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Searching & Results

This page is intended to help adoptees interested in searching for their biological families. It is intended to help the adoptee consider why they are searching for family and some of the challenges that may arise from searching.
 

Prior to the closure of international adoptions in 2007, thousands of adoptions were processed from Guatemala, not all done with the proper documentation and some completely falsified.
 

While this is not the case for every single adoptee, it is important for interested adoptees to be aware that not all searches are successful and can uncover surprising information.
 

Even if a biological mother/family can be located, it does not guarantee any type of connection. There can be language barriers, cultural differences, and family dynamics that need to be navigated. 

Working with a Searcher/ Searcher Organization

A searcher is a person that the adoptee can hire to help them look for biological family. Using a searcher can be a good option when the adoptee has limited information on their family and little knowledge of Guatemala. Some searchers can also act as a liaison between the adoptee and their biological family.
 

However, it is important to work with a searcher who is reliable and honest. Searching is essentially private investigator work, and the searcher will need money to access government records and pay for travel costs. This can be expensive.
 

Tips for working with individuals:

  • Check if this searcher is recommended by other adoptees. This is to avoid being potentially scammed.

  • Be clear with what your expectations are.

    • If the searcher does not provide a contract, work with them to create one.

  • Learn any disclaimers/disclosures on their end 

  • Share your expectations for communication.

    • While you may not get updates on progress instantly, you may wish to check in weekly/monthly. Ask how this will work with the searcher.

  • Have your adoption paperwork ready to share with the searcher.

  • Expectation for when birth family is found.

    • Do you want searcher to pursue reunion right away? Do you want time to digest information? This may all fall under “contract” portion.

Reunions with biological family

Reconnecting with biological family is a big step. Both sides, adoptee and the biological mother, can feel overwhelmed or even shut down.

 

Here are a few questions to consider at the initial meeting:

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Meeting:

  • Do you speak Spanish? 

  • Does your biological mother speak Spanish, or some other Maya language?

  • Do you need a translator?

  • Will you be meeting in person or through a video call?

  • How will you manage being overwhelmed or wanting to withdraw and detach?

  • Who will be your support system before, during, and after this meeting?

  • What will happen after the initial meeting?

  • Is therapy or counseling available so a neutral third party can help you navigate meeting your birth family?

 

After this initial meeting, you may be interested in continuing your relationship with your biological family. 

Consider the following:

  • Different socio-economic status

  • Difference in education level

  • Difference in EQ/IQ

  • Language barrier

  • Cultural difference 

  • Religious difference  

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