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Adoption

child in the U.S.

Adoption is a legal process in which an adult person assumes responsibility for the care and support of another person (usually a child) who is not the adoptive parent's biological child. The laws governing adoption of children in the United States are state laws, and vary from state to state.

In Virginia, adoption is governed by state laws found in the Code of Virginia, specifically in Title 63.2, Chapters 12 and 13. The process allows an adult to become the legal parent of someone else, typically a child, who is not their biological offspring. To adopt a child in Virginia, prospective parents must go through a home study, obtain approval from a licensed child-placing agency or the local department of social services, and receive a court order finalizing the adoption. The process includes ensuring the best interests of the child are met, terminating the parental rights of the biological parents (unless it's a step-parent adoption where only one parent's rights are terminated), and establishing a new, permanent legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child. Virginia law also allows for the adoption of adults under certain circumstances. The process is designed to be thorough to protect the welfare of the child and to ensure that the adoptive family is suitable and prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood.

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Adoption

child in the U.S.

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Virginia State Code

Adoption

child in the U.S.

Virginia State Code

Articles