[daydra]

Hello All!

My husband and I will be paper ready in a few weeks. We had planned on adopting from Ukraine, but I saw a 6-year-old boy on a waiting list from Guatemala. I'm trying not to set my heart on him, but... I think you all know.

I've read the State Dept's flyer on Guat adoptions (travel.state.gov/family/adoption_guatemala.html). Are the timelines about right? Did they leave anything out?

Also, it's unclear to me at what point the adoptive parents travel. Do you wait until the visa interview to adopt? Or do you meet the child earlier in the process?

The State Dept's site made it sound like the adoption was finalized prior to the parents meeting the child, but that can't be right.

Deidra

[becky]

Actually that is the case...the adoption is completely finalized before you ever see the child (assuming you don't want to visit during the process).

The timeframes for Guatemala vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case and the agency/attorney involved. Most Guatemalan adoptions are completed 6-8 months after the child is referred (if the family has all paper-work in order and ready to go). Some are done as quick as 3 months and others drag on for years. So...it really pays to do your research and work with a reputable agency when adopting from Guatemala.

If you choose to pursue Guatemala as opposed to the Ukraine, you will have to change your INS approval and most likely prepare a new dossier. But...it can be done if you are motivated!

Good Luck to you!