ADOPTION PRIMER

We wrote the book on adoption in Virginia - "Adoption Procedures and Forms: A Guide for Virginia Lawyers", published by the Virginia Continuing Legal Education Foundation. This treatise is in the fourth edition. The firm handles adoptions throughout Virginia for agencies and individuals. Our knowledge is based on years of hands-on experience.

Step-parent Adoptions

These occur when a husband or wife seeks to adopt the other spouse's child. Generally, such adoptions require the consent of the other birth parent. The court does have the authority, however, to grant the adoption without consent if it is withheld contrary to the best interests of the child or if the other parent cannot be located.

Parental Placement Adoptions

These occur when the birth parent(s) arrange to place the child with the adoptive parents. A consent to adopt is executed before a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge. These can occur even when the birth father is unknown or cannot be located.

A home study is conducted in the adoptive parents in order to determine whether the adoptive parents are able to care for the child properly. The actual adoption is finalized in the Circuit Court.

Interstate Adoptions

These must satisfy the requirements of the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC), unless the child is being adopted by a specific family member. The requirements are very specific and require detailed documentation.

International Adoptions

After the adoptive parents comply with the laws of the country of origin, they are well advised to re-adopt the child in their home state.

Agency Adoptions

After the parental rights of the parents have been terminated, a child is available for adoption. Often, these occur after a child has been in the foster care system, There may be benefits such as stipends or health insurance coverage available through the Department of Social Services.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding adoption.

Significant changes were made in Virginia adoption law in 2006 and 2007 session of the Virginia General Assembly.

Click here for a summary of adoption law in Virginia.

For information from the Virginia Department of Social Services regarding adoption,, click here.

For foster care adoptions, contact your local Department of Human Services.

There also is a complilation of Adoption links at www.davethomasfoundation.org.