I have been "Invited" to attend Court on Thursday!

Mr_Proctalgia

For my son and his wifes adoption hearing :j Can anyone tell me what to expect please - Never been in court before???

TIA

Thefunkygibbons

Adoption hearings are closed, ie no public attendance

Expect to have a clerk show the family into a court with just a judge

The judge will review the papers and probably ask the children whether they understand the process, although this will depend on age

At the end, there will probably be an opportunity for some photos with the judge

It is a very different experience than normal court

lil_me

No idea what it's like but I wish them the very best with the hearing I hope everything goes well for them

tinselfairy

When we attended court to 'officially' adopt our son we didn't even go into the court room. It was all very informal in the judge's chambers and she was just smartly dressed, not all togged up. She even let DS wear her wig for the photos.
Wishing you all a brilliant day, it's the final offical step in a very long journey.

Mr_Proctalgia

tinselfairy wrote:

When we attended court to 'officially' adopt our son we didn't even go into the court room. It was all very informal in the judge's chambers and she was just smartly dressed, not all togged up. She even let DS wear her wig for the photos.
Wishing you all a brilliant day, it's the final offical step in a very long journey.

Tell me about it! So far almost 2 years, books, courses, interviews, travel, a harrowing meet with the birthmother, social workers etc etc. I am just happy that they left my mother out of it! However she is well worth it, and my kids are so happy too.. Thanks for the information.

tinselfairy

We're gearing up to do it all again so it'll be more social worker visits and harrowing times ahead. But it's so worth it.

fsdss

i have been to court on a number of adoption hearings. it is a very pleasant affair and nothing to be worried about. every one that i've attended the judge has had an 'informal chat' with the family and lets the children wear the wigs. i've seen children twiseling the judges chair with the judge spinning them around and i've also seen a judge sing "twinkle twinkle" and "old macdonald had a farm" to the children. they often speak to older children and ask them how they like their new mummy and daddy and on every occasion i have seen a child been presented with a home made certificate signed by the judge.

nothing to worry about, in fact its a really nice occasion.

Mr_Proctalgia

Thats set my mind at rest - Just got to get my suit polished and shoes ironed and I'll be ready for anything!

LondonDiva

:TCongratulations & don't forget the camera!:T