[TXTennis]

I've seen 2 agencies advertising new programs in Nicaragua - although some older information shows that you have to be a permanent resident of Nica to adopt.

Does anybody know before I start chasing my tail???

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by TXTennis

I've seen 2 agencies advertising new programs in Nicaragua - although some older information shows that you have to be a permanent resident of Nica to adopt.

Does anybody know before I start chasing my tail???

No, I don't believe you have to be a permanent resident. There are a couple members here (dawnrenee58 specifically) who have successfully adopted from there. I do know that they require a long in country time of fostering. You also don't need an agency, independent adoptions can be done. I've also heard that things have slowed down with Ortega as president.

Hopefully Dawn will see your post as she could answer much better than I can.

[KMtexas]

You do not have to be a resident to adopt from Nicaragua - but the process is undergoing changes and can be EXTREMELY long. There is a required in country preiod that was about 8 to 12 weeks; due to slow downs and such this has not been the case lately. I have been in Nicargua with our son since August 1st. Our case is now fully approved and we are leaving next week - but it took six months and we had no unusual issues or problems with our case. I do not know if this will be the norm for the future, but I know there are others in the same situation as we are in now.
You do not need an agency to adopt from Nicaragua, but a good lawyer here who knows the system is a must.
I would suggest finding out as much as possible about the current policies (they have changed in the time we have been here) before going too far.

But as long as it has taken and as hard as it is - I would not trade it for the world because now we have our son and he is worth all of this and so much more.

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by KMtexas

I have been in Nicargua with our son since August 1st. Our case is now fully approved and we are leaving next week - but it took six months and we had no unusual issues or problems with our case. I do not know if this will be the norm for the future, but I know there are others in the same situation as we are in now.

My goodness that is an unbelievably long time. Glad you'll be home soon!!!

[Elizabeth101]

How would one go about finding a good lawyer in Nic, and are young children available? Thanks, Elizabeth

[journeytolily]

I just got information today from an agency on their Nicaragua program. I haven't called with my questions yet, but their info says that infants are available. It seems that there are 2 trips required, one at referral for a few days, then later on, for about 2 weeks.

The costs are very reasonable, for IA. But it's a scary thought, signing up for a "new" program. This agency also has a program in Jamaica, even more affordable. What is it they say?? If it seems too good to be true, it probably is??

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by journeytolily

I just got information today from an agency on their Nicaragua program. I haven't called with my questions yet, but their info says that infants are available. It seems that there are 2 trips required, one at referral for a few days, then later on, for about 2 weeks.

The costs are very reasonable, for IA. But it's a scary thought, signing up for a "new" program. This agency also has a program in Jamaica, even more affordable. What is it they say?? If it seems too good to be true, it probably is??

Are they not requiring PAP's to stay and foster their child in Nica? I know that was a requirement before and I'd be pretty surprised if that had changed.

[journeytolily]

No, according to this agency, Nicaragua has a new adoption system, and the travel requirements are now - 3 to 4 days at referral, then approx 2 weeks when you go to pick up your child. I will be calling them to ask more questions.

If this is actually true, it would be a great option for us. We'll see!

[sak9645]

Let me suggest that you contact the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua, to verify that the country's adoption laws have changed and that the agency in question has approval to adopt from the country.

At this time, the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua and the U.S. State Department websites are still showing the old rules. It is not unusual for such websites to be behind the times, so this doesn't necessarily mean anything. Calling or emailing the Embassy should help you determine whether there are, indeed, new rules, and whether the agency is giving you good information.

Sharon

[journeytolily]

Thanks, Sharon, for the suggestion. I was wondering how I could find out if what the agency is telling me is correct.

[dawnrenee58]

Ok, here is my BIG advice when dealing with Nica. DO NOT BELIEVE A WORD YOU HEAR!! Ours was successful, but our 3 week pickup trip ended up being 3 months! Also, you don't really need an agency. A lawyer in Nica would be more than enough. What kind of fees was the agency quoting? I know with my adoption, before fostering we spent about $15,000 and that was without an agency. After fostering it was more like $22,000. E-mail me and I will see if I can answer any other questions.

[journeytolily]

The fees are reasonable - $9500 for agency, foreign fee, application, translation, etc. They claim that with additional costs of travel, CIS, HS, etc, it would total mid teens. I guess this would be based on the shorter stay!

I hear you with not believing anything they say. I am already having serious doubts that this would be the way to go. We just can't spend months away from home. We have 3 kids already (7.5, 6, and almost 1), who need us here. My DH has a job and can't afford to take a leave of absence.

So, thank you for all the input...I guess we will be looking elsewhere for our next adoption.

[dawnrenee58]

can you PM me with the agency? i am curious and would love to run it by our lawyer to see if it is even legit. i would also like to know what they are doing that you couldn't do yourself. thanks!

[Hope49]

Hello Everybody:

I'm new. I would also like to adopt a baby from Nicaragua and would appreciate any help I could get on how to get started.

Here is my situation: I was born in Nicaragua, but came to the US many years ago. I am now an American Citizen, have a college degree, steady job history, the last one for about 10 years for the same company, no criminal record and I'm single. Health wise I'm fine, except for Rheumatoid arthritis which is controlled. I wonder if this would be an issue. My doctor says I'm expected to lead a normal life with treatment.

I need any agencies contacts and/or lawyers in Nicaragua. Please advise. Thanks!

[mommas3sons]

I'm new on here also! We are comparing two agencies with programs in Nicaragua - MLJ Adoptions and Adoption Hope International. If anyone has information about either of these agencies and their programs in Nicaragua, please let me know. You can PM me. I would just like to find out all I can before we make a decision involving this much money! Thanks in advance!