What is a post-adoption contact agreement?

A post-adoption contact agreement is a legal document in which an adoptive family agrees to maintain some form of contact with biological family of a child. In Virginia, birth parents and adoptive parents can enter into agreements for post-adoption contact, including visits, telephone calls, letters, emails, and even financial support. However, the agreement must be approved by the court before it can be enforced. Post-adoption contact can be beneficial for all parties involved, including the adoptive family, birth family, and most importantly, the adopted child. It can provide the adoptee with the opportunity to learn more about his or her biological family and gain a better understanding of where they came from. It can also foster a positive relationship between the birth family and the new adoptive family. In Virginia, post-adoption contact agreements are voluntary. There is no requirement for parties to make an agreement, however, if an agreement is made, it must be in the best interests of the child and be approved by the court. The court can only order contact when the agreement is in the best interests of the child, which means that the court will consider the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the child when deciding whether or not to approve the agreement. Finally, if either party wishes to terminate the agreement or alter the terms, they must obtain court approval. It is important to keep in mind that the court always has the final say in matters concerning the welfare of the child.

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