[Paytonsmom]

The whole Guatemala adoption process.It sounds a little different than other countries we've looked into. You keep talking about "entering PGN."

We are looking to adopt a 2-3 1/2 yo girl. We have a dd by birth who will be 5 the beg. of Oct and I'd like the girls to not be too far apart in age. We definetly don't want a baby.

Can anyone explain what it is like with wait times, traveling there, etc? One of the adoption sites made it sound like it didn't take that long, but most of the timelines I've seen on posts here say otherwise. Thanks for your input.

[ManyTimesBlessed]

Hopefully you will get a response from others as well, but here is a brief overview.

Most adoptions from Guatemala seem to be taking 6-8 months right now if you are paper-ready (which means if your dossier is complete and has been submitted to your agency/facilitator). However, there are those whose adoptions have taken much longer. You never know if you will be one of those people.

The basic process is this:
Referral
Dossier is translated in Guatemala
DNA authorization is requested from U.S. Embassy
Family Court (birth mother interview and DNA test for mom & baby)
Pre Approval from U.S. Embassy
Enter PGN (where they look over your paperwork and make sure it's all in order)
Exit PGN
Get new birth certificate for your child
Issued Pink slip (means you can travel to get your child)

Travel lasts about 4 days, but you can have your child escorted if you do not wish to travel to Guatemala.

The issue right now is that PGN used to take 1-2 months, but now it is taking 3-4 months for many people and even longer for some people. There does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets out of PGN when, so that is frustrating. Hopefully, since you are just getting started, the PGN mess will be straightened out by the time you get there (DNA and Family court will take about 1-2 months).

This is a great place to ask questions, so feel free to keep them coming.

Good luck!

~Rachel

[aniles]

I pm'd you because I don't know if I can refer to the site I gave you on here.

[Guatmom2006]

Good info on the first post. It is taking longer, but it is still a shorter process than many other countries.

[BriellesDad]

Yep...WhitmireFamily pretty much NAILED it. Good advice on it.