[Aveasmom]

When we get out of PGN, is the child legally ours in Guatemala? Do most agencies let you leave the hotel after you are out of PGN?. We are thinking about going to see our DD since we got KO'd. It will be in about a month. I was thinking if she is legally ours, I might just have to stay down there until we can bring her back. Any thoughts on this?

[ej-momtobe]

Once the Bmom signs the Protocolo, which is usually done shortly after exiting PGN, the child is legally yours.

[robandjulie]

yes, legally your child once the bmom signs which is usually shortly after but not always (week 2.5 here.... ). But...I talked with my agency about another visit and they said that if you were to be stopped while out and about, you'd want to have the BC available to prove they are your child, though, and so if you don't have that new BC that could cause extra headaches. Since we're waiting for Mixco next, and the visit would be during that long wait for Bc, for us that meant we'd still be grounded to the hotel.

[robandjulie]

Oh, but if you're approved and were thinking of doing an extended pickup, basically, then you might want to play it safe until the bc was issued (will that be a long time for your CR?) and you had the photo ID passport, too, With those, I'd say you'd be all set to tour around a bit while the last 3-4 weeks of orange/DNA/Pink/embassy appt were happening.

[connorsmommy1999]

so, if it's an abandonment then what happens? when is she 'legally' ours??

[robandjulie]

Originally Posted by connorsmommy1999

so, if it's an abandonment then what happens? when is she 'legally' ours??

In abandoment cases, what do they have to do before they can submit the PGN decree to get a new BC? Anything? If nothing, than I guess as soon as PGN signs. If there's any other step between PGN approval and BC request--some sort of final judge stamp or director signature or something?--then I would guess that might be a last legal issue. Seems like in abandonment the PGN approval would be the final step.

[cbmstephanie]

Basically in the eyes of the Guatemalan governenment the child is legally yours when the birthmother signs the final adoption decree. But, in the eyes of the US government you need to have the new birth certificate in order for them to be able to help you in any way. This is why the US government can't really help with Mixco...in their eyes the child is not legally your child until you have that new BC.