Public Law 119-83 (04/13/2026)

22 U.S.C. § 9007

Costs and fees

(a)

Administrative costs

No department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government or of any State or local government may impose on an applicant any fee in relation to the administrative processing of applications submitted under the Convention.

(b)

Costs incurred in civil actions

(1)
Petitioners may be required to bear the costs of legal counsel or advisors, court costs incurred in connection with their petitions, and travel costs for the return of the child involved and any accompanying persons, except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3).
(2)
section 9003 of this title Subject to paragraph (3), legal fees or court costs incurred in connection with an action brought under shall be borne by the petitioner unless they are covered by payments from Federal, State, or local legal assistance or other programs.
(3)
section 9003 of this title Any court ordering the return of a child pursuant to an action brought under shall order the respondent to pay necessary expenses incurred by or on behalf of the petitioner, including court costs, legal fees, foster home or other care during the course of proceedings in the action, and transportation costs related to the return of the child, unless the respondent establishes that such order would be clearly inappropriate.

Pub. L. 100–300, § 8102 Stat. 440 (, , .)

Editorial Notes

Codification

section 11607 of Title 42Section was formerly classified to , The Public Health and Welfare.