Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Adoption of stepson

I�m trying to adopt my stepson and change his last name. The child is 2 years old. The natural father has never had contact with the child, he do not pay any support, his name is not in the birth certificate, he has not signed any paper to take responsibility as the father and he has not been married to my wife. We do not know the father�s address. Is it complicated to do the adoption or is this only paperwork. Do I need a lawyer? If so, what is the cost? Is it our or the court�s responsibility to try to reach the father? How long time will this process take? What forms do I need to file for the adoption (5-302 and 5-312)? I tried to ask some question regarding this at the courthouse (clerk of circuit court), but they did not know or would not give me any information about adoption�


Asked on 4/29/02, 4:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Adoption of stepson

If at all possible, you should retain an attorney

to handle the adoption, particularly, to avoid

untoward repercussions which could easily surface at some later date and cause much trouble---for

all parties involved in the matter.

If there's not going to be any contest to the adoption by the child's father, this alone should reduce your costs considerably.

If you absolutely can't afford to hire an attorney on your own, you may wish to see whether the local legal services agency in your area can provide you with one.

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Answered on 4/29/02, 7:57 pm


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