Bulgarian Adoption Story
Charlotte Mom Finishes Bulgarian Adoption in 18 months!
One of our moms completed her adoption in just 18 months.
If you are open to adopting a waiting child, you could qualify for the expedited procedures allowed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice.
Lori’s Adoption – 18 Months
| Finish Home Study | 10 Months |
| Schedule First Trip | 2 Months Notice |
| Final Trip | 6 Months Later |
| Total Time: | 18 Months |
See Other Parents' Timelines
We have a few other families who are happy to share their stories and their timelines. To see how long it took them to adopt, please see:
A Closer Look at Lori’s Timeline
Step 1: Paperwork Ready!
Lori completed finished her home study and got her CIS approval in about 10 months. (If you are a US citizen living abroad, the home study is a bit different. You can read about that process here)
Step 2: Meeting Her Son!
Lori adopted a waiting child, so after getting her CIS approval, we turned in her dossier to the Bulgarian Ministry of Justice who accepted her application and invited her to go meet her son! Lori had about 2 months notice as to when she would go to Bulgaria to meet her son. See the video below from her first trip! First trips are usually 5 – 7 days long.
Step 3: In Between Trips!
WIth the Bulgarian legal proceedings, once you meet your child and agree to adopt them, the case has to go through the Bulgarian court system. This process usually takes about 3 to 6 months.
Step 4: Picking Her Son Up!
The second trip to Bulgaria usually takes about 9 or 10 days. We love watching our parents leave the orphanage with their kids! To Christ Jesus be the glory for each child saved through adoption! Watch Lori leave the orphanage with her 3 year old son! To learn more about Lori’s steps, please see them explained here. To understand when costs become due with the process, please see it explained here.
Lori Shares Her Thoughts on Orphanages
Because we know that parents are sometimes are concerned with the care children receive in orphanages, we sometimes ask our parents to share their thoughts on their experience. If you’d like to see another interview, like Lori’s above, we invite you to see Jessica’s Interview from 2019 and Christian and Cassie’s Interview from 2021.
Understanding The Cost
With our agency, which we believe is unique, the cost of the adoption becomes due on your own timetable, not ours. We call this a “floating fee structure”.
We also offer 37 month financing which lets you make a fixed monthly payment for 37 months. Some of our parents love this option because it lets them spend less money before they can qualify for grants.
Getting the adoption tax credit also helps parents with the cost of international adoption.
Post Adoption
Bulgaria requires post adoption reports every 6 months for 2 years. During a post adoption report, preferably the same social worker who helped you with your home study will visit you and see how the child is doing and how you’re bonding as a family.
Post Adoption – 6 Months:
The report was a good one! The social worker notes that he is “showing a strong connection to his mom and brother”. The post adoption report says that he is “adjusting to his new environment very well”. He loves to be held and wants to be near his mom and his brother. He explores his environment some and sweeks out his mom when uncertain or uncomfortable. He is able to comprehend most of what is said to him. He has learned too many English words to count and is able to put together four word sentences. The social workers says that Lori has done a great job providing all the resources needed for him to be successful!
Post Adoption – 12 Months:
A wonderful report! Without disclosing too much info about this family, we’d like to say that part of the post adoption report addresses how the child is doig medically. In this case, the doctor caring for the child has said that the diagnosis which was suspected for him while in the orphanage is not correct. That is wonderful news! The social worker says that he is adjusting well! He has quickly attached to Lori and adores his big brother. He has become very verbal and active, reaching out and initiating hugs or attention. He prefers his mom over any one else. The family is loving and they are adjusting well to the additional family member. Lori is very commited to providing the best for her children!
Succes Stories
Learning about the process by seeing how different families went through each step can be a good learning experience for future adoptive parents. We’ve shared several stories, each with real timelines, and steps, as they happened in real life to real families.
Christian and Sandra's Story
Finished adoption in 27 months.
Monica and Manny's Story
Finished adoption in 25 months
Jeremy and Jessica's Story
Finished adoption in 20 months
Stacy and Sam's Story
Finished adoption in 18.5 months
Lori's Story
Finished adoption in 18 Months
Ana' Story
Finished adoption in 20 months.
Paul and April's Story
Finished adoption in 28 months
Mike and Megan's Story
Finished adoption in 30 months
Daniel and Alexandra's Story
Finished adoption in 36 months
Continue Your Research
We are humbled to have over 21 years of experience with Bulgarian, Polish and Serbian international adoption. We also help parents adopt children with special needs such as Down Syndrome. Continue to learn about the process and your options by checking the links below. If you have any questions, we offer a FREE, No-Obligation Consult. The consult is a great place to start your research.
Text us or call us with any questions. 704 527 7673.
Learn More About Home Study Process
When Should I Start The Home Study?
Difference Between Home Study and Adoption Agency?
Why Do I Need an Accredited Agency?
