• Adoption in Virginia [The Complete Guide]

    ADOPTIVE FAMILY SERVICES

    Adoption in Virginia [The Complete Guide]

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As you begin your research into the Virginia adoption process, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Whether you’re hoping to adopt a child domestically, internationally, or you’re pregnant and need to place a baby for adoption in Virginia, we hope to make this experience a little easier.
Looking for information specific to your city?  Explore our guides to adoption in
VIRGINIA BEACH | FAIRFAX | RICHMOND


Below, we walk prospective birth and adoptive parents through the different paths a Virginia adoption journey can take, remember that you can schedule a consultation with us at any time.


Here's a brief overview of adoption in Virginia:

The Virginia Adoption Process in 6 Steps

Everyone’s Virginia adoption experience is unique, involving a lot of moving parts and complex laws.

Ultimately, however, it can be summarized in 6 steps:

  • Choose adoption.

    Adoption is an easy choice for many pregnant couples and hopeful parents. For others, the choice isn’t as clear. After all, adoption isn’t going to be right for everyone. The first step is deciding whether it's right for you.


  • Choose an adoption professional.

    Adoptive parents must choose the type of adoption they’re interested in pursuing, whether that’s:

    We assist with each of these types of adoption. Not sure which route is best for your family? Contact us to learn.


    Based on the type of Virginia adoption, adoptive parents will want to contact a corresponding professional who can help them complete that type of adoption. Pregnant women who need to place a baby for adoption will also want to reach out to an adoption professional they feel meets their needs and supports them. We are happy to provide referrals to trusted Virginia adoption agencies.


    However, having a licensed and experienced Virginia adoption attorney on your side is something you must always have, regardless of the type of adoption or whether you’re a prospective birth or adoptive parent. You’ll need the help of people like us to ensure that your Virginia adoption is completed correctly.

  • Create your adoption plan.

    Now, it’s time to consider what you want in an ideal adoption situation. Prospective birth parents are asked to think about the level of openness they want in their adoption, the type of adoptive parents they want for their child and more. Hopeful adoptive parents, meanwhile, reflect on the types of adoption situations they’d be open to and more.


    We’ll discuss your preferences and help you to establish an adoption plan  with which you feel comfortable.

  • Find an adoption opportunity.

    When pursuing a private agency or independent adoption, the prospective birth and adoptive parents  search for a match and connect.  Adoptive parents pursuing international or public agency (foster care) adoption receive a referral from their agency regarding a child who is already waiting for adoption. So, depending on the type of adoption in Virginia as well as the professional you’re working with, this step can vary.


    However, through it all, we’ll be there to help you make the most of your match.

  • Complete placement.

    The placement of the child into his or her permanent, adoptive family is one of the most anticipated moments in the Virginia adoption process. It’s an emotional experience for everyone involved. We’ll guide you through this step, ensuring that the legalities are handled correctly so you can focus on what’s important.

  • Complete finalization and begin post-adoption life.

    Finalization is the last step of a Virginia adoption. It marks the legal moment a child becomes an official and permanent member of his or her (adoptive) family. We’ll guide you through this final legal step, walking you through everything you need to know.


    However, finalization does not always signal the end of the journey. Many birth and adoptive families choose to stay in touch through open adoption. We can help you to prepare for your Virginia open adoption, supporting you as you foster meaningful connections. We help birth and adoptive families communicate throughout the years in whatever manner they choose. No matter what, birth and adoptive families share a lifelong connection of love through their children.

3 of the Most Common Questions About Adopting a Child in Virginia

Growing your family through a Virginia adoption can feel like a huge undertaking. We’ll be there to guide you through the legal steps, ensuring that your family is supported and protected through the process and beyond.

At this point, it’s natural to have some questions. Below, we’ll answer three of the questions we often hear from hopeful adoptive parents:

“What are the requirements to place a baby for adoption in Virginia?”


The type of adoption and adoption professionals you choose will largely determine the requirements you must meet to adopt in Virginia. However, common requirements include:


  • The completion of a home study
  • Clearing criminal and abuse background checks
  • Basic requirements regarding age, health and financial stability

“Is it legal to advertise that you're looking to adopt in Virginia?”


Yes. Adoptive parents may advertise that they’re looking to adopt a child but only if the advertisements comply with the local rules. We can refer you to adoption professionals for help connect with a pregnant woman who is considering adoption.

“If I place my baby for adoption, will I have a say in anything?”


Many expectant parents hope to find their future child’s birth family quickly and easily, but that’s not always the case. You’ll likely need the help of adoption professionals who can match you with adoptive parents. While we can’t directly match you into an adoption opportunity (we’ll refer you to another professional for that), we can offer expert advice for families trying to find a match on their own.

For more information, or if you’re ready to begin your adoption in Virginia, request a consultation now.