This post is long overdue. And I have another three more to share with you but I'll get to those stories later.

Last Friday we received our dossier packet. Yesterday, we met with our dossier coordinator to review all of the documents. For those of you just starting the process, I'll give you a run down of what we'll need to complete for our dossier:

1. Application for Registration (in duplicate, each applicant) - form for Russia
2. Form (in duplicate, each applicant) - form for Russia
3. Application #1 - helps agency with referral selection (2)
4. Power of Attorney (2) - allows agency representatives to act on our behalf prior to arrival
5. I-171H (2) - official photocopies
6. Police Check aka "Good Conduct" Letter (in duplicate, each applicant) - must be on police letterhead, notarized in person, and valid for three months - we need to go visit sometime during office hours & have them send it to us (or pick up three days later)
7. Child Abuse Clearance Letter (each applicant) - we send in a form letter to get these - it takes 2-3 weeks
8. Marriage Certificates (6) - I requested these from Nevada on Tuesday. Will need to be apostilled in Nevada (State we were married)
9. Divorce Decree (2) - official photocopies for M
10. Commitment to Provide Post-Placement Visits (2) - we've already paid for the visits!
11. Commitment to Register Child at Embassy of the Russian Federation (2)
12. Certificate of Assets (2) - prepared by an accountant or tax preparer. On letterhead, notarized in person, and requires accountant to attach a photocopy of his license
13. Property Ownership Verification (2) - obtained from County Assessor's Office on letterhead
14. House Deed (2) - obtained from County Assessor's Office
15. Medical Certificates (2) - both medicals can be on same form since we use the same doctor; must be notarized in person and will be valid for three months. We are scheduled to see our doctor on 3/26.
16. Physician Letter (2) - on letterhead, signed form letter from physician stating that he is capable of assessing all areas on form; must be notarized in person.
17. Physician License (2) - official photocopies and notarized in person
18. Psychological Evaluation (2) - on letterhead, signed form letter following evaluation of both parents by a licensed psychologist; must be notarized in person
19. Psychologist License (2) - official photocopies and notarized in person
20. Employers Reference Letters (2 each) - letters need to state title, annual salary, length of employment, and that "employee is in good standing". Must be notarized in person and will be valid for six months.
21. Passport (7 each) - official photocopies
22. Recent Photos - minimum of 12 photos showing front, back and side of house; us & family members, pets (no big dogs) and each room of home. Must show three different angles of child's room and room must be furnished. If children are sharing a room, you need to show two beds.

All of these documents (if not done in person) need to be notarized. Our agency will do that for us for no charge. Then they will take them to be authenticated ($2 each document) and apostilled ($20 each document - thanks CA!) for an additional $75 courier fee.

Other hints:

• Name on all documents must be exactly the name as passport (include middle name)
• Signature must look the same as passport; sign in blue ink
• Everything needs to be spelled out (no abbreviations for CA, or Rd, or Oct)
• No white out or cross outs; all forms must be originals

If you are just starting and have any questions, please email me privately and I would be happy to answer your questions!