Frequently asked questions

For a domestic adoption process, it is not necessary to hire a lawyer. It is up to the discretion of the family undergoing the process. However, for foreign applicants, they must rely on a legal representative who will submit the adoption application to the Adoption Office, the Attorney General’s Office, or Auxiliary Attorney General’s Offices in different municipalities of the country.

Our hours of operation are from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, without closing at noon.

We are currently located on the first floor of the Tower of the Attorney General’s Office, 13th Avenue North and 9th West Street, San Salvador, Central Government.

In this regard, it is possible for a single person, if they meet these conditions, to approach the Adoption Office with the goal of being evaluated and considered for this process.

According to Article 28 of the Adoption Law of El Salvador, in the case of siblings who may be subjects of adoption, they should not be separated unless it is detrimental to the best interests of the child or adolescent. Therefore, a person could adopt their sibling as long as the requirements are met and the best interests of the child or adolescent are respected.

It is important to note that the adoption process aims to facilitate pure adoptions, which means that a person presents themselves at the Adoption Office and requests to be evaluated for adopting a child without prior knowledge of the child.

However, there are exceptions outlined in Article 27 of the law. These exceptions allow for the adoption of a specific child in two cases: when there has been proven cohabitation or established affection between the prospective adoptive parent(s) and the child, or when there is a blood relationship between the prospective adoptive parent(s) and the child.

In all cases, a declaration of eligibility to adopt by the adoptive parent(s) will be required, as well as a declaration of adoptability for the child. In the first mentioned case, an investigation into the lawful origin of the cohabitation or established affection will also be required. To establish cohabitation or established affection, it is necessary for the adoptive parent(s) and the child to have lived together continuously and uninterruptedly for at least one year.

Yes, it is possible to adopt someone who is of legal age. If there is a person over 18 years old and someone wishes to adopt them, the process is not carried out at the Adoption Office. Instead, it is a procedure that takes place in the Family Courts.

The Special Adoption Law, in Article 24, states that: “Persons who have reached legal age may be adopted if their adoptability has been determined by the Family Judge, provided that consent is given by both parties and there exist emotional bonds similar to those between children and their parents.”

While it is not the decisive criterion, it is important to mention that beyond the financial capability of adoption applicants, the Adoption Office, through its specialists, evaluates the appropriate and responsible management of their assets and financial resources. Additionally, it assesses whether this ensures the protection that the child or adolescent needs.

You can request all the information regarding the adoption of a girl, boy, or adolescent by visiting the Adoption Office in person or contacting us through our digital platforms: