{"id":376899,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-adoption-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-05T12:51:27","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T17:51:27","slug":"virginia-adoption-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-adoption-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Adoption Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Virginia Adoption Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            November 05, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Adopting a child can be a wonderful and exciting experience. However, Virginia adoption laws are stringent. Before the court approves an adoption, it wants to make sure it\u2019s in the best interest of the child and the adoptive family.<\/p>\r\n<p>Whether you plan on petitioning the court for a stepparent, open, or non-agency adoption, the process can be daunting. If it&#8217;s your first time considering adoption, the intimidation factor is difficult to overcome.<\/p>\r\n<p>One way to make the process less difficult is to familiarize yourself with Virginia\u2019s adoption laws and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dss.virginia.gov\/files\/division\/dfs\/ap\/intro_page\/manuals\/07-01-2022\/section_1_adoption_overview.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adoption process<\/a> itself. Here, we will discuss how the process works and provide links to other helpful resources.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Types of Adoption in Virginia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The first decision you must make if you\u2019re considering adoption is the type of adoption you want to undertake. There are several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/the-different-types-of-adoption.html\">types of adoptions<\/a>, and the adoption process may vary depending on the route you intend to take.<\/p>\r\n<p>The various types of adoptions available in the State of Virginia include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Stepparent adoption<\/b> &#8211; If you have children and remarry, your new spouse may want to adopt your children. The process is simple if the other parent consents. If they refuse to surrender their parental rights, you must petition the court to terminate the parental rights of the birth father (presumed father) and birth mother. Virginia law treats stepparent adoptions as second-parent adoptions.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Second-parent adoption<\/b> &#8211; Before July 2021, an unmarried couple could not adopt a child together. They would first have to marry and then complete a second-parent adoption. This changed in July 2021 when the legislature amended the <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/title63.2\/chapter12\/section63.2-1241\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Code of Virginia Statute \u00a763.2-1241<\/a>, which allows a spouse or a \u201cperson with a legitimate interest\u201d to adopt a child.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Private adoption<\/b> &#8211; If you\u2019ve already arranged to adopt a child from someone in your family or social circle, a private adoption would suit your needs. This type of adoption, often called a non-agency adoption, doesn\u2019t involve a licensed child-placing agency. You may hire an adoption professional or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/virginia\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adoption law attorney<\/a> to help with the private adoption.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Foster adoption<\/b> &#8211; If you\u2019re a foster parent and want to adopt the child in your care, you can petition the local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dss.virginia.gov\/nam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Social Services<\/a>. They will assist you through the adoption process and ensure that the adoption is best for both your family and the child.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Relative adoption<\/b> &#8211; Virginia Statute <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-63-2-welfare-social-services\/va-code-sect-63-2-1242-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u00a763.2-1242.3<\/a> governs relative adoptions. These adoptions occur when a close relative or family member wants to adopt a relative. The legal process for a <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-63-2-welfare-social-services\/va-code-sect-63-2-1242-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">relative adoption<\/a> is similar to any other adoption. However, if a child has lived with the petitioner for over two years, the adopting adult doesn\u2019t need to complete a home study. The judge can sign the final order immediately or proclaim that the petitioner must submit an \u201cOrder of Reference.\u201d This order requires a licensed child-placing agency or someone from the local Department of Social Services to visit the adoptive family\u2019s home and confirm that the adopted child is transitioning well. They must do so within 60 days of the order. The judge will issue the final adoption decree once they submit the report to the court.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Agency adoption<\/b> &#8211; Although it&#8217;s expensive, many prospective adoptive families use adoption agencies. These agencies can connect you with a child and offer multiple adoption services. They\u2019ll be by your side throughout the adoption proceedings and help prepare you for the mandatory home study.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Domestic adoption<\/b> &#8211; A domestic adoption occurs within Virginia. Virginia honors out-of-state adoptions as well. All states must abide by the <a href=\"https:\/\/adoptioncouncil.org\/publications\/understanding-the-interstate-compact-on-the-placement-of-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Interstate Compact<\/a>, which dictates that they will recognize and respect adoptions that take place in other jurisdictions.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>International adoption<\/b> &#8211; There is a growing trend toward choosing international adoptions. Many families believe their chances of adopting within the U.S. are low and look for alternate options. Other married couples and families want to adopt a child of the same ethnicity and culture. This is sometimes easier to do with an international adoption.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>Differences Between Public and Private Adoptions<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>When deciding which type of adoption you want, it&#8217;s important to understand the differences between a public and private adoption. If you want more control over the adoption process, you\u2019ll want to pursue a private adoption. If cost is an issue, you may wish to apply for a public adoption through the state. Here&#8217;s how the choice may affect your adoption process:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Public adoption<\/b> &#8211; These adoption cases involve a foster care adoption. Your local or state government will oversee the process and help match you with a child. The state will also appoint a social worker to your case to help with the home study and placement.<ul>\r\n<li>One advantage of a public adoption is that local and state resources will fund it, so your costs are minimal. The process is also much faster than a private adoption because you won\u2019t have to worry so much about gaining the birth parent\u2019s consent.<\/li>\r\n<li>One of the downsides is that you don\u2019t have much control over the adoption process. You will also likely adopt an older child or one with special needs. The state will be heavily involved post-adoption.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Private adoption<\/b> &#8211; A private adoption involves a private adoption agency that will help match you with a birth family looking to place their child for adoption. It often involves an attorney providing legal services throughout the adoption process.<ul>\r\n<li>One of the benefits of private adoption is that you have much more control over the process. You\u2019ll also have the option of an open adoption, which is not often available with a public adoption.<\/li>\r\n<li>One of the drawbacks of choosing this type of adoption is that it\u2019s expensive. Not only will you have to pay the adoption agency, but you may also have to pay for the birth mother\u2019s medical expenses.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Legal Requirements for a Virginia Adoption<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Every state has laws governing the adoption process. Virginia is no different. To adopt a child in Virginia, you must meet specific legal requirements.<\/p>\r\n<p>These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>You must be at least 18 years old<\/li>\r\n<li>You must pass a criminal background check<\/li>\r\n<li>You must complete a home study<\/li>\r\n<li>You must undergo post-placement supervision (in most cases)<\/li>\r\n<li>You must have consent from the birth parents. If they do not consent, or if the prospective adoptive parents cannot locate them, they must petition the court to terminate their parental rights. This is difficult as the courts are reluctant to extinguish a parent\u2019s rights regardless of the situation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>The Adoption Process in Virginia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Virginia adoption law allows for either agency placements or non-agency parental placement adoptions. Prospective parents must complete a six-month home residency before formally adopting the child. Upon completion of this residency period, the adoptive parents must petition the court and obtain consent from the agency to finalize the adoption.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Virginia Department of Social Services maintains resources to help prospective parents&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.dss.virginia.gov\/family\/ap\/index.cgi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">navigate the public adoption process<\/a>. These resources include a listing of&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.dss.virginia.gov\/family\/ap\/children_for_adoption.cgi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">children available for adoption in Virginia<\/a>, an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dss.virginia.gov\/family\/ap\/ai.cgi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Inquiry Form<\/a>, and a legal overview of the adoption process in Virginia.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Virginia Adoption Laws at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The finer points of adoption law vary from state to state. Virginia&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/details-on-state-adoption-laws.html\">adoption laws<\/a>, for instance, require a six-month home residency period before finalization. These laws also require that you obtain the adoptive child\u2019s consent if they are over the age of 14.<\/p>\r\n<p>The main provisions of Virginia adoption laws are listed below. For additional articles and resources, see FindLaw&#8217;s&nbsp;Adoption&nbsp;section.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Virginia Adoption Code Section<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>Code of Virginia<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><u>Title 63.2 &#8211; Welfare (Social Services)<\/u><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-63-2-welfare-social-services\/va-code-sect-63-2-1100\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Va. Code Section 63.2-1100<\/a> (<i>definitions<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-63-2-welfare-social-services\/va-code-sect-63-2-1200.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Va. Code Section 63.2-1200<\/a> (<i>who may place children for adoption<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/va\/title-63-2-welfare-social-services\/va-code-sect-63-2-1202\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Va. Code Section 63.2-1202<\/a> (<i>parental, or agency, consent required; exceptions<\/i>)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Who May Be Adopted<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><div>&nbsp;<\/div>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Any child<\/li>\r\n<li>An adult (under certain conditions)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Age at Which the Adoptive Child&#8217;s Consent Is Required<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>14 years and older<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Who May Adopt<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Any natural person may petition to adopt a minor child. If the petitioner is married, the spouse must join. Any natural person may adopt another adult under certain conditions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Home Residency Requirement Prior to Finalization of Adoption<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>State Agency\/Court<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dss.virginia.gov\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Social Services<\/a>\/Circuit Court<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><p>Statute of Limitations to Challenge<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Six months<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Disclaimer<\/b>:&nbsp;Virginia state laws change often. Contact a <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/virginia\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Virginia adoption attorney<\/i><\/a><i> or conduct legal research to verify current state laws.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Learn More About Virginia Adoption Laws From an Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Adoption laws can be hard to understand and even harder to follow. Why not make the process much easier by having a legal expert on your side? Contact a skilled&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/virginia\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adoption attorney<\/a> in Virginia today who can answer your questions and even represent you in adoption proceedings.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Virginia Adoption Laws: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/adoption-court-faqs.html\">Adoption Court Procedures FAQ<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/costs-of-adopting-fact-sheet-for-families.html\">Costs of Adopting: Fact Sheet for Families<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/international-adoption-basics.html\">International Adoption Basics<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dss.virginia.gov\/family\/ap\/children_for_adoption.cgi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Children Available for Adoption &#8211; Virginia Department of Social Services<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dss.virginia.gov\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foster Care &amp; Adoption &#8211; Virginia Department of Social Services<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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