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The forum has a new look and the Fairfax Team is so excited to create the best experience for our users.
To Note:
Private Donor Groups and Private Sibling Connection Groups are now located under the category "Groups". Search the donor number in the search box and you should find exactly what you're looking for!
Questions about your forum access? Email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com
Follow these steps to join a private donor group:
1) Press "Join" at the right of the group
2) Once prompted to confirm your request please list this information so we can verify your information:
Name (under which the vial was purchased)
Clinic Name
Donor number
Child Date of Birth
*If you are looking to start a private group for a PRS donor please email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com with the above information and that you are looking for a PRS group*
If you have any questions about the verification process please email forum@fairfaxcryobank.com
Home Study - Pennsylvania and beyond
jenniferuc23
Junior Member Junior Member
I am in the middle of adopting the child my partner had six months ago. We have no reason to believe the adoption will not go through, however we are fighting the common practice of needing to have a home study prior. Due to the fact that PA does not recognize marriage between same sex couples we are unable to legally go forward with a "Step Parent" adoption - which does not require a home study. The thinking behind this is that there is a biological parent involved and therefore no study needs to happen.
With the exception of the marriage component this is the same thing but b/c there is no law that states same sex couples with a biological parent are absolved from the home study we may have to have one anyway. I find this completely unfair and ridiculous. Our attorney is going about it as if we should not need a home study and I ask any Pennsylvania residents out there who have gone through a similar adoption - were you able to adopt your partner's child without a home study? If you were please let me know - it would be quite useful for both my attorney and the judge deciding this "exception."
Thank you,
Jennifer
With the exception of the marriage component this is the same thing but b/c there is no law that states same sex couples with a biological parent are absolved from the home study we may have to have one anyway. I find this completely unfair and ridiculous. Our attorney is going about it as if we should not need a home study and I ask any Pennsylvania residents out there who have gone through a similar adoption - were you able to adopt your partner's child without a home study? If you were please let me know - it would be quite useful for both my attorney and the judge deciding this "exception."
Thank you,
Jennifer
Comments
Our little one was delivered by my partner a month ago today. (woo hoo!) We're getting ready to do the second parent adoption with me, and my lawyer (who has handled many of these - she is gay and so has many of us as clients) says there's no way around it. Because PA affirmatively disavows the possibility of same sex marriage recognition, we're out of luck. I'm not happy about the home visit, but my lawyer has cultivated a relationship with a woman who does home visits for folks in our situation often ... and who understands.
We're in southeastern PA, so if you're in the general vicinity, I can give you the reference to my lawyer, if that would help.
-christy
We're slowly going about this process as well and were advised the same. There is no loophole around the home study process.
Best of luck to both of you!
Tammy
Mom of 19 month old twins
There is nothing in the law that states a home study must be done - it seems it is up to the judge's discretion. If people are being told there is "no way around it" I guess my case proves there is. I feel this is great progress and encourage all to use this information to their advantage, if appropriate.
Good luck,
Jennifer
My experience will hopefully help you out.
My partner gave birth to our daughter. We have an amazing attorney who handles many same sex adoptions. We live in Bucks County, and were told that the home studies are related to the county that you give birth in. Because of this, we chose to give birth in Philadelphia because Philly does not require any home studies. Bucks County requires 3 and Montgomery County requires 2. So, here we are only 10 minutes from Doylestown Hospital and we had to go all the way to Philly to give birth. Even though she gave birth to her, my wife and I both had to legally adopt her. That being said, in Phlly the birthday certificates say Parent 1 and Parent 2 with both of our names. In fact, my name is listed first.
I hope this helps.