Adoption Law

Growing Your Family Through Adoption

Adoption is commonly the highlight of our family law practice. In the vast majority of adoption cases, the ending is a happy one. We enjoy assisting clients navigate the complexities of the adoption process so that they are able to add to their family without added stress or worry.

As part of our family law practice, at Justin Raber Attorney at Law, we have handled adoptions for families involving: Stepparents, Traditional adoption, Grandparents or other relative adoption, Abuse and neglect proceedings.

No matter how your adoption proceeding begins, the requirements are similar and the issues are sensitive. Our compassionate team will patiently walk you through each step as the case proceeds.

 

Adoption Laws In West Virginia

As with most family law issues, the adoption law varies in every state. In West Virginia, here are some of the important regulations regarding adoption:

  • Child’s consent required if they are 12 years or older.
  • Any person may be adopted.
  • Any single person may adopt.
  • Must be a resident of the state for six months.
  • Any married person may adopt with spouse’s consent.

Adoptions also require specific paperwork to be filed, documents gathered, background checks and generally a home visit. The process can take a bit of time and it is helpful to have the advice of experienced counsel as you work through each requirement.