If you’re thinking about adopting a child, congratulations! This is an exciting time for you, and you most likely have quite a bit on your mind. First and foremost, you’ll need to know whether or not you’re eligible for adoption in Virginia. Because all states have laws that vary slightly in this department, we’ve compiled the following information to answer all your questions about adoption in Virginia.

What are the requirements to adopt a child in Virginia?

In Virginia, a state resident who meets any of the following adoption qualifications may adopt:

• A parent who’s adopting a child who was subject to a consent proceeding

• Intended parents who have a surrogacy contract

• A husband and wife together

• A stepparent

• A person who has custody of a child that was placed by an adoption agency

If you are researching Virginia’s requirements for adopting a child because you have questions like, “How old do you have to be to adopt?” or “Do you have to be married to adopt?” know that Virginia has no stipulations for either. There is no age requirement, nor is there a marriage requirement. Same-sex couples are also able to adopt, so if you’re an LGBT couple in Virginia, know that American Adoptions is happy to help you grow your family.

As a national adoption agency, however, American Adoptions must meet the requirements for all state laws and is currently only working with couples who have been married for at least two years. If this doesn’t apply to you, know that exceptions are sometimes made. To talk with an adoption specialist about whether you meet American Adoptions’ requirements to adopt, call 1-800-ADOPTION.

Can a felon adopt a child in Virginia?

In most states, the answer to this question depends on the nature of the felony. If it was a violent crime or involved a child, it is not likely that you will be eligible to adopt. However, for non-violent crimes, you may be able to talk with your social worker about the circumstances of the felony and what you’ve learned since. It will be up to the social worker to decide whether or not you meet the qualifications for adoption in Virginia.

What are Virginia’s requirements to adopt a child from foster care?

In Virginia, the requirements to adopt a child from the foster care system are the same as the above requirements for adopting a child through private domestic adoption. For more information about starting the adoption process from foster care, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services. 

The Emotional Qualifications to Adopt a Child

While it’s usually fairly easy to determine whether you meet the legal adoption qualifications in Virginia, it’s also important to ensure that you’re emotionally ready to adopt. Before starting the adoption process with your family, make sure that you have all:

• Moved on from infertility

• Accepted and become just as excited about growing your family through adoption as you would have been to have a child biologically

• Told those closest to you about your decision to adopt

• Become comfortable with the fact that there will undoubtedly be emotional highs and lows in the process of adopting a child

If you feel that you meet both the legal and emotional adoption requirements in Virginia, congratulations! Adoption is a beautiful journey, and every step will be worth it in the end. For more information about pursuing adoption, call 1-800-ADOPTION to speak with an adoption specialist, or request more information here.  

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.