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Child custody

adoption

Adoption is the legal process in which a person assumes responsibility for the health, safety, well-being, and financial support of another person—usually a child—and terminates the rights and responsibilities of the adopted person’s biological parent or parents.

In Virginia, adoption is governed by state statutes found in Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia. The process legally transfers all rights and responsibilities from the biological parent(s) to the adoptive parent(s). This includes the duty to care for the child's physical and emotional health, safety, education, and general welfare. The process requires the termination of the biological parents' legal rights, which can be voluntary through consent or involuntary through a court order if the court finds it to be in the best interest of the child. The adoption process in Virginia involves several steps, including home studies, background checks, and court hearings. The process can vary depending on the type of adoption, such as private, agency, foster care, or international adoption. Once an adoption is finalized by a court order, the adoptive parents have the same rights and responsibilities as if the child were born to them, and the child gains the right to inherit from the adoptive parents. It's important to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law to navigate the complexities of the adoption process in Virginia.

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Child custody

adoption

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Virginia State Code

Virginia State Code

Child custody

adoption

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