In Hanover County, kinship adoption under Va. Code § 63.2-1200 allows relatives to adopt without the typical 6-month placement requirement. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 documented case results in Hanover County. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Hanover County can guide you through this process.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Va. Code § 63.2-1200 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Kinship adoption in Virginia is a legal process where a child’s relative — such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling — adopts the child. Under Va. Code § 63.2-1200, the court prioritizes placement with relatives when it serves the child’s best interests. A relative adoption lawyer Hanover County can explain how this statute applies to your family situation.
For more information, review the Virginia Code § 63.2-1200 (official Virginia General Assembly) and the Hanover County General District Court website.
Hanover County Circuit Court handles all adoption petitions. The court requires a home study and background checks for the adopting relative. A family member adoption lawyer Hanover County can help you prepare these documents.
- File a petition for adoption at Hanover County Circuit Court (7507 Library Drive, Suite 201).
- Complete the required home study through a licensed child-placing agency.
- Provide consent from the biological parents or prove consent is not required.
- Attend the final adoption hearing before a judge.
- Obtain the final adoption order and new birth certificate.
In Hanover County, kinship adoption does not carry criminal penalties; the focus is on legal requirements and court approval.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinship Adoption (No criminal offense) | Civil proceeding | None | Filing fee: ~$86 | None | Home study, background checks, court approval required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. Our team includes attorneys with deep experience in Hanover County family law.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also oversees all family law cases at the firm. He brings over 25 years of experience and a former prosecutor’s perspective to each case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 19 total documented case results across all practice areas in Hanover County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Hanover County Circuit Court, accessible via I-95 and I-295. If you need a kinship adoption lawyer near Hanover County, we serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
How long does a kinship adoption take in Hanover County?
It depends. Uncontested kinship adoptions with a completed home study typically take 3-6 months from filing to final decree. Contested cases or those requiring additional investigations can take 9-12 months or longer.
What are the requirements for a relative to adopt in Virginia?
Yes. The relative must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, complete a home study, and demonstrate the ability to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs. The court prioritizes relative placements under Va. Code § 63.2-1200.
Do I need the biological parents’ consent for a kinship adoption?
It depends. Consent is required unless the biological parents have had their parental rights terminated by a court, are deceased, or have abandoned the child for six months or more. Your attorney can advise on your specific situation.
Can a grandparent adopt a grandchild in Hanover County?
Yes. Grandparents are among the relatives who can pursue kinship adoption under Virginia law. The court will consider the child’s best interests, including the existing relationship with the grandparent and the stability of the grandparent’s home.
What is the difference between kinship adoption and support care?
Kinship adoption is a permanent legal arrangement where a relative becomes the child’s legal parent. support care is typically temporary, with the goal of reunification with biological parents. Kinship adoption provides stability and permanency for the child.
For more information, visit our Virginia Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Hanover County, we can help.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.