Step Parent Adoptions
Fairfax Stepparent Adoption Attorney
Serving Clients In Northern Virginia & Statewide
When a parent remarries, the stepparent may become more of a parent to the child than the other birth parent. When this happens, it may be in the child’s best interests to be adopted by his or her stepparent. Stepparent adoption is the most common form of adoption. If the absent parent has had little contact with the child and is willing to sign a consent, then the process can be relatively straightforward.
With over 30 years’ experience, attorney The Irving Law Firm provides adoption legal services to stepparents wanting to adopt their stepchildren. If you have questions about the process in Virginia, call a Manassas and Fairfax stepparent adoption lawyer at (703) 844-4118.
What If The Birth Parent Cannot Be Found?
The birth parent of a child to be adopted may not be ignored. He or she has the same rights as any other parent until the adoption takes place, even if he or she is not listed on a birth certificate and has not seen or supported the child. If the birth parent cannot be found through a diligent effort to do so, he or she may be served with notice of the proceeding by publication of notice in a local newspaper. If the written consent of a birth parent cannot be obtained, then the court will require that a home study investigation and report be conducted by the local Department of Social Services.
What If The Birth Parent Refuses To Consent?
Virginia law provides that the court may enter an adoption even when one of the birth parents does not consent to the adoption. Before a court can do this, the judge must find that the consent of the birth parent is unavailable or is being withheld contrary to the best interests of the child. This involves an investigation by the Department of Social Services and a trial in court at which time evidence is presented to show why the adoption is in the best interests of the child. In making the important determination that the consent of a birth parent is withheld contrary to the best interests of the child, the court must consider all relevant factors, including:
- The efforts of the birth parent to obtain or maintain legal and physical custody of the child.
- Whether the birth parent is currently ready and able to assume custody of the child.
- Whether the birth parent’s efforts to assert parental rights were thwarted by other people.
- The birth parent’s ability to care for the child.
- The age of the child.
- The quality of any previous relationship between the birth parent and the child.
- The quality of any relationship between the birth parent and any other children.
- The duration and suitability of the child’s present custodial environment.
- The effect of a change of custody on the child.
Fairfax stepparent adoption lawyer The Irving Law Firm has handled more than 2,500 successful adoptions throughout the state since beginning the practice of law in 1978. Because of his extensive trial experience, he has been called upon to try contested adoption cases, as well, throughout the Commonwealth.
Contact A Prince William County Stepchild Adoption Lawyer
The Irving Law Firm provides adoption legal services throughout Northern Virginia and Central Virginia from our office in Manassas. For more information, call (703) 844-4118 to speak directly with ILF or to schedule a consultation to discuss stepparent adoption and all your adoption options. You can also send an e-mail.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Our attorneys in Virginia will represent you in divorce, family, business formation, criminal, personal injury & estate planning cases.
Passionate, Fierce and Meticulous
I don’t normally post things and typically stay to myself, but I felt convicted as someone out there may be going through the same thing that I have- fighting for custody/ visitation of your child and can use some direction. There’s a lot of great attorneys/ firms out there and I have spent the money hiring and/ interviewing, but I needed a meticulous, fierce and dynamic one just to have a fighting chance. From the moment I met Attorney Rebecca Thacher, I knew she was the attorney for me. I didn’t feel like a client, I was family. What’s crazy about this….. My case was on a Monday morning, but because I retained her as my lawyer so late, I didn’t give her my information until almost after 4:00 on that Friday. She understood my plea for help and was absolutely fierce in the courtroom citing all my concerns and raised crucial points. I came out victorious. I’m a father and I know what it’s like for a child to be used as a weapon, with Attorney Rebecca Thacher you are not in this alone so please ask for help and retain her.
He’ll Fight For You In The Court Until You Can’t Fight AnymoreI got charged with a possession charge and couldn’t afford a lawyer at the time, so the court appointed Fernando to my case. Whenever you choose to get a court appointed lawyer you’re always taking a risk. Because you’re one of who knows how many clients the court has given him with the same problems. But, Fernando never made me feel like another “body” he’d do basic work for while moving to the next. He’s sincere, he listens, and genuinely wants his clients to succeed. He’ll fight for you in the court until you can’t fight anymore. He was truly a blessing and a great lawyer.
I Always Felt That She Had My Best Interests At Heart
Angela Morehouse at the Irving Law Firm represented me in my divorce and for the guardianship/conservatorship of my mother. Her and her paralegal are not only professional but thorough in their representation. I always felt that she had my best interests at heart and could count on her and the firm during my most difficult times. I would highly recommend Angela and the firm and wouldn’t hesitate to retain them in the future if the need arises.
He Is Such A Good Lawyer & Will Fight Hard For You
Mr.Irving literally saved my life. He is such a good lawyer and will fight hard for you. His whole staff is also super nice and professional. I was in big trouble and he managed to get my charges dropped down to a lower offence. I really appreciated his direct straight up approach with me, along with his empathy and understanding. I will never use another lawyer again. He really is the best!.
Has Been Fully Engaged In Working My Case From The Moment He Was Assigned!
A fantastic firm. I have used them for both criminal defense and civil law and cannot recommend them enough. For my civil case I was awarded significantly more than I thought I would be getting and it came in a very timely manner. Fernando, who is handling my criminal case, is amazing. He has been fully engaged in working my case from the moment he was assigned. He is trustworthy, provides honest assessments of situations, and has proven himself invaluable to me. In this very trying time he has also shown that he actually cares about my case and it’s outcome. I’m so grateful he’s on my side and I have recommended him to a number of friends and family members. If you need a lawyer this entire firm seems to be absolutely top notch.
He Delivered On Everything He Promised!
Mark B. was amazing! He delivered on everything he promised. He prepared me for worst case scenario and had a great plan from the beginning. Luckily he was able to get all charges dropped. He’s a very busy guy but never made me feel like he rushed anything. I usually do not like dealing with lawyers, but he’s a rare breed. He’s very professional, personable and likable. Best of all he charged me a flat fee up front. I owe that guy everything. Least I could do is leave a great review. I would definitely recommend him, and use his talents again if needed.
Thanks For The Comfort Of Having A Great Law Firm To Lean On!John Irving and the rest of the team at Irving Law Firm have provided exceptional service for all of my needs on multiple occasions. I would not recommend anyone else. They take the time to explain what will happen, keep you updated, and make sure to provide the best possible help they can. Thanks for the comfort of having a great law firm to lean on!
The Outcome Was Better Than We Could Have Hoped For
John and The Irving Law Firm handled our case with the utmost professionalism and dignity. We are grateful for John’s knowledge and his great reputation in the area. The outcome was better than we could have hoped for and, should we ever have need for legal services again, The Irving Law Firm will be our first call.
The Best Customer Service, Amazing Rates & Knowledge In The Business
John is an amazing lawyer with the experience and knowledge to represent anybody with any issues. I highly recommend the Irving Law Firm to anybody looking for a law firm with the best customer service, amazing rates and knowledge in the business.
Quick To Respond & Are Empathetic To Your Struggles
The attorneys at Irving and Irving are honest, hard-working and will stand by you until your case is closed. They are quick to respond and are empathetic to your struggles. If I ever need an attorney again, they are the only one’s I would trust. Thank you!
Handled My Case Including Guidance Before & During My Time In CourtJohn and his team are great at what they do. I was pleased at how they handled my case including guidance before and during my time in court. I would recommend them to anyone.
Genuinely Wants His Clients To Succeed & Cares For Their FutureMark is an outstanding lawyer. He has been nothing but respectful and professional since the day I have met him. He genuinely wants his clients to succeed and cares for their future. I Would definitely recommend him in the future to anybody who’s looking for a lawyer.
When I Say He Fought For Me He Fought For Me!
I want to say this is the best law firm. Mark is the best very professional and outstanding never lied to me was always upfront with me. He stood up for me in court he’s just awesome I can’t say enough about him. I would recommend this law firm to any and everyone that wants good representation. When I say he fought for me he fought for me!!!!! He always was there when I called or emailed if he was a tab bit busy. He knows what he is doing in the courtroom. Thank you so much Mark.
We are on a mission at The Irving Law Firm to provide exceptional service and client satisfaction.