How to Adopt a Baby in Guam

Opening your life to an adopted child can be one of the most beautiful things you'll ever do. The process of adopting, however, can be confusing and time-consuming, even more so if you aren't familiar with the rules. Every jurisdiction has its own rules and requirements for adopting a child, and Guam -- an overseas territory of the United States -- is no different. There are several steps you must take before you can adopt a baby in Guam.

Instructions

    • 1

      Verify your eligibility to adopt. There are few restrictions for American citizens who want to adopt a baby in Guam. You must be able to demonstrate that you are citizen and resident of the United States. You must be a legal adult, but there is no minimum age requirement to adopt a baby in Guam. You do not need to be legally married; single adults may adopt.

    • 2

      Contact a Guam lawyer and an approved adoption agency to help you sort through the legal process. This will be time-consuming, so be prepared to wait.

    • 3

      File the necessary paperwork with the court to prove that the parental rights of the child's birth parents have been terminated. Contact the Clerk of the Superior Court at 120 West O'Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910-5174.

    • 4

      If the child is age 12 or older, you will need to present paperwork to the court stating that the child consents to the adoption, in addition to the birth parents.

    • 5

      Submit to court observation for 12 months after the child has been placed under your care. After this time, if the court determines that the child's best interests are being served, you will be granted full legal custody.

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