Virginia Adoption Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 11, 2023
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Adopting a child can be a wonderful, exciting experience. However, there are strict laws that govern the process and it can be complex. If you are considering adopting a child in Virginia, this article will give you a short overview of the law, a breakdown of the main statute, and some resources you can use to start your journey.
Virginia Adoption Laws at a Glance
The finer points of adoption law, such as residency requirements and the age at which a child's consent is needed, tend to vary from state to state. Virginia adoption laws, for instance, require a six-month home residency period prior to finalization and require the consent of children 14 and older. Anyone may apply to adopt a child, but married persons must file jointly unless it is a stepparent, in which case the biological parent signs a petition giving consent.
How to Adopt a Child in Virginia
Virginia adoption law allows for either agency placements or non-agency placements (direct parental placement, for instance). Prospective parents must complete a home residency in order to have a child placed in their home. Upon completion of the six-month residency, the adoptive parents must petition the court and obtain consent from the agency in order to finalize the adoption.
The Virginia Department of Social Services maintains a suite of resources to help prospective parents navigate the adoption process. These resources include a listing of children available for adoption in Virginia; an Adoption Inquiry Form, which helps refer families to the appropriate adoption agencies; and a legal overview of the adoption process in Virginia.
The main provisions of Virginia adoption laws are listed below. See FindLaw's Adoption section for additional articles and resources.
Code Section |
§ 63.2-1200, et seq., of the Virginia Code |
|---|---|
Who May Be Adopted |
Any child; adult under certain conditions |
Age that Child's Consent Needed |
14 years and older |
Who May Adopt |
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. |
Home Residency Required Prior to Finalization of Adoption? |
6 months (may be omitted by the court) |
State Agency/Court |
Social Services/Circuit |
Statute of Limitations to Challenge |
6 months |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a Virginia adoption attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
- Official State Codes -- Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Virginia Adoption Laws: Related Resources
- Adoption Court Procedures FAQ
- Costs of Adopting: Fact Sheet for Families
- International Adoption Basics
Learn More About Virginia Adoption Laws from an Attorney
Adoption laws can be hard to understand and even harder to follow. Why not make the process a whole lot easier by having a legal expert on your side? Contact a skilled adoption attorney in Virginia today who can answer your questions and even represent you in adoption proceedings.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.