Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
How can I adopt a child that I already have legal custody of
Asked on 2/05/12, 12:30 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Beard
Attorney at Law
There is not a lot of background detail in your question, but the general process is to file a petition for adoption in your circuit court. The parents of the child must either consent, or the court must hold a hearing and determine that parental consent is withheld contrary to the child's best interest. You may wish to contact the Virginia Lawyer's Referral Service to obtain an initial half-hour consultation for a $35 fee, which is very reasonable. More information is available at:
http://www.vsb.org/vlrs/index.php/public/vlrs/
Good luck.
Answered on 2/05/12, 8:30 am