The whole experience was very different from what we expected it would be. Our appointment was scheduled for 9:00 am but since things are very relaxed in Svaliava, it turned out to be about 9:30 am until all the required officials arrived. Max, (our translator) actually had to leave the courthouse and walk a short distance across town to remind one of the local offcials about the hearing...apparently he forgot. :)
We never stepped foot in an actual courtroom, everything took place around a small table in the judge's office. The judge confirmed our names/address/date & place of birth/employment, etc., asked us why we wanted to adopt and granted the approval. Max, was right there translating the judges questions & our responses. The whole hearing was fairly informal & took only about 5 minutes. Max said it was the quickest hearing he's ever experienced!
Tomorrow will be the first day of of our mandatory 10 day waiting period. The purpose of the waiting period is for appeals. If anyone is not in agreement with our adoption of Avery they have 10 days to file an appeal of the court's decision. After the 10 days is over, as long as no one has appealed, we will be able to begin the process for revising his birth record to list us as his parents, as well as work at getting a passport & visa issued for him.
