FAQs About Adoption from Guatemala

1. Are there age requirements or length of marriage requirements for adoptive couples applying to Guatemala?
No, Guatemala does not require married couples to be married for any minimum length of time nor are there age restrictions to the program.

2. Are single individuals allowed to adopt from Guatemala?
Yes, single individuals are currently allowed to adopt from Guatemala on a case by case basis.

3. What type of children are available?
Children are available of either gender at birth until 16 years of age. Most newborns are age 6-12 months at the time of finalization. The children are generally healthy and have been provided care via foster homes arranged through the attorneys.

4. What do you mean by foster homes?
Once a child is available for adoption, attorneys in Guatemala are notified. We currently work with a wonderful attorney who has an impeccable reputation in Guatemala and with the Guatemalan court system. One of these attorneys will place the child in a structured, safe and loving foster care home. The child will remain in this foster home with constant care and attention until you arrive in Guatemala to finalize your adoption.

5. Are we able to adopt two children at once?
Yes, you are able to adopt two children at once, however the attorney's charge $20,000 per child and do not offer financial incentives when adopting two or more children.

6. What medical care do the children receive?
Once a child is matched for adoption, the attorney in Guatemala will arrange a DNA test (as required by Guatemalan law) to match the child with the birth mother signing the consent for adoption. The DNA test must match before the case can proceed further in the court system. All medical care is provided by three USCIS (formerly INS) approved physicians. Children are given a thorough medical exam monthly and reports are then filed on each child.

7. What travel is required?
One trip to Guatemala is required. Your adoption will already be finalized in the Guatemalan courts before you arrive. You will be required to apply for your child's Visa at the Embassy before leaving Guatemala. ABC has a representative in Guatemala who will assist you from meeting your child for the first time, navigating the city, to your one appearance at the Embassy. Your required length of stay is less than one week. Families also have the option of taking a trip during their adoption process to meet and spend time with their child.

8. Does ABC have any specific requirements?
Please refer to Requirements for Adoption from Guatemala.

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