Staunton Adoption Attorneys 

Adoption Lawyers Serving Central Virginia

Adoption is a wonderful way to grow your family. It is also a complex legal process that can be confusing and overwhelming. At Tucker Griffin Barnes, we are here to help you navigate the adoption process. Our experienced adoption attorneys can guide you through every step of the way, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are able to achieve your goals.

For more information about adoption in Virginia, call (540) 328-2808 or contact us online. 

Types of Adoption in Virginia

There are several different types of adoption in Virginia. The type of adoption you choose will depend on your specific circumstances and goals. Our attorneys can help you understand the different types of adoption and determine which is right for you.

The most common types of adoption in Virginia include:

• Step-Parent Adoption
• Relative Adoption
• Agency Adoption
• Independent Adoption
• International Adoption
• Adult Adoption

Step-Parent Adoption

Step-parent adoption is the process of adopting your spouse’s child. This is a relatively straightforward process, as long as the child’s other biological parent is willing to terminate their parental rights. If the other parent is not willing to do so, you may still be able to adopt the child if you can prove that the other parent has abandoned the child or is otherwise unfit to be a parent.

Relative Adoption

Relative adoption is the process of adopting a child who is related to you. This could be a grandchild, niece, nephew, or other relative. Relative adoption is similar to step-parent adoption, in that it is generally a straightforward process as long as the child’s biological parents are willing to terminate their parental rights. If the parents are not willing to do so, you may still be able to adopt the child if you can prove that the parents have abandoned the child or are otherwise unfit to be parents.

Agency Adoption

Agency adoption is the process of adopting a child through a licensed adoption agency. The agency will match you with a child who is in need of a home. The agency will also handle the legal aspects of the adoption, including terminating the biological parents’ rights and obtaining the necessary consents. Agency adoption can be a lengthy process, as there are often many families waiting to adopt a child. However, it is generally less expensive than other types of adoption.

Independent Adoption

Independent adoption is the process of adopting a child directly from the biological parents. This is often a faster process than agency adoption, as there are generally fewer families waiting to adopt a child. However, it can also be more expensive, as you will be responsible for the costs of the adoption, including the birth mother’s medical expenses and living expenses. You will also need to work with an adoption attorney to handle the legal aspects of the adoption.

International Adoption

International adoption is the process of adopting a child from another country. This is a complex process, as it involves complying with the laws of both the United States and the child’s home country. You will also need to obtain an immigrant visa for the child, so that they can legally enter the United States. International adoption can be a lengthy process, as it often takes several months to complete the necessary paperwork and obtain the necessary approvals. It can also be expensive, as you will be responsible for the costs of the adoption, including travel expenses and legal fees.

Adult Adoption

Adult adoption is the process of adopting a person who is over the age of 18. This is often done for inheritance purposes, as it allows the person to inherit from their adoptive parents. Adult adoption is a relatively simple process, as long as the person being adopted consents to the adoption.

How to Adopt a Child in Virginia

The process of adopting a child in Virginia will depend on the type of adoption you choose. However, there are several steps that are common to all types of adoption.

The steps to adopt a child in Virginia include:

1. Choose an adoption agency or attorney: If you are interested in agency adoption, you will need to choose an adoption agency to work with. If you are interested in independent adoption, you will need to choose an adoption attorney to work with. Our attorneys can help you understand the differences between agency adoption and independent adoption and determine which is right for you.
2. Complete a home study: All prospective adoptive parents must complete a home study. This is a process in which a social worker will visit your home and interview you and your family. The social worker will also conduct a background check and review your financial records. The purpose of the home study is to ensure that you are able to provide a safe and stable home for the child.
3. Complete the necessary paperwork: Once you have completed the home study, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork to initiate the adoption process. This will include filing a petition with the court and obtaining the necessary consents from the biological parents.
4. Attend a hearing: Once you have completed the necessary paperwork, you will need to attend a hearing before a judge. The judge will review your case and determine whether to grant the adoption. If the judge grants the adoption, you will be issued a final decree of adoption.
5. Obtain a new birth certificate: Once the adoption is final, you will need to obtain a new birth certificate for the child. The new birth certificate will list you and your spouse as the child’s parents.

For more information about adoption in Virginia, call (540) 328-2808 or contact us online.