Adopting a child from Mexico can be a gift for both yourself and the child you are adopting. There were previously misconceptions that adopting a child from Mexico was an easy and effortless process, but such is not the case. There are a variety of standards and regulations that make adopting a child from Mexico a lengthy, but rewarding process, especially when the child is a perfect fit for your family.
Legal Aspects
While it is advised that people looking to adopt a child from Mexico complete their own research and investigations in terms of the legal aspects associated with adopting a child from Mexico, there are some legal guidelines that stand, regardless of the agencies involved in a Mexican child adoption. In general, Mexcio will allow a U.S. citizen as well as other non-Mexican people to adopt children from Mexico, but it must be done according to Mexican laws and standards.
Mexican children up for adoption must be orphaned or abandoned in order to be placed with another family. In some cases, they may have one surviving parent who signs a release for that child's adoption. However, strict guidelines on the status of a child prior to adoption stand in Mexican states. Children over the age of 14 must consent to the adoption before it can proceed.
The "Desarollo Integral de la Familia" (DIF) is the government branch that legally represents abandoned and orphaned children, and they have the authority to give a child up for adoption. Abandoned children are placed under special investigation for their circumstances and if no foul play is detected adoption is able to proceed. The DIF is different in each of the 13 Mexican states, as there is no central branch, but each state operates in basically the same manner. Adoption preferences are traditionally given to extended family and other Mexican citizens before adopting them to non-Mexican citizens.
Adoptive Parents
People looking into adopting a child from Mexico must fit within certain criteria in order to be considered. Males, females, singles and couples over the age of 25 are eligible to adopt a child from Mexico. At least one of the parents adopting the child must be seventeen years older that the child at the least. Prospective parents must be able to prove that they are able to care for the child physically, mentally and financially. Parents must demonstrate good moral character as well as a good reason for wanting to adopt a child. Prospective parents are also required to submit a variety of documentation proving their eligibility, residential and financial status.
Additional Requirements
In order for an adoption to be finalized, the child and family must go through a six-month trial period to determine if the fit is correct and appropriate. The child is not permitted to leave Mexico until a judge approves the situation. Mexican children must obtain an immigrant visa prior to entering the United States, and are typically not considered "adopted" according to immigration standards until they have been with the adoptive parent for two or more years. Although standards and procedures are followed to ensure smooth and productive adoptions, special circumstances may lead to delays and in some cases, adoptions may not proceed as desired. It is in your best interest to follow procedures as carefully as possible to help make your experience with adopting a child from Mexico as pleasurable as possible.
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