Mexico

LIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTIVE PARENTS: Prospective adoptive parents may be married or single, male or female.  They must be over twenty-five years of age, possess good moral character, and demonstrate the means to care for the physical and educational needs of the child.  The prospective adoptive parents must be at least seventeen years older than the child.  If the prospective adoptive parents are married, however, only one parent must meet the age requirement.  If the child is over fourteen years of age, he or she must consent to the adoption.

Note: While similar, each Mexican state does have its own civil code governing adoptions.  Therefore, it is important to check with each state, as the laws among states will vary. 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:  Mexican adoption procedures include a one to three week pre-adoption trial period during which the child lives with the prospective adoptive parents in Mexico .  The adoption is not final until this time, and the child cannot leave Mexico before it is complete.  Because of the large amount of paperwork in both the Mexican and U.S. processes, DIF suggests that the adoptive parents be prepared to spend at least three months in Mexico including the pre-adoption trial period.  

TIME FRAME:  The general time frame for adoptions in Mexico is from three to eight months, but varies from state to state.  Again, prospective adoptive parents should check with the state where the adoption will take place.

(All information taken from the U.S. Department of State website)

http://www.travel.state.gov/family/adoption/country/country_419.html