How involved is the birthmother in the adoption process?
The birthmother has to personally relinquish the child to the attorney in Guatemala, who will then assign the child to a foster mother. The birthmother will be interviewed by a Family Court Social Worker. DNA samples will be taken from both the child and the birthmother to assure that she is indeed the child’s biological parent. The birthmother and child are required to be present at the same time to take the samples. Once the adoption file is approved, the birthmother will again be asked to ratify her decision by signing the final adoption decree. Additionally, although not required, our attorneys involve all the birth mothers in an interview/questionnaire process at the time of relinquishment to ensure the birthmother is acting voluntarily and understands her decision.
