Why are Guatemalan adoptions closed?

In January 2008, intercountry adoption closed in Guatemala. It came after mounting international pressure pushed the country to become party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, an international agreement to safeguard intercountry adoptions.

Can you adopt a child from 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.

When did adoptions stop in Guatemala?

Money was the key to international adoption in Guatemala. The country closed to international adoption on January 1, 2008, so that its system could be reformed.

Will Guatemala open adoptions again?

Guatemala has currently suspended the adoption process in order to create a Central Authority to process adoptions, which will make Guatemala Hague Compliant. Once the Central Authority has been created and the new process identified, Guatemalan Adoptions are expected to continue under the new process.

How long does it take to adopt from Guatemala?

Typically it takes families and individuals between 7-12 months to complete the international adoption process in Guatemala, but the timeline varies from adoption to adoption.

How can I adopt a child from Guatemala?

National Requirements

1. You must be a U.S. Citizen.
2. If you are unmarried, you must be at least 25 years old.
3. If you are married, you must jointly adopt the child (even if you are separated but not divorced), and your spouse must also be either a U.S. citizen or in legal status in the United States.

How much does it cost to adopt a baby from Guatemala?

The average cost to adopt a child from Guatemala is between $25,000 and $38,000.

How many children were adopted from Guatemala?

Over 30,000 children in Guatemala were adopted internationally decades ago but some have learned they were taken away from their birth families.

How long is the adoption process in Guatemala?

between 7-12 months
Typically it takes families and individuals between 7-12 months to complete the international adoption process in Guatemala, but the timeline varies from adoption to adoption.