NON ABANDONMENT CASES ONLY

 

STEP 1

 

The Department for Education and Skills (DFES) in the United Kingdom sends details of prospective UK adopters to the British Embassy in Guatemala City.  The Embassy contacts the Guatemalan representative dealing with the case within 48 hours.  The representative comes to the Embassy to collect the papers.  The Consular opening hours are Monday to Thursday 08.30 to 12.00 and Friday 08.30 to 11.00.

 

STEP 2

 

The lawyer/agency dealing with the case comes to the British Embassy to set a date and time for the birth mother and/or father to be interviewed and for the taking of samples for the DNA test. In this interview the birth mother and/or father will give her/his consent to the adoption.   They will also be asked to sign a parental consent.  Her/his signature will be witnessed by the lawyer dealing with the case and the Consul or Vice Consul at the British Embassy.   The Lawyer/Agency should also ensure that she/he is carrying her/his Cedula (Identity Card) on that day.   

 

The documents to be presented to request an appointment for the interview are the following:

 

a)  The Consul will require to see proof that the fee have been paid by presenting a copy of the transaction receipt.  The Consul will need to see a copy of the Complete the online application.

 

b)  Legalised copy of the Power of attorney given by the prospective adopters to the Lawyer/Agency with its English translation attached.

 

c)  Original copy of  the baby’s birth certificate with its English translation attached.

 

d)  A certified copy of the birth parent (s) Cedula. (ID Card)

 

 Four recent identical passport photos taken face on of the natural mother and/or father; and  of the baby.  (Photographs must be in colour).

 

 Completed DNA forms.  Also, pay the Entry Clearance fee (currently Q.3380).   The Entry Clearance fee is not refundable.  Payment must be made in local currency (Quetzales) and in cash.

 

Samples for DNA testing are taken at Edificio Clinicas Medicas, Primer Nivel, 4a.  Avenida 15 – 73, zone 10, Office number 102. The Laboratory charges US$20 for each sample taken.     On the day that the sample is to be taken the natural mother and/or father and the baby should come to the Embassy.  Their respective finger and footprints will be taken. 

 

Please note that it is important that mothers and babies arrive for their appointment on time.  If not, it may be some time before another DNA test can be arranged.  If the above documentation is not available on the day of the DNA test, the sampling cannot go ahead. 

 

The current cost of a DNA test is £447.67. This fee should be paid to Midland Bank plc, 54 Clarence Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1NP, sort code: 40-26-12, Account number 31419862, Account name University Diagnostics Limited.   It is essential that someone from the British Embassy is present at the sampling.  They will arrange for the sample to be sent back to London for DNA testing. The result will take about 6 weeks.  The result of the DNA test will be sent to the Agency and the Embassy.

 

STEP 3

 

In the meantime the Lawyer/Agency  can continue compiling the Guatemalan adoption documents.  The other documents that the Embassy will need to refer the visa application to the Department of Health in London are the following:

 

a)      A notarised consent of the birth mother and/or father to the adoption of her/his child at least six weeks after the birth.  If the father is legally married to the mother and his whereabouts are known, his written consent is also required.  An English translation must be attached.

 

b)      A social study report of the natural parent(s) issued by the Guatemalan authorities.

 

c)      Procuraduria’s opinion.

 

d)      Adoption deed (formalisation of the adoption).

 

e)   A medical report on the child (BAAF form).

 

f)        A Guatemalan birth certificate of the child showing his/her adoptive name.  And,

 

g)      Passport of child. (this document should be presented when issued by the relevant Guatemalan authority).

 

Lawyer/Agency should present two copies of documents b, c, d of Step 2; and a, b, c, d and f of Step 3.   An English translation should be attached to each individual document.  It is not acceptable to have one consolidated translation of these documents.

 

Please note that the DNA test should be carried out at the beginning of the adoption process.

 

When the DNA result is received the case can be referred by the lawyer to the Procuraduria for approval.  The Embassy will issue a letter giving information on the results which the Lawyer/Agency will present with the adoption file.

 

STEP 4 

 

Once all the papers have been received, the British Embassy will refer them by fax to the DFES in the United Kingdom.  The case will be considered by the relevant office within 10 working days.  Assuming that the relevant office gives it’s approval the Entry Clearance Application will be processed (within 9 working days).  When the Entry Clearance has been approved, it will be placed in the baby’s passport.  The adoptive parents should then come to the British Embassy to collect the baby’s passport.  They should bring their ID (passports).   

 

If you require more information feel free to contact Lourdes Taylor