[mjq1716]

Hello all,

This is my first post. My husband and I are just starting the international adoption process and have narrowed down our country choice to Guatemala (for too many reasons to list here!). We are still researching agencies but are concerned with the information we're getting from them (as some of it is conflicting) .

Specifically it is around the Hague Treaty. We understand that sometime in 2007, the US will sign the Hague treaty. At that time, they will probably stop adoptions from Guatemala. Some agencies are saying to go ahead as if we are in referral stage, we will be grandfathered. Some are saying don't consider Guatemala. If we proceed, our dossier/homestudy/I600A approval will probably take until March.

Are some of you in this same situation? What are your thoughts? Are you staying away? Moving foward? What generally speaking are you hearing?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[Guatemomtobe]

Bumping up for support. There are quite a few families that are just starting the process. They can give you their thoughts. You can also find out more information about the Hague on Guatadopt.com

Good luck with your decision.

Susan

[Disneycrazed]

It is a very hard decision to make right now since so many agencies have so many different opinions.
I think you will find some different opinions on here also.
I think it really boils down to the fact that no one really knows what will happen.
If you go ahead you need to realize that you are taking a risk. It could all go fine or there could be problems.
I don't know if anyone can give you a solid answer.
Welcome to the boards and Good luck in whatever you decide to do!!!!

[mjq1716]

Thank you both for your help. This is an exciting and SCARY time. I wish you speedy exits from PGN!

[CandaceT]

I'm fairly early in the process, so by no means an expert, especially compared to some of the knowledgeable and experienced people on this forum! My OPINION is that once you file the I600A you would be grandfathered in from the U.S. standpoint and would be allowed to complete your adoption. For people who are NOT grandfathered in, it sounds like a lot of the estimates for the U.S. implementing the Hague (i.e. cutting off adoptions from Guatemala) are for the latter part of 2007. Guatemala itself, however, seems to be more of the wild card here. They seem to be a little less predictable. So there would be a risk as other posts stated. But then, from what I can tell by reading on this forum and others, all adoptions carry some risk and can be heart-wrenching at times! Quite the adventure, I guess! Good luck with your decision...