Do adoptive parents have the same rights over an adopted child as a biological parent?

In Virginia, adoptive parents have the same legal rights and responsibilities for an adopted child as a biological parent. This is true for both stepparent adoptions and adoptions made through an agency or through private adoption. For an adoption to be legally recognized in Virginia, the adoptive parents must go through a court process that involves the termination of the biological parent’s rights and the transfer of parental rights to the adoptive parents. This process provides the adoptive parents with the same rights over the adopted child as a biological parent. The law also recognizes the rights of the adoptive parents to make decisions for the adoption child as if they were the biological parents. This includes decisions such as where the child will go to school, what medical care they will receive, and what religion, if any, the child will be raised in. The adoptive parents also have the responsibility to provide love, care, and financial support to the child. That being said, it is important for those considering adoption to first consult with a lawyer to understand the legal process and rights involved. Adoption is a major decision that should be taken seriously and the adoptive parents should be sure that they are prepared to take on the responsibility of raising an adopted child.

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