Adoption from Guatemala

This overview provides you with a general outline of the adoption process in Guatemala and the four steps for adopting in most foreign countries, including Guatemala.

Guatemala allows both single individuals and couples over the age of 25 to adopt. Persons with previous divorces are permitted and welcome to adopt as are persons who already have a child or children in their home. There are also no upper age restrictions to adopt from Guatemala.

The time will vary from as short as 4 months to as long as 18 months.  In Guatemala the waiting time for a young male child is usually less than for that of a young female.

There are approximately four major steps for completing an adoption in most foreign countries, including Guatemala.

The exact sequence of events in an adoption involving a relinquishment may vary from case to case.  However, this link should give you the general idea of how the adoption process proceeds.

Generally, regarding the time for referral, boys are often referred more quickly, while there can be a longer wait for little girls. Most children are adopted at approximately 5-12 months of age.

Families can adopt more than one child at a time from Guatemala, but unless the children are siblings it can be a very difficult process to coordinate.

Adopting families have the opportunity to travel multiple times to Guatemala during their adoption process. Once a family has accepted a referral, and prior to the adoption being finalized, the adopting family is permitted to travel to Guatemala to see the child whose referral they have accepted.

Estimated cost will range from approximately $25,000 to $38,000. Your total expenses will include your registration, application, and Home Study fees.

Other information for Guatemalan adoptions provides several resources and miscellaneous information about a Guatemala adoption.

Support groups for Guatemalan adoptions are available to all adoption families.  This can be a wonderful resource for you and your child.