US Immigration from Ukraine

We're on the precipice of getting our K-1 visa and being able to move to the United States. This has finally given me some mental space to start considering the logistics of life back in the US, including the fact that I will be a step-parent after our marriage.

My would-be stepdaughter is 4 years old. Her father is alive and well, has some interest in the child, and has given us his blessing to move to the US (including giving us formal permission to leave their native country, which is required when the child is leaving the country with one parent).

My question is, how does it work in the States (Virginia specifically, but we'll be moving elsewhere most likely)? Let's say my fiance is incapacitated. Does a social worker come for my step-daughter? Does my fiance have to be at every one of her doctor's appointments?

In terms of getting some rights to the child, what are my options (assuming the father agrees)? I'd be willing to adopt, but I'm sure it's not something that's tenable, at least not yet. I know legal guardianship exists, but based on what I'm reading, it's only for those cases where both natural parents rescind their parental rights. Is there something that would work for my situation? Something that would give me some authority over the child's well being, and in cases of emergency, prevent her from just simply being taken from me just because it's hospital protocol or something.

And if there is something (and this is the part that is immigration related), how do we go about proving the father's permission? Do we get a notarized statement with an apostille?

Hopefully, these weren't stupid questions. Internet searches haven't given me a lot of answers, so I'm thinking, people around here may have some experience in this area.

We are waiting for an embassy interview (Kiev) for my Fiancee and she believes I have to provide all original bank statements, W2, tax return, etc. My attorney says only a tax return. Well, I did my taxes online, not with a local CPA. Am I supposed to get Turbotax to send me a signed notarized original? My attorney hasn't answered this question. My fiancee thinks he's incompetent and believes I need to provide a laundry list of documents for proof I can support her, and they can't be copies, which is really impossible. What's the correct answer? I don't want all my financial business out there. Should I hire another attorney to make sure it's right or does anyone here know the real answer? If 90 day fiance show is any indication, it can't be rocket science to figure this out.

My wife is a citizen since last year and it has been a long process, Feb. 2016, since filing the I-130 for her daughter. So filling out the financials and my wife does not work so I am a family member co-sponsor.

Working on her I-864 and not sure what to put for Part 6 13.a, 13.b, & 13.c since we file our taxes as married filing jointly but all the income is mine.

So do I just put zero in all the spaces since I did mark Part 1 1.e "one of two sponsors" and Part 6 6.a, 6.b, & 6.c where I showed my income?

along with her I-864 I am also submitting I-864a for me as co-sponsor.

I have 3 NVC cases. One for my wife. And one for each of her children of 6 and 9. From my understanding on page 2 part 3 if the I-864 I will not check I am sponsoring the following family members and I will not fill in family member information because they have separate visa petitions. So then does that mean I should file the I-864EZ for all three? I am the petitioner and I am using my own income.

Its been awhile since I last stopped in, TBH I've been in a real funk being apart from my bride.

The GOOD NEWS:

I finally got into the Interview scheduler and we have a date set for Apr 29 in Kyiv. Major load off my heart there.

I already registered for PP delivery (its on our Dash Board at least).

I'm trying find whether or not I need to schedule the Med Exam tho or is just walk in?

I'll keep digging, but if anyone chimes in, I'd be much obliged.

Stay safe out there,

Tim