[fc24924]

I have a friend whose husband recently passed away. They were in the process of adopting their second child from China when he died. Their dossier had been completed and they were in the waiting game stage.

I haven't the heart to ask her, but will she be now ineligible to adopt, as China now doesn't allow single parent adoptions? I know she is devestated enough right now, and she hasn't wanted to face calling her case worker.

Anyone know if she is just going to be out of luck?

[bajj]

I don't have an answer for you, but you might try cross posting this on the China forum.

[sak9645]

It is my understanding that China recently allowed an adoption to be completed when a spouse died between the time of referral and the time of adoption finalization in China. It did so for humanitarian reasons, and because the surviving spouse would clearly have the ability to provide for the child, despite the loss of the other parent.

However, if a spouse dies before referral, it is NOT likely that the adoption will be allowed to continue.

The bereaved, surviving spouse should always check with his/her agency, which may be able to advocate on his/her behalf with China. However, once a person no longer meets Chinese requirements, it is usually the case that a dossier must be withdrawn.

Sharon