Haiti Adoption News and Notes

Last month Ruth Claiborne of Claiborne & Surmay, P.C. finalized the adoption of two children from Haiti, brought to the United States on humanitarian parole. A limited number of Haitian orphans whose adoptions were already in process were allowed into the United States soon after the devastating earthquake in January. This is different from typical Haitian adoptions, where the adoption is finalized in Haiti and then domesticated in the United States. Haiti is still currently closed to new adoptions, although they are continuing to process adoptions initiated prior to the earthquake.

In related news, the Help Haiti Act of 2010 as well as the Lofgren bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 20, 2010. The Help Haiti Act, also known as as the Fortenberry Act, aims to give Haitian children who came here through humanitarian parole the same status as children who come through IR-4 visas. The Lofgren bill will change the age limit of the child from 16 years old to 18 years old for purposes of immigration.

RESOLVE Family Building Conference

On May 1, 2010, partner Ruth Claiborne, associate attorney Amy Wallas and senior paralegal Toni Treadway participated in RESOLVE's 1st Annual Family Building Conference, held in Atlanta at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

Ruth spoke to attendees about surrogacy. Her presentation included information about screening and finding gestational carriers, the importance of having a surrogacy consultation with an experienced attorney, the Gestational Agreement, the pitfalls of traditional surrogacy and court orders and hospital protocols.

Amy spoke about grassroots adoption, including finding a birth mother through networking, how to create a great profile and the pitfalls of relying on the Internet and virtual agencies.

Toni staffed the Claiborne & Surmay table, fielding questions from attendees about the firm's family building services. The event was a huge success and several lucky winners went home with valuable prizes such as IVF treatments.

Ruth Claiborne Speaks in New Orleans at ABA Family Law Section

Ruth Claiborne was a featured speaker at the ABA Family Law Section 2010 Spring CLE conference in New Orleans. Her talk focused on surrogacy and she participated in a debate about assisted reproductive technologies.

Ruth Claiborne and Lori Surmay Join AAARTA

Both partners of Claiborne & Surmay, PC have become fellows in the American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys (AARTA). AAARTA is a professional organization dedicated to best practices in the area of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). To become a fellow, candidates must submit a lengthy application, proving competence in this unique law practice area. Invitations for membership are only extended after a thorough investigation of the candidate and approval by the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA) Board of Trustees. Ruth and Lori are also both fellows in AAAA.

Congratulations Ruth and Lori!