{"id":351579,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:24","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/international-adoption-process-faq-s.html"},"modified":"2023-05-16T14:18:59","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T19:18:59","slug":"international-adoption-process-faq-s","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/international-adoption-process-faq-s.html","title":{"rendered":"International Adoption Process: FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">International Adoption Process: FAQs <\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lisa-burden-j-d\/\">Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            May 16, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>International adoption differs from domestic adoption. In domestic adoptions, U.S.-based parents are adopting a U.S.-based child. In international adoptions, U.S.-based parents adopt a child from a foreign country, subject to that country&#8217;s laws.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Often referred to as&nbsp;<i>intercountry adoption<\/i>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/international-adoption-basics.html\">international adoption<\/a>&nbsp;refers to adopting a child from a different country.<\/p>\r\n<p>As you can probably imagine, the international adoption process is complex and involves many different parties, laws, and procedures. Because adoption is such an important and life-changing event, adoptive parents must understand the process.<\/p>\r\n<p>Below are answers to these most frequently asked questions about the international adoption process:<br>\r\n<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Long\">How long does an international adoption take?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Cost\">How much does an international adoption cost?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Financial\">Is financial help available for international adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Ages\">What are the ages of children available for international adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Healthy\">Is it possible to adopt a healthy child from overseas?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Countries\">What are the most popular countries for international adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Laws\">What laws govern the international adoption process?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Hague\">What is a &quot;Hague adoption&quot;?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Orphan\">What&#8217;s a &quot;Non-Hague&quot; or orphan adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Requirements\">What are the particular requirements of the international adoption process for a Hague adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Steps\">What steps are involved in a Hague adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Eligibility\">What are the eligibility requirements for adoptive parents seeking an orphan adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Study\">Do I need to have a home study conducted?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Auto\">Is my adopted child automatically a citizen?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Citizen\">What steps are required to secure my adopted child&#8217;s U.S. citizenship?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Citizenship\">What steps are necessary to obtain citizenship for my child?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Re-Adoption\">What is re-adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Post\">Are there post-adoption requirements for international adoption?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a  href=\"#Legal\">Get professional legal help with the international adoption process<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Long\"><\/a>How Long Does an International Adoption Take?<\/h2>\r\n<p>International adoption is rarely a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rainbowkids.com\/adoption-stories\/what-is-the-timeline-for-an-international-adoption-1684\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quick process<\/a>. It can take anywhere from one to five years. Most international adoptions take about three years. The timeframe depends on the child you select and the country involved in the adoption. Selecting a &quot;waiting child&quot; is often quicker than waiting for the child&#8217;s country of origin to make a referral.<\/p>\r\n<p>A waiting child is a child whose profile, including the termination of parental rights, has been prepared and is ready to be matched with an adoptive family. It also helps select a country with a stable and established adoption process, such as China or Bulgaria.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Cost\"><\/a>How Much Does International Adoption Cost?<\/h2>\r\n<p>International adoption is expensive. Bringing a child home from a foreign country can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/adopting.org\/international-adoption-cost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cost<\/a>&nbsp;anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per child. The fees vary depending on the country. The cost includes documentation, a home study, agency fees, foreign fees, and travel to the foreign country. Most adoption agencies provide a list of fees at the beginning of the international adoptive process, and many adoption agencies post a list of the costs on their website.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Financial\"><\/a>Is Financial Help Available for International Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Yes. Prospective adoptive parents can obtain help from several different sources. About half of employers, as does the U.S. military, offer adoption stipends to employees. Depending on income, there are state and federal tax credits. State credits vary depending on the state. Grants are available. Several organizations offer financial aid as money that doesn&#8217;t have to be paid back. Other organizations offer interest-free adoption loans. Some adoptive parents turn to home equity loans and fundraising activities such as a GoFundMe, garage sales, and selling items on craft-oriented websites.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Ages\"><\/a>What Are the Ages of the Children Available for International Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>The children range in age from nine months to 16 years. Infant adoptions, which were possible in past years, have become a rarity, although toddlers are often available.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Healthy\"><\/a>Is it Possible to Adopt a Healthy Child from Overseas?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Probably not. Most children available for international adoption have special needs such as medical, developmental, or behavioral challenges. You can specify in an intercountry adoption which special needs you are willing to consider.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Countries\"><\/a>What are the Most Popular Countries for International Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>According to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/adoption.org\/top-5-international-adoption-countries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption.org<\/a>, the top five countries in 2021 for foreign adoption were South Korea, Colombia, India, Haiti, and Bulgaria. In past years, China was a popular option for foreign adoptive parents.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Laws\"><\/a>What Laws Govern the International Adoption Process?<\/h2>\r\n<p>International adoption is governed by three different sets of laws:<\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>U.S. federal adoption laws<\/li>\r\n<li>Adoption laws of the country from which you are adopting<\/li>\r\n<li>The laws governing where you live (U.S. state, territory, or country)<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>The more familiar you are with these laws before you begin the process, the fewer tangles you&#8217;ll encounter. For example,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/Intercountry-Adoption\/Intercountry-Adoption-Country-Information.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">some laws require<\/a>&nbsp;you to spend several weeks in the child&#8217;s country of residence before beginning adoption proceedings.<\/p>\r\n<p>To save time, there are many forms that you can begin filling out even before you decide who will be your adoptive child.<\/p>\r\n<p>Your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/agency-adoptions.html\">adoption agency<\/a>&nbsp;can help you with many of these forms and any questions you may have, but can&#8217;t represent you in front of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Hague\"><\/a>What&#8217;s a &quot;Hague Adoption?&quot;<\/h2>\r\n<p>There are two types of foreign adoption \u2014 a Hague adoption and a non-Hague adoption. A Hague adoption follows the process outlined in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/Intercountry-Adoption\/Adoption-Process\/understanding-the-hague-convention.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hague Adoption Convention<\/a>, which is an international treaty used to ensure the best interests of the children, birth parents, and adoptive parents involved in the international adoption process. The Hague Adoption Convention was enacted in April 2008. Most international adoptions take place under Hague accreditation.<\/p>\r\n<p>A child must meet the following criteria to be classified as a Hague Convention Adoptee:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Under age 16 at the time you file&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-800\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-800<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Reside in a country that is part of the Hague Convention<\/li>\r\n<li>Be eligible for intercountry adoption by their country of residence<\/li>\r\n<li>Have obtained all necessary consents for adoption from their country of residence<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Orphan\"><\/a>What&#8217;s a non-Hague, or Orphan Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>According to U.S. immigration law, an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/bringing-a-foreign-born-orphan-to-the-u-s.html\">orphan<\/a>&nbsp;is a child who is not born in the U.S. and either:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Both of their parents have died, disappeared, abandoned, or deserted the child by separation or loss, or<\/li>\r\n<li>They have a sole surviving parent who cannot care for them, according to the local standards of the child&#8217;s country. That parent has (in writing) irrevocably released the child for emigration from their country and adoption.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Requirements\"><\/a>What Are the Particular Requirements of the International Adoption Process for a Hague Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>To be eligible for a Hague adoption, you must:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Be a U.S. citizen,<\/li>\r\n<li>Reside in the USA, and<ul>\r\n<li>If married, your spouse must also sign your Form&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-800a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I-800A<\/a>&nbsp;and agree to adopt any child you adopt, or<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>If unmarried, you must be at least 24 years old when you file your Form I-800A, and you must be at least 25 years old when you file your Form I-800.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Be sure that your adoption agency has the authorization to provide services under the Hague adoption. Most international adoption agencies are upfront about having Hague accreditation. Your agency can&#8217;t provide legal advice or services or represent you before USCIS. Only a lawyer can do this.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Steps\"><\/a>What Steps Are Involved in a Hague Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>After you&#8217;ve chosen a Hague-accredited adoption agency or adoption service provider, and perhaps a lawyer, prospective adoptive parents will want to follow these steps for compliance with the intercountry adoption process:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Have your home study conducted by someone authorized to conduct Hague&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/the-adoption-home-study-process.html\">adoption home studies<\/a>&nbsp;and submit your home study document<\/li>\r\n<li>Apply to USCIS before adopting your child<\/li>\r\n<li>Once USCIS approves your application, work with your adoption agency for a proposed adoption placement<\/li>\r\n<li>Before adopting your child, file a petition with USCIS to have the child found eligible to immigrate based on the proposed adoption.<\/li>\r\n<li>Submit Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, to establish your eligibility and suitability.<\/li>\r\n<li>Once USCIS approves your Form I-800A, submit Form I-800 (Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative) to determine the child&#8217;s eligibility as a Hague Convention adoptee.<\/li>\r\n<li>Once these forms are approved, adopt the child, or obtain custody of the child to adopt the child in the U.S.<\/li>\r\n<li>Obtain the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship\/u-s-citizenship-for-a-foreign-born-adopted-child.html\">child&#8217;s immigrant visa<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Bring the child to the USA for admission with their visa<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>For more information about Hague-accredited adoptions, consider reviewing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/guides\/A3en.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this resource<\/a>&nbsp;from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It also covers orphan adoptions.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Eligibility\"><\/a>What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Parents Seeking an Orphan Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>For an orphan adoption, you must:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Be a U.S. citizen<\/li>\r\n<li>If married, your spouse must also sign&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-600\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I-600<\/a>, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, and your spouse must also adopt the child<\/li>\r\n<li>If unmarried, you must be at least 25 years old when you file the Form I-600 petition<\/li>\r\n<li>Establish that you&#8217;ll provide proper care for the child<\/li>\r\n<li>Establish that the child is an orphan according to U.S. immigration law<\/li>\r\n<li>Establish either that:<ul>\r\n<li>You and your spouse have adopted that child abroad, and you each saw the child in person before the adoption, or<\/li>\r\n<li>You&#8217;ll adopt the child in the U.S. after the child&#8217;s arrival, so long as you have permission to take the child from their country of residence to the United States.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Orphan\"><\/a>What Steps Are Involved in an Orphan Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>If you and your child both qualify under the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/adoption\/immigration-through-adoption\/orphan-process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">orphan international adoption<\/a>&nbsp;process, then follow these steps:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Have the overseas investigation conducted by USCIS or the U.S. Department of State<\/li>\r\n<li>Submit your home study document, filled out by someone authorized to complete an adoption home study<\/li>\r\n<li>File an orphan petition before the child&#8217;s 16th birthday or before their 18th birthday if they are the sibling (by birth) of another child immigrant you have adopted:<ul>\r\n<li>File Form&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-600a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I-600A<\/a>, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, before you even identify your adoptive child<\/li>\r\n<li>Once you identify your child and USCIS approves your Form I-600A, file Form I-600, Petition to Classify an Orphan as an Immediate Relative, along with your home study document and any other evidence that you are a suitable adoptive parent<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li>After your Orphan Petition is approved, apply for your child&#8217;s visa<\/li>\r\n<li>Bring your child to the United States along with their visa<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Study\"><\/a>Do I Need To Have a Home Study Conducted?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Yes. USCIS&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/adoption\/suitability-and-home-study-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">requires<\/a>&nbsp;a home study. A home study is conducted by an authorized individual who screens prospective adoptive parents for adoption suitability or by your international adoption agency. This information collected is compiled into a report that must be submitted for both orphan and Hague adoption cases.<\/p>\r\n<p>USCIS wants to ensure that your home suits the adoptive child based on the applicable laws.<\/p>\r\n<p>A home study is an investigation of your home, employment, finances, health, and criminal background by a social worker. The adoption home study also includes references from friends and family. The investigation concludes with a written report from the social worker that includes the caseworker&#8217;s recommendation of the number, ages, and special needs of the children you can best parent. For example, the social worker might approve you to adopt one child under the age of 9. In another instance, a prospective adoptive parent might be approved to adopt two children under 5.<\/p>\r\n<p>USCIS doesn&#8217;t send someone to conduct the home study for you. You are responsible for setting this up yourself. Someone licensed or authorized to conduct adoption home studies must visit your home and fill out the home study report per the Department of Homeland Security regulations.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Auto\"><\/a>Is My Adopted Child Automatically a Citizen?<\/h2>\r\n<p>No, children are not automatically citizens without a previously obtained visa. But there are steps to take to provide your child with a visa upon entering their new home and receiving U.S. citizenship.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the child lives abroad now, you must get them an immigrant visa to enter the United States. These visas are issued by the United States Department of State at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/u-s-embassy-consulate-guide.html\">embassy or consulate<\/a>&nbsp;in the foreign country where the child now lives.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Citizen\"><\/a>What Steps Are Required To Secure My Adopted Child&#8217;s U.S. Citizenship?<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/adoption\/bringing-your-internationally-adopted-child-united-states\/your-new-childs-immigrant-visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">type of visa your child needs<\/a>&nbsp;depends on a few factors:<\/p>\r\n<p><i>Visa types for Hague Adoptions<\/i><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>IH-3 visa: Issued for children with full and final adoptions from a Hague Convention country<\/li>\r\n<li>IH-4 visa: Issued when a child is coming to the United States from a Hague Convention country to be adopted<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><i>Visa types for orphan (non-Hague) adoptions<\/i><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>IR-3 visa: Issued when a full and final adoption is completed abroad<ul>\r\n<li>Requires that the parent(s) physically see the child before or during the adoption proceedings<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li>IR-4 visa: Issued to a child that<ul>\r\n<li>Is coming to the United States to be adopted<\/li>\r\n<li>Was adopted abroad by only one parent (if married)<\/li>\r\n<li>Was not seen by the parent(s) before or during the adoption<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><i>Visa types for other adopted children<\/i><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>IR-2 visa: Issued to a child<ul>\r\n<li>Adopted by a citizen if the child immigrates to the U.S. while unmarried and before their 21st birthday<\/li>\r\n<li>After the child&#8217;s 21st birthday, if they are protected under the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/greencard\/child-status-protection-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Status Protection Act<\/a>&nbsp;as though they are still under 21<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Citizenship\"><\/a>What Steps Are Necessary To Obtain Citizenship for My Child?<\/h2>\r\n<p>The steps required to obtain citizenship, an important part of the international adoption process, will depend on their visa type.<\/p>\r\n<p>Children with IR-3 and IH-3 visas automatically acquire citizenship if:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>They enter the United States before their 18th birthday, and<\/li>\r\n<li>They reside in the United States with their parents (U.S. government or military personnel assigned overseas may qualify as living in the United States)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>For IR-3 and IH-3 cases, your child&#8217;s Certificate of Citizenship will automatically be sent to your U.S. address without requiring additional forms or fees.<\/p>\r\n<p>Children with IR-4 and IH-4 visas:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Don&#8217;t acquire automatic citizenship upon entry to the U.S., but instead become permanent residents,<\/li>\r\n<li>Will automatically receive a permanent resident card (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/getting-a-green-card.html\">green card<\/a>), and<\/li>\r\n<li>Will automatically acquire citizenship on the date of their adoption in the United States if the adoption occurs before the child&#8217;s 18th birthday.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Children with IR-2 visas who&nbsp;are:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Under 18 automatically acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry to the United States if they reside in the United States with their parents (U.S. government or military personnel living overseas may qualify as living in the U.S.), and<\/li>\r\n<li>Over 18 become permanent residents and receive a green card<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Children with IR-2 visas who didn&#8217;t automatically acquire U.S. citizenship can apply for naturalization when eligible.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Re-Adoption\"><\/a>What Is Re-Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some international adoptions require&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/topics\/systemwide\/laws-policies\/statutes\/intercountry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">re-adoption<\/a>. Re-adoption is the process of adopting your child in the United States. This &quot;second adoption&quot; happens after the child has been adopted from another country. There is no federal requirement for re-adoption. Re-adoption occurs under state law, and the procedure varies from state to state.<\/p>\r\n<p>Re-adoption occurs for a variety of reasons:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Some countries only award legal guardianship when a child has been adopted. Finalizing the adoption in the United States means that you will receive a final adoption order declaring that you are the adoptive child&#8217;s parent.<\/li>\r\n<li>Some countries prefer that both parents meet the child while the adoptive child is in their birth country. If only one of the parents traveled to meet the child, then some countries will provide an IH-4 or IR-4 visa. These visas state that the child travels to the United States to be adopted.<\/li>\r\n<li>Some states require that international adoptions be reviewed by their courts.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Generally, if the child received an IH-3 or IR-3 visa, the adoption was completed in the child&#8217;s birth country. But, the adoptive parents were granted legal custody if the child received an IH-4 or IR-4 visa.<\/p>\r\n<p>Even if your child&#8217;s adoption was completed in their birth country, you should still consider finalizing the adoption in the United States because it provides you with a birth certificate from your home state and legal protection if there are changes to foreign adoptive laws that apply retroactively.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Post\"><\/a>Are There Post-Adoption Requirements in International Adoption?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Yes. Even after a child has been placed with an adoptive family, the intercountry adoption process has a few more steps that must be followed. There are post-placement requirements. Most foreign countries require that adoptive parents file periodic reports explaining the child&#8217;s progress and welfare. Some countries require that post-placement reports be filed for five years after placement, while others require the reports to be filed until the child turns 18. Parents must comply with the reporting requirement. Some countries have threatened to suspend adoptions because parents ignored the requirement.<\/p>\r\n<h2><a id=\"Legal\"><\/a>Get Professional Legal Help With the International Adoption Process<\/h2>\r\n<p>Potential family and immigration law issues mean international adoptions can be complicated. A social worker is always helpful. But a lawyer&#8217;s help can also ensure that you successfully prepare to meet both systems&#8217; challenges. Before you shell out your hard-earned cash and fly halfway around the world, ensure you&#8217;re doing it right by speaking with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    It is a good idea to have an attorney for complex adoptions\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can ensure you meet all legal requirements and that your adoption is finalized appropriately\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help protect the best interests of adoptive children, adoptive families, and birth parents\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    For simple adoptions, you may be able to do the paperwork on your own or by using an agency\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice at any point in the adoption process. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL24\" title=\"Family Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce.html\">\n                        Divorce Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage.html\">\n                        Marriage Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support.html\">\n                        Child Support Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Support Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/same-sex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Same Sex Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/fathers-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Father&#8217;s Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Divorce Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/custody-visitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Custody and Visitation Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h2 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    Don&#8217;t Forget About Estate Planning\n                <\/h2>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Adopting a child is an ideal time to create or change your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.findlaw.com%2Fforms%2Festate-planning.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7CBrittany.Walker%40thomsonreuters.com%7C2d4e4b227c9a4fb86af008dbda212946%7C62ccb8646a1a4b5d8e1c397dec1a8258%7C0%7C0%7C638343608191626949%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bi68%2BBAgQTWdqe0Zw10fMvZVQGWNTvAvVB4MyPzLqd8%3D&amp;reserved=0\">estate<\/a><span style=\"background-color: transparent;font-weight: normal;\"> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.findlaw.com%2Fforms%2Festate-planning.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7CBrittany.Walker%40thomsonreuters.com%7C2d4e4b227c9a4fb86af008dbda212946%7C62ccb8646a1a4b5d8e1c397dec1a8258%7C0%7C0%7C638343608191626949%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bi68%2BBAgQTWdqe0Zw10fMvZVQGWNTvAvVB4MyPzLqd8%3D&amp;reserved=0\">planning forms<\/a><span style=\"background-color: transparent;font-weight: normal;\">. Take the time to add new beneficiaries to your will and name a guardian for any minor children. Consider creating a financial power of attorney so your agent can pay bills and make sure your children are provided for. A health care directive explains your health care decisions and takes the decision-making burden off your children when they become adults.<\/span><\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover answers to the most common questions about international adoption by reading Findlaw&#8217;s discussion of eligibility, the process, costs, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351545,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2730],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351579","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-family"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351579"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351579\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351545"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351579"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351579"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}