Adopting a stepchild is the most common form of adoption. A stepparent who adopts agrees to become the legal parent and be fully responsible for his or her spouse’s child. After the stepparent adoption occurs, the noncustodial parent (the parent not living with the child) no longer has any rights or responsibilities for the child, including child support.
In Virginia, stepparent adoption is a legal process where a stepparent agrees to become the legal parent of their spouse's child, assuming full responsibility for the child. This process requires the consent of the noncustodial biological parent, unless their rights have been terminated due to abandonment, unfitness, or other reasons as determined by the court. Once the adoption is finalized, the noncustodial parent's rights and responsibilities, including child support obligations, are terminated. The process involves filing a petition for adoption in the circuit court, and it may require a home study and background checks. The court will consider the best interests of the child in making a decision on the adoption petition. It's important to note that state laws can change, and an attorney can provide the most current legal advice regarding stepparent adoption in Virginia.