Court!

Korea's adoption process is, legally speaking, a lot different from China's. With Nedy's adoption, she was legally adopted by us in China and we became her legal parents right from the get-go. She came to the U.S. on a visa type (IR3, if you care of such details) that made her an automatic citizen upon entry. With Kam's adoption, because of Korea's process, we technically became his foster parents when he was placed with us. He came to the U.S. on a visa type (IR4) that granted him permanent residency status in the U.S., but not automatic citizenship. (Kam has a Green Card, in case you're wondering.)

While we readopted Ned in our court system for the purposes of obtaining a local certification of her birth in China, we did not legally have to do that. We were already her parents with full parental rights. This was not the case with Kam. After completion of three post placement procedures with our social worker over a 6 month period, we were eligible to file with Children's Court to legally adopt him. Our court date was scheduled for December 13, 2011.

The court appointment was short and sweet. The judge heard our social worker Gale's remarks on us, reviewed our paperwork, asked a few clarifying questions, gave a few thoughtful remarks on families, and signed and sealed the Order of Adoption. Needless to say, December 13 was an important day for our family. Kam became our son in the eyes of the law. (Of course, in our eyes, Kam was ours the moment we took placement of him, but that doesn't mean that having the law on our side isn't a welcome event.) Kam's name was legally changed to that which we chose for him, including keeping his full birth name as his middle name.

Kam's thoughts on his big day? He was mostly bored, intrigued momentarily by the big bailiff and the ankle shackles under the table... The court did give him a Brio train to celebrate, and he thought that was pretty cool. And he really enjoyed his celebratory lunch out, too. :)

We love you, Kamronbear! While December 13, 2011 is just a legal thing in our minds, it was a milestone day of celebrating you and how lucky we are to be your family.


Up next? After we receive Kam's local certification of birth facts, we then file for citizenship on his behalf. As I understand it, the processing of the request can take 6 months, but is relatively straight-forward. And then? Officially done. I like officially done. Officially done is a good thing. :)