Adoption

Greetings everyone,

My name is Alexis. I was born in Nicaragua some 30 years ago and came to the United States when I was 7. Since then, I have become a US citizen. Most of my family remains in Nicaragua and as such I visit every few years.

Recently, my wife and I have spoken at length with a family member in Nicaragua who has 11 children. The family member would like us to adopt one of his children in an effort to provide her with a "better" chance at making a life for herself.

My wife and I love this little girl tremendously, but have come across an obstacle in the adoption process. Our preliminary research shows that under Nicaraguan law, only Nicaraguan citizens or residents can adopt a Nicaraguan child and the child must remain within Nicaragua.

Can anyone help us with this issue? Is this law for real? Does it apply to private adoptions? or adoptions within the family?

I'm a little shaken by this finding and am hoping the information is either outdated, wrong, or does not apply to our situation. Both my wife and I are US citizens and would have our daughter come live with us in the US. The birth parents, family of mine, are willing to terminate all parental rights and make this a permanent arrangement.

Any help...advise or links to resources would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you (muchas gracias),

Alexis

[fblandon]

Alexis,
Have you got any information regarding dual citizenship? I believe that under Alemán, they passed a law stating that Nicaraguan in the USA can now have a dual citizenship. My parents are now back in Nicaragua but are US Citizens and they were thinking on adopting both nationalities for Nicaraguan tax purposes. If that is the case, you would be able to adopt your little one. Plus, once you adopt her, she will be as your natural child, and she is to live with her parents! It will be a good idea to check with a known lawyer in Nicaragua as well with the US Embassy there.
Good luck!

Karla