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 petitioners must obtain the legal support of their spouse in order to adopt.
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. |
| 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 minor child. If petitioner is married, 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 court) |
| State Agency/Court | Public Welfare or 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
Virginia Adoption Laws: Related Resources
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 adoptions proceedings.
