[Terilou]

Hi I am getting dossier items ready- I have everything notarized but am paranoid I will do things incorrectly and doom myself to a 17 year wait for my child so please verify if I have this correct.

1. Next step is to get certifications from secretary of state
2. Then authentications from Guatemalan consulate in Chicago (for mn and nd)
3. Then I can mail to adoption agency?

Is there another step I am missing please advise- the agency paperwork is clear as mud.

Thanks!

[WesieMom]

Yep! You got it! I would just make sure you over night express the papers with a pre-paid envelope to come back to you.
Good luck,
Lisa

[jnstvny]

I believe you need to have the notary signatures on all the documents authenticated before it goes to the State and Guatemalan Consulate.

This is a step we missed and set us back a little bit.

[Pipercub]

You've got it right Terilou. You'll get the documents and notaries certified by the S.O.S. (of each state they originated in) and then it's on to the Chicago Guatemalan Consulate for the documents to be authenticated. Also, remember that you'll need to pay the Guatemalan Consulate with a money order - they don't take personal checks.

Congrats on being so close!

[Little Goddess]

Yes, first notarization, then county clerk/secy. of state apostiled, then Guat Consulate authenticated. This for every document except birth certs and marriage docs, because you don't need to authenticate a certified copy.

[Mariais5]

It sounds like states and agencies are different in what they require.. We had to have certified copies of BC's and Marriage license authenticated. We didn't have to have the notary's signatures authenticated by the county before sending to State to be certified.. I'd check with your agency...

[Pipercub]

Ditto what Marcy said. Our BC and Marriage Certificates did have to be authenticated by the Guatemalan Consulate. In our state, things could go directly to the state Secretary of State office without going to a county official first. DEFINITELY check with your agency.

[KKR213]

Sounds right to me. I did not have to get BC certified by the state since it had a raised seal and did not need county authorization just state. Ditto on the pre-paid overnight but make sure to get the tracking numbers. I didn't one time I sent docs off and was a nervous wreck waiting for them.


You might also want to make a copy of everything before sending to your agency. In fact, my agency required a copy too.

Good luck!

[Terilou]

Thanks everyone- can't wait til this is done!