It is also recommended that prospective adoptive parents contact the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service early in the process, before they receive a child referral.

According to the country's requirements for international adoption from Latvia , adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old . Married couples (at least for 2 years) , single and divorced women are equally eligible for adoption. Prospective adoptive parents can already have children.

After submitting the dossiers the referral time might take from 9 to 12 months .

In accordance with the international adoption rules and procedures in Latvia , prospective adoptive parents must make 2 trips (approximately 3 days each) . Both parents must travel for the 1st trip. Only one parent can return for the 2nd trip to complete the international adoption process.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The U.S. Embassy in Riga and the Department of State strongly recommend that prospective adoptive parents use caution when considering adoption in Latvia . There are indications that the new laws will make the process more bureaucratic and cumbersome and the entire adoption procedure will become very time consuming, with possible delays of up to two years to complete all requirements.

DISCLAIMER: The information concerning legal requirements for specific foreign countries provided below is for general information only. Please consult a local attorney regarding any interpretation of specific foreign laws

The adoption of Latvian children by foreigners is allowed if one or more of the following conditions are met:

1. The prospective adoptive parents are relatives of the child.
2. The child is ill and in need of medical treatment not available in Latvia .
3. The child has health problems and has been available for adoption for one year, but no Latvian adoptive parents have expressed a willingness to adopt the child.
4. The child has been rejected by at least two persons who had applied for adoption, and this fact was verified by records in the child's adoption file.

LATVIAN DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS:
All prospective parents must submit the following documents (in duplicate) in the original, accompanied by an official Latvian translation:

•  The Latvian application form.
2. Information about the sex and age range of the child (children) you are interested in adopting
3. Written, notarized consent of the spouse, if only one spouse of a couple is submitting the application
4. A copy of your marriage certificate, under apostille.
5. A statement about the dwelling space of the family (i.e., size, location, type of residence)
6. A statement about the adoptive family's yearly income.
7. An autobiography (curriculum vitae)
8. A police clearance report from the United States listing all charges with a detailed explanation. A prospective parent would become ineligible to adopt a Latvian child if they have been convicted of a felony or child abuse and neglect.
9. Medical statements:
a) Regarding the health of the family (hereditary illnesses, if any, and any specific illnesses);
b) Specific reports concerning venereal diseases, psychiatric conditions, a lung specialist and a physician specializing in narcotics and drug addiction.
10. A home study conducted by a state adoption agency or a private organization licensed to perform such studies. A home study should have an Apostille like all other documents.