Guatemala has extensive lowlands in the Petén portion of the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean littoral in the north. Mountains comprise about half the total area and cut across the country's midsection. The northern tropical rain forests of the Petén are rich in fine woods and rubber. It has a developing market economy based largely on agriculture, and is Central America's leading coffee producer. It is a republic with one legislative body; its head of state and government is the president.

From simple farming villages dating to 2500 BC, the Mayans of Guatemala developed an impressive civilization. Its heart was the northern Petén, where the oldest Mayan stelae and the ceremonial center of Tikal are found. Mayan civilization declined after AD 900, and the Spanish began the subjugation of their descendants in 1523. Independence from Spain was declared by the Central American colonies in Guatemala City in 1821, and Guatemala was incorporated into the Mexican empire until its collapse in 1823.

In 1839, Guatemala became an independent republic under the first of a series of dictators who held power almost continuously for the next century.  In the following years,  Guatemala's social revolution came to an end.  Chronic political instability and violence henceforth marked Guatemalan politics as the country struggled through a 36 year civil war. In 1991, Guatemala abandoned its long-standing claims of sovereignty over Belize and the two countries established diplomatic relations. It continued to experience violence as guerrillas sought to seize power. A peace treaty was signed in 1996, and the country has started to recover from its civil war.

Adoption Procedures
Adoptions in Guatemala are authorized by statute only.  All adoptions are placed through private attorneys or through orphanages as there are no state-run social service programs.  Children available for adoption range in age from one month to five years of age.  Married couples or single females may adopt. From the time a dossier is submitted, parents will be provided information about available children.  It is possible to have a child tested by a western-trained physician prior to institution of any adoptive proceedings.  Guatemala also requires genetic testing between the mother and child to avoid the possibility of adoption fraud. As with any international adoption, you will want to make familiarize yourself with the current situation in the country you are adopting from before making a final decision.

While Homecoming Adoptions can never guarantee the time frame in which an international adoption can be completed (as it is controlled entirely by the foreign government), the average time appears to range from 10-15 months. The only travel required for a Guatemala is generally between three and five days in length. However, once you have accepted a referral and the DNA test is complete, you may travel as often as you like (staying in country between 5-7 days at a time) to visit your child up until the point that the PGN process is complete and your child’s final paperwork is being processed. We will be happy to assist you with your travel arrangements

Adoption Costs
Adoption costs are broken down into practice fees, international fees and estimated travel costs. As with any adoption, HCA charges a practice fee of $5,000.00 payable in two installments. The optional document preparation fee is $1,875.00. Practice costs are fixed from the time a contract is signed by the prospective adoptive parents. Of course, in-country fees can be subject to change. The international fee in Guatemala is approximately $20,000 depending on which attorney or orphanage is involved. This fee does not include the costs of an independent medical examination. These costs range from $150.00 to $650.00.

We can assist you in arranging for transportation, translators, and guidance while in Guatemala. All in-country fees are approximate.

.

Contact us today to request information or to ask questions about our program in Guatemala.