Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption Laws in West Virginia
To speak with adoption attorneys serving Beckley, WV, call Bradford & Gray, PLLC. When you are looking to grow your family and opt to adopt, having an attorney can make the process easier. Contact Bradford & Gray, PLLC or call (304) 255-5628 in Beckley, WV, for the information you need! Potential adoptive parents can also have a lot of questions about the process and laws of adoption in West Virginia. Please take a look at the following frequently asked questions:
Please take a look at the following frequently asked questions:
Do you have to be married to adopt?
No; both married couples and single people have the right to adopt
Can LGBTQ+ families adopt?
Yes; LGBTQ+ couples can petition for joint adoption
Can out-of-state residents adopt in West Virginia?
No; you must be a resident of West Virginia to finalize an adoption in the state
Can you advertise for birth parents?
Yes; you can actively advertise for birth parents who are looking to give up their child for adoption
Is there a putative father registry in West Virginia?
No
Are adoptive parents subject to expenses?
Yes; adoptive parents must pay birth parent expenses, including medical, legal, and counseling expenses.
Can adoptive parents use a third party to facilitate the adoption?
Yes; adoptive parents may use a state or fully legal and licensed child-placing agency.
How long does it take to grant consent to adopt?
72 hours
Is consent irrevocable?
When you sign consent paperwork, it becomes irrevocable except in cases of fraud or duress
If courts revoke consent, what happens to the child?
The child automatically returns to the birth parent(s).
Can post-adoption contact agreements be legally enforced?
Yes, as long as the court approves agreement in the first place
Are foreign adoption decrees automatically recognized by West Virginia?
Yes; as long as the child has immigrated legally to the U.S.
Is adoption from foster care subsidies distributed by the state?
Yes; adoption subsidies are available for children with special needs and begin at finalization
Is there information available about adoptions from foster care in West Virginia?
Yes; please visit the Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Children and Families website page at: http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Pages/default.aspx
Bradford & Gray Serves Adoptive and Birth Parents in Beckley, WV
One of the best ways to ensure a successful adoption is to rely on qualified legal counsel. At Bradford & Gray, we can represent your interests both in and out of court. We can help your family grow through the process of adoption. Our attorneys serve potential adoptive parents (and birth parents) throughout southern West Virginia, including all of the following areas:
