[Sari]

I'm seeing a lot of conflicting information, and I see a lot of agencies are still accepting applications to the Guatemala program. Would it be a serious mistake to get started now, or in the next few months?

Next question, assuming there is a temporary shut down once the Hague thing happens (sorry, not really knowledgeable about it), when are they estimating the process should be up and running again?

[Disneycrazed]

I'm hearing of people starting the process right now. I don't know if I would or not. As time goes on it does get a little more risky I think. There are people here that have so much more info than I do so I'm sure they will give you some more advise on this.

I will say that no one knows what will happen in the future. That's the big question!!!

I will say that if I was set on Guatemala I would look into finding a GREAT agency and get started ASAP!!!
I would not sit on it at all.
good luck!

[Tavidad]

We started our second Guatemalan adoption in June, and I believe our dossier is now complete and our case is before the Family Court in Guatemala.

The word from our attorney in Guatemala was that she wanted our adoption in the system before Aug. 1, in order to give the adoption the best chance for happening, or at least avoiding getting stuck for a long time.

Why Aug. 1? I think August is when the Guatemalan Congress goes back into session, and she thinks they might come back and start changing the adoption laws in order to conform to the Hague Convention. She felt that as long as we had started the process before that happened, she could be reasonably certain that the changes would not apply to adoptions in progress.

Our agency director also told us that the USCIS will permit any adoption from Guatemala that is started before the Hague treaty is ratified.

I can't say that this information is for certain true, but I know that in our previous adoption, our attorney wasn't worried at all about U.S. ratification of the Hague Convention or the Guatemalan Congress changing laws, and now she is very worried. And I am fairly certain that she keeps very close tabs on the situation.

Good luck on a tough decision, and I hope this helps.

[Edit] P.S. Looking back at your question: I give no opinion on whether it would be a mistake or not; I just try to give some sense of the risk involved, i.e. a lot more uncertain even than right now. And I have no info on when the U.S. would re-open.

[susy...patience]

This knowledgeable website has had that warning in place for some time -- & right now no one knows what will happen in terms of shutdown...

Originally Posted by Sari

I'm seeing a lot of conflicting information, and I see a lot of agencies are still accepting applications to the Guatemala program. Would it be a serious mistake to get started now, or in the next few months?

Next question, assuming there is a temporary shut down once the Hague thing happens (sorry, not really knowledgeable about it), when are they estimating the process should be up and running again?

[cjrogers]

My agency stopped accepting Guatemalan adoptions. Basically, they said if you had a I600 filed - and approved, then you were "kind of" grandfathered in to get a child, but they've always said that they can't make ANY promises.

I think if you start the process you are taking a risk, but adoption is always a risk. My hubby and I are looking into starting the process for a 2nd child before it's too late.

Also, nobody knows the timeline as to when they will stop - if they will stop at all..... last we heard was "2008"...

[euphemie]

So sorry for the loss of your husband. IMHO, if I were in your shoes, I'd go for it. I'd move on it as quick as possible though. Best Wishes in deciding the correct path for you.

[tsozio]

No one knows for sure what will happen in the near future, BUT...we just accepted a referral and are starting again. I think if you can move quickly and get your paperwork in and get a referral, you should be okay. I've been told by very reliable sources that if you have an adoption in progress, you should proceed under the current system come the new year. As I said though, no one knows for sure.

[Candace3]

we met our attorney while we were on pick up trip a couple of weeks ago and i asked him this very question because my sister in law is starting the process right now: his answer, anyone who starts this year will be fine. he said the adoptions will have to be completed. i value his opinion and passed the good news along to my sister in law! good luck with your decision.

[biancasmom]

Hi
Wow, I am also so sorry for your loss.... I say, you go girl with the adoption if it is in your heart. I am just an encourager....We are in PGN and getting started in Aug on our second adoption...Picking your agency is really important with all that is happening.
PM me if you would like more info. I have a couple of good suggestions....I have learned SOOOO much during our long wait this time!
Best to you!!!!
Chantelle

[Scarletann]

First, I am sorry for the loss of your husband.

I would go for it and move forward as quickly as you can with the adoption. If you don't will you regret it for the rest of your life? There are no guarantees for anyone but if God places the desire in your heart than have the courage to move forward. I believe that all the best things in life started with some element of fear and risk.