Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
adoption
my husband wants to abopted my daughter 15 yr old, who he helped to raise since she was 4 months old. Her biological has not been involved and doesn't care what I do. What do we have to do to make this happen?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: adoption
I strongly advise that you get an attorney to assist you with an adoption. It requires more than filling out a few forms, and, will require the consent of the father. While a non-lawyer may be capable to undertake such a task I cannot recommend that you do so without professional guidance.
Re: adoption
The procedure to follow is for your husband to file a stepparent adoption petition in the circuit court in your county or city. The biological father must be given notice of the petition and an opportunity to object to the adoption.
In some larger jurisdictions, there are forms that you can download to help you in the process.
Good luck.