- After having "been continuously in the care and possession of the applicant for at least three consecutive months", submit application for adoption order, including letters of recommendation, marriage license, medical certificates, etc. - CHECK (Adoption Case No. 19 of 2014)
- Hassle the Supreme Court secretary ;) at least once per week until you receive a court date (necessary because sometimes they don't notify you until they call and ask "why aren't you present for your meeting with the judge?") - CHECK (assigned 27 November, 9am before Justice Sey)
- Pick up the birth mother and her father (the birth-father has denied paternity) and head to the courthouse for meeting in judge's chambers. - CHECK (ended up needing some additional info, to be supplied to the court by end of business; follow-up meeting scheduled for tomorrow 9am)
- Secure local Police Clearance and write Further Sworn Statement indicating how we initially learned about Grayson, our current living arrangement, and future plans. - CHECK
- Attend follow-up meeting. - CHECK (judge agreed to issue adoption order)
- Pick up adoption order later that afternoon. - CHECK (Yesssss!!!)
- Retrieve application form for amendment (name change) to birth certificate - CHECK
- Submit application for amendment to birth certificate - CHECK (received same day service!)
- Submit application for Vanuatu passport (waiting time: 3 weeks)
- Submit application to US gov't for non-immigrant visa (had to this step in person in Papua New Guinea for Titus, but the forms are now electronic and children under 14yrs do not require an in person interview ... travel savings of approx. US$1,500!)
- During a temporary visit to the US, submit paperwork for naturalized US citizenship (eligible to submit 25 November 2016)
- Apply for US passport and Social Security card
We're getting there!
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