Can I place my child for adoption without an adoption agency?

In the state of Virginia, it is possible to place a child for adoption without an adoption agency. The state offers a “private adoption” option, which allows biological parents to place a child for adoption without the involvement of an adoption agency. This is also known as an independent or "privately arranged" adoption. In order for an independent adoption to be legally binding, all parties must complete the necessary steps and paperwork. This includes filing a petition for adoption in the circuit court where the biological parents reside. Once the petition is filed, a hearing before a judge is set. At the hearing, the judge will review the situation to make sure that it meets Virginia’s adoption laws and is in the best interest of the child. Once the adoption is granted, the court issues an adoption decree that becomes the child’s official birth certificate, and the adoptive parents are listed as the child’s legal parents. It is important to note that an independent adoption does not provide the same legal protections as an adoption arranged through an agency. Therefore, it is wise for those going through the process to seek the assistance of an attorney to ensure that all paperwork is properly filed and all legal procedures are followed.

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Can I place my child for adoption without an adoption agency?

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