Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Re: Adoption

If the birth father is alive he must be divested of his parental rights either voluntarily or by court order. After that is achieved in the juvenile & domestic relations court, adoption can begin. Adoption requires an attorney. You have to have a home study by an approved Social Service Organization. Once achieved the JDR court gives custody to the candidate and sets the case for a year later. Within that year (actually after six months of custody) you petition the Circuit Court for Adoption. This is rather easy and by that time there is no opposition.

It is semi-complicated. A good lawyer is absolutely necessary.

Good luck.