Day experience. At our hearing it was about 3/4 lesbian couples, including us, and it's my understanding that that is often the case. People were happy, but it was happiness tempered with "I just spent a crapload of money adopting my own kid because of the lack of recognition of my family."

The federal tax credit is sufficient to cover the entire cost of the second parent adoption for those lesbian couples. Not saying there might not be resentment over the lack of recognition for the family, but it's not a money issue.

I'm one of the PPs who had a good experience in Baltimore City. That said, I don't know that it's your average Adoption Day experience. At our hearing it was about 3/4 lesbian couples, including us, and it's my understanding that that is often the case. People were happy, but it was happiness tempered with "I just spent a crapload of money adopting my own kid because of the lack of recognition of my family."

Just seconding the PP re the emotion of Adoption Day. It is a wonderful, wonderful experience for everyone involved. I've rarely seen anything as moving as the damp eyes and huge grins on the faces of families and staff in the courtroom on Adoption Day.

Congratulations!!!

I also had a really good experience at our adoption hearing in Baltimore City. Judge usually did criminal court and he was very sweet and made some nice (brief) opening remarks.

Op here, thanks PP you're right!

Anonymous wrote:Op here, sitting in a courtroom for a couple of hours with an 8 mo sounds like so much fun

PP here. Granted that my kids were older at the time of their adoptions, but it really is a magical day. You will be there with so many families who are experiencing one of the happiest days of their lives and you are witnessing one of the greatest protections our society can give kids -a family. No one cares if your child cries, fusses makes noise or whether you have to get up and walk around. It's not like any other court experience. The judges love adoption court.

Op here, sitting in a courtroom for a couple of hours with an 8 mo sounds like so much fun

At my daughter's Baltimore City adoption there were about 12-15 families adopting. You all sit in the courtroom and then each family goes up before the judge individually. Our part lasted 2-3 minutes, but between each family there is clapping, paper shuffling, etc.

Op here, thanks to the PP. I will plan on the whole morning then.

Everyone who is scheduled for an adoption on that date must appear at the same time in Court in the morning. Each case is called separately. Depending on how many families are adopting, it can take a couple of hours. After all of the adoptions are done, the Judge will allow you to do photos with him/her. Unless there is anything complicated, each adoption takes less than 15 minutes. I think you have to stay around to the end to get your final adoption decree. If you're trying to estimate time, I'd give it the whole morning.

We did a different county. Hearing was about 10 minutes. Judge reviews a few things, has you approve the name and finalizes. Then, you take a few pictures with the judge and leave. Its one on one and a closed hearing though you can invite friends and family. If it is child welfare, it may be a lot more people and handled differently as ours was newborn. Its quick and special. We got in very quickly but if there are other hearings there may be a wait.

Congrat's. Hope you have a great day.

We have a hearing coming up for the adoption of our daughter, Does anyone know how long it takes? is it a one on one thingwith a Judge or a group thing you all do at once?