Summary Of The Proposed Changes In The Guatemalan Civil Code As They Apply To Adoption 

·       Only married heterosexual couples are allowed to adopt.  Singles will not be allowed to adopt.  

·       Poverty can not be the only reason in which a birth mother places a child for adoption. 

·       The children in the process of adoption can only be in orphanages.  No foster care would be allowed.  Placing children if foster homes would be a crime.  

·       The adoption decree will be given by a family court judge.

·       The biological parents will now sign a consent to adoption in the presence of a family court judge rather than before a notary public.   

·       The adoptive parents must be 25 years or older. 

·       Upon the beginning of the process the adoptive parents must demonstrate  that the minor will be authorized to enter and reside in the United States permanently  

·       The adoptive must demonstrate that they have been approved by the central authority of the United States that they are able to adopt a child from Guatemala.   

·       The adoptive parents must sign a declaration under oath that during the first two years after the adoption that they must take the child to the Guatemalan Embassy or Consulate closest to them along with medical reports.   

·       Prior to obtaining custody of the adopted child,  the family must show that a immigrant visa for the child has been issued.