[crathke]

Kim,

Come over to the Guatemala board on this forum--you'll meet all kinds of wonderful people in various stages of the process of adopting from Guat--I've been amazed at how helpful and supportive everyone is. (and modest, too!)

Short answers to your questions, (all of which are my opinion only)

Agency vs attorney? In Guat, both is best--your agency here in the states will work with attorneys in Guatemala.

Cost? Depends--but roughly $20-25K including travel expenses is a reasonable estimate.

Length of wait? Also depends--do you want a newborn? Gender specific? Some people fly through and some take a little longer. Again, on the Guatemala board you'll hear all different stories.

Travel? Only once, to pick up your child, and them only for 3-4 days. I have heard that escorting your child is possible but right now those of us who follow the Guatemala board are helping/supporting a family through an escorted adoption that Isn't going well. (the thread is titled "Visa Disaster" if you want to look it up)

How do you start International Documents Process? Most any agency's website will give you a list of things you'll need, and once you get farther along the process, the agency will give you more specifics.

We are Domestic ready, etc?--that one's stumping me. I'd check with an agency, myself. I would imagine that there will be very little "different" that you'll need to do.

Best wishes to you and I hope to see you on the Guatemala board!