Effective September 7, 2008

Introduction

Mexico has been a Hague Convention country since 1994. The Central Authority is the “Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia” (System for the Integral Development of the Family) or DIF. DIF operates through its State Federations, which are autonomous in each of the 31 Mexican states.

This program is under continuous development. Adopolis has sucessfully completed two adoption cases in Mexico. The time frame for the administrative and legal process varies depending on the state and is difficult to estimate at this time.

We are now accepting applications from couples to adopt children 5 years of age and older, for special needs children (which may include infants), and for sibling groups (who may be siblings from toddler to school ages).

An application must be submitted with a full dossier for review and pre-approval by DIF.

The Children

Children tend to have brown skin, dark hair and eyes. Children are generally in good health and are cared for in children's homes by DIF as well as non-governmental organizations.

Ask us about waiting children!

Requirements of Adoptive Parents

Reviewed on a case by case basis.
Basic requirements are 25 to 55 years of age.
Be married for a minimum of 2 years.
Single women and men can also adopt.
Travel is required.

Administrative and Legal Process

DIF requests a bonding period ("convivencia") with the child for 3 to 5 weeks after referral before the judicial proceedings can begin. In some states the prospective adoptive parents may return home and in others at least one prospective adoptive parent must stay through the conclusion of the entire process. At some time during the process, the family may need to provide the court official with two (2) witnesses to attest to the family's good moral character. These witnesses will need to present themselves in person in the city where the legal adoption process takes place.

The time frame for pre-approval of the family and referral of children varies from State to State depending on the number of children with the characteristics requested by the prospective adoptive parents that may be available for adoption at the time the application is submitted at DIF.

Some states have reported that the completion of the legal procedures usually takes from 3 to 4 months. Some states have been able to complete the process in shorter times and others may take longer. DIF officials understand that is difficult for families to stay for long periods of time in Mexico. They try to complete the process as soon as possible, but the legal process depends on the court times.

In-country Costs

In-country fess: $2,500
Includes translation of dossier into Spanish and administrative adoption proceedings.

DIF provides legal services free of charge.

Fees are subject to change.

Travel

Travel and accommodation expenses vary depending on time of year.
Adopolis will inform families about alternative accommodations in each State.

Dossier

You will be sent instructions from Adopolis to prepare your official dossier for Mexico. We are available to assist you in the preparation of your dossier and proper notary certifications and Apostille.

Bringing your child home

Once the adoption is completed in court adoptive parents will need to travel to process immigration paperwork and obtain the child's visa at the General Consulate of the United States located in Ciudad Juarez. The time frame is approximately 5 business days.



U.S. Department of State, Mexico Adoption page
U.S. Embassy, Mexico City
Embassy of Mexico, Washington DC