Legal Resources
Worldwide Caution:
The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution.
Americans in the Middle East:
Americans in the Middle East should follow the latest guidance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and can contact the U.S. Department of State to receive information or assistance.
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In this section, you will find information on a wide array of legal issues that often affect Americans traveling or living abroad.
These include "private matters" such as the need for a foreign attorney or for a document to be notarized. Or, you may be looking for information on documenting the birth of an American citizen abroad, renunciation of U.S. citizenship, and matters related to dual nationality.
You will also find information about "public matters" such as our international law obligations with regard to foreign nationals arrested or detained in the United States and other treaty, legal or public policy matters.
U.S. Citizenship Laws and Policy
This section includes information about acquisition and loss of U.S. citizenship.
International Judicial Assistance
This section provides guidance about how to service legal documents abroad; how to obtain evidence abroad; procedures for authentication/legalization of foreign public documents, preparation of letters rogatory and enforcement of judgments.
International Treaties & Agreements
This section provides general information and links to key consular-related treaties including Consular Conventions, private international law treaties on legalization of documents, service of process, obtaining evidence abroad, international child abduction, international adoption, and prisoner transfer.
International Child Support Enforcement
This section provides general information about passport denial for child support arrearages; bilateral child support agreements and a multilateral child support agreement.
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