Adoption laws, since they differ in each state, can be confusing. What is necessary to adopt in one state might not be in another, and the process itself can vary in many ways. If you’re interested in adoption in Virginia, then, you need to be up-to-date on adoption laws in Virginia. To save you some time, we’ve compiled all pertinent Virginia adoption laws in one place. You can also contact us online to get more information now.

Please note that this article does not serve as legal advice. Adoption laws change frequently, so you should speak with a social worker or attorney before taking any action.

Who can adopt in Virginia?

You can choose adoption in Virginia if you are:

• A husband and wife jointly

• A stepparent

• A person who has custody of a child that was placed with them by an adoption agency

• Intended parents who have a surrogacy contract

• A parent adopting a child who is old enough to consent to their own adoption

Unmarried individuals and hopeful parents of all ages are welcome to adopt in Virginia as long as they meet the requirements of their chosen adoption professional. However, unmarried partners may not adopt jointly. 

Virginia’s Birth Parent Consent Process

Virginia adoption laws require that consent to the adoption be given by the child’s birth mother, in addition to any man who:

• Is an acknowledged father

• Is the presumed father

• Has registered with Virginia’s Putative Father Registry

If the child is 14 years old or older, he or she will also be required to consent to the adoption, unless a judge finds that the adoption is in the child’s best interest and consent is not necessary.

The child’s birth father may terminate his own parental rights prior to the birth of the child, but in a direct placement, the child must be at least three calendar days old before the birth parents can consent to adoption. 

Birth Parent Expenses

Adoption laws in Virginia do allow for adoptive parents to pay for some birth parent expenses, including:

• Pregnancy-related medical expenses and insurance premiums

• Mental health counseling

• Food, clothing and shelter expenses when a birth mother’s pregnancy makes her unable to work

• Reimbursements for expenses related to court appearances, including food, lodging and transportation

• Legal service fees

• Transportation to any services

Please note, however, that no one should ever exchange money or anything of value for the placement of a child.

Virginia Home Study Requirements

Before you can adopt a child, Virginia adoption laws state that you must complete a home study. A home study is an evaluation of your family’s readiness to adopt and includes three phases: the documentation phase, an in-home visit and a home inspection. Your home study provider will walk you through exactly what you need to do, but it can be helpful to begin preparing documents such as:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage licenses

• Physical health statements

• Mental health statements

• Driver’s licenses

• Financial information, such as tax documents and income statements

Virginia Adoption Professionals

American Adoptions is a full-service, national adoption agency. This means we’re well-equipped to comply with all adoption laws in Virginia and to help you pursue your adoption journey, whether you’re a prospective birth mother or a hopeful adoptive parent. We provide every service, from providing birth mothers with free counseling to helping adoptive families find adoption opportunities. To learn more, call 1-800-ADOPTION, or request free information here. 

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.