Same-Sex Adoption

Same-Sex Adoption

Same sex adoptions are permitted in Virginia. In practice, there is no statutory provision for a same sex adoption. Rather, the adoption follows the rules for each of the statutory adoption types. Accordingly, if a same sex couple is fostering and then later adopts, agency adoption rules apply. If one partner has a child from a prior marriage, the after-acquired stepparent may adopt. Likewise, same sex married persons may petition for close relatives or benefit from a private parental placement.

See Stepparent Adoption, Agency Adoption, Parental Placement, or Close Relative Adoption