Any individual who lives in the state of Virginia or anyone who is in custody of a child that has been placed by an agency can legally adopt. While a single person can adopt a child under state law, a couple who is not married cannot. However, same-sex married couples are allowed the privilege.
Adoption Placements
According to child adoption lawyer professionals, individuals who can place children for adoption include the following:
- The biological parents of a child or children
- A child placement agency
Give this information then; you do not solely have to go through a placement agency if you wish to adopt. In fact, a good number of Virginia adoptions involve adopting children directly from the parents. In these instances, a birth mother usually places her child with the adoptive parents.
Talk to an Attorney First
In these instances, a child adoption lawyer can be of a great assistance. Parents who are interested in adopting often make their interest known through friends and family, over the Internet, or by word of mouth. However, speaking to a legal professional is often the best way to find out how to best to handle the process.
Attorneys such as P. Scott De Bruin make it possible for prospective parents to go through an adoption with more ease. He can advise couples or singles on the costs that are involved as well. The law in Virginia mandates that adoptive parents cover such expenses as insurance premiums or medical costs for the birth mother as well as professional counseling for the birth parents. Adoptive parents are also required to cover clothing, food, and shelter if a birth mother cannot work during her pregnancy.
Consult with a child adoption lawyer in Virginia then if you are interested in adopting a child. Again, he or she can tell you what expenses are legal. If the cost is not authorized under Virginia law, it is considered a felony. Adoptive parents cannot give money or property to a birth mother or parents from whom they wish to adopt unless it is stipulated in the law. You can also like them on Facebook for more information.
