Adoption
If you are considering adoption, whether through a custody situation or to grow your family, let SMITH | ASHCRAFT help you take the first step towards your better future. Fill out our quick form below and our team will reach out to you to discuss your options and how we can tailor a strategy specific to your needs.
Understanding
Adoption
Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family, but it can also be a complex legal process. Whether you’re adopting a stepchild, relative, or through an agency, SMITH | ASHCRAFT is here to provide the guidance and support you need every step of the way.
Adoption in Virginia is a legal process that involves several steps to ensure that the adoption is finalized and that the best interests of the child are met. Here’s an overview of how adoption works in Virginia:
Agency Adoption - When a parent wants to adopt a child, it is common to use the services of an adoption agency. These agencies help parents get connected with a child. Agency adoptions come with higher price tags for their services. These agencies work closely with state-run agencies, which will require background checks and many interviews.
Private adoption - Private adoptions usually involve a close relative, like a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or stepparent. These kinds of adoption can, but do not always require a home study to be done.
Under Virginia’s adoption statute the Circuit Court is to order a background investigation of the adopting parent or parents. In some cases where the child has lived with the adopting parent for a long period of time, this investigation report may be waived by the Court.
Since adoption terminates a parent-child relationship, before an adoption can be granted, the biological parent(s) need to consent to the adoption. This can be in a notarized consent form. If a parent is withholding consent, then there will need to be a trial in which the adopting parent(s) show the Court why the withholding of consent is contrary to the best interests of the child.
The ultimate goal of adoption is to provide finality and security for a child. Once the Circuit Court has granted an Order of Adoption, it is final and is not modifiable (except under some very limited circumstances). If an adoption is granted over the objection of a biological parent, there may still be some situations in which court-ordered contact with the biological parent takes place. These are called post-adoption contact agreements or PACAs.
Our experienced attorneys can assist with every aspect of adoption, from completing paperwork to navigating home studies and court hearings. We’re committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on welcoming your new family member.
Let us help you make your adoption journey a success—contact us today.
Everything You Need to Understand to
Better Navigate Child Custody and Support
At SMITH | ASHCRAFT we are here to get you through this chapter of your life.
Your future starts NOW!
Custody and Visitation
Whether you are seeking sole custody, joint custody, or need help modifying an existing arrangement, we will advocate for a solution that supports your family’s unique needs.
Child Support
Child support is essential for providing the stability and resources your children need to thrive. Whether you are seeking to establish, enforce, or modify child support arrangements, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process with care and expertise.
Learn more about how child support is calculated and enforced.
Grandparent and Third Party Rights
Virginia doesn’t specifically address statutory “grandparent rights.” Virginia does allow for “persons with legitimate interests” to file petitions for custody (decision-making power) and visitation (actual time with a child).

Learn more about third-party petitions and if it makes sense for your situation.
Child Name Change
There are situations in which a parent desires to change the name of their child.
Understand the process of a child's name change and how we can help.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
Learn More About Child Custody and Support in Virginia
There's no where in Virginia that we don’t know
At SMITH | ASHCRAFT, we are proud to offer comprehensive legal services throughout Virginia. Whether you’re in Richmond, Northern Virginia, the far reaches of Roanoke, or any other part of the state, our experienced team is here to provide experienced representation tailored to your unique needs. No matter where you are in Virginia, we’re committed to delivering the same high level of service and dedication to each client, ensuring your case receives the attention it deserves.

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