Representing Adoptive Parents
There are few days as joyous as the day you become an adoptive parent. At Lutins & Pilgreen, PC, in Roanoke, Virginia, our job is to make sure that nothing happens to take away that joy — such as a biological parent or relative contesting the adoption.
Our lawyers handle the full spectrum of adoption proceedings in Virginia, including:
- Stepparent adoptions
- Relative and grandparent adoptions
- Same-sex adoptions
- Private adoptions
- Agency adoptions
- Surrogacy agreements
- International adoptions
- Contested adoptions
Our lawyers will handle the legal steps of adoption so you can concentrate on the emotional aspects of building your new family. We will help you prepare for the background check and, if required, the home visit.
Termination Of Parental Rights And Stepparent Adoptions
Stepparent adoption is appropriate only if the biological parent is missing or no longer involved in the child’s life. Before a stepparent adoption — or any adoption — can take place, the rights of the biological parent must be fully and finally terminated. Termination of parental rights can be voluntary or involuntary.
Stepparent adoptions typically give legal standing to a parent-child relationship that already exists. When a biological parent’s rights are terminated, he or she is no longer responsible for paying child support. The adoptive parent will have all the same rights as a biological parent. He or she will also have the responsibilities of an adoptive parent, including the obligation to pay child support in the event of a future divorce.
For More Information About Adoption
To discuss adoption with our lawyers, call 540-627-5150 or complete our contact form.