Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Guidance on adopted child

My wife and I adopted a child 7 years ago, it has been a struggle with the lies and deciept since day 1. She is now 12 y/o and things are worse. She was a product of a drug baby and has been diagnost with Asbergers Syndrome and Attachment Disorder. My wife's health is not the best and the stress added is causing more problems. Recently she went to school and lied to them about being mentally abused- now we have added stress as Protective services has to do their investigation. We have documented proof of her lies inthe past- she has been treated at a behavioral school in the past. My question is: to prevent form losing my wife because of the stress and her health- and this is a very difficult question for me- can I give her back up to foster care?


Asked on 2/16/06, 3:27 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Guidance on adopted child

Better ask Foster Care about that. (I would rather doubt it.)

Read more
Answered on 2/16/06, 4:50 pm
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Guidance on adopted child

It ought to be a difficult question for you to ask.

Children often make marriage hell. Good parents have bad children. Good parents have rotten biological children. This child is no different. It's yours. While not your genetics yours in every other meaningful (including legal) way. Society will not allow you to put children on the side of the road or to "give back" defective "non-biological" children to the Department of Social Services.

What would you do if this were your biological child?

But the legal answer is no you can't give the child to the State.

Be a parent.

Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 2/16/06, 11:54 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Virginia