In Chesterfield County, kinship adoption under Va. Code § 63.2-1200 allows relatives to adopt without the typical 6-month placement period. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A Kinship Adoption Lawyer Chesterfield County helps you handle this streamlined process for family stability.
Last verified: 2026-04 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Va. Code § 63.2-1200 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law defines kinship adoption as a placement with a relative, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or first cousins. Under Va. Code § 63.2-1200, the court may waive the usual 6-month placement period when the petitioner is a relative. This statute prioritizes keeping children within their extended family network. The Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles these adoptions. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for families seeking relative placements.
For the complete statutory framework, review Va. Code § 63.2-1200 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures are available at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles all final adoption decrees. The court routinely grants waivers of the 6-month placement period for kinship adoptions when the relative has an established relationship with the child. Mediation is available but not mandatory.
- File a petition for adoption with the Chesterfield County Circuit Court at 9500 Courthouse Road.
- Submit the kinship affidavit proving your relationship to the child.
- Request a waiver of the 6-month placement period under Va. Code § 63.2-1200.
- Attend the final adoption hearing with your attorney.
- Receive the final adoption order and amended birth certificate.
In Chesterfield County, kinship adoption carries no criminal penalty; the focus is on legal fees and court costs. Filing fee for adoption petition: approximately $86.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinship Adoption | Civil Proceeding | None | $86 filing fee | None | Home study may be 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 across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on all family law cases. He brings 27+ years of experience, former prosecutor background, and personal involvement in amending Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 15 total documented case results in Chesterfield County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location is approximately 20 minutes from Chesterfield County Circuit Court, accessible via I-95 and Route 10. If you need a kinship adoption lawyer near Chesterfield County, we serve Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
How long does a kinship adoption take in Chesterfield County?
It depends. Uncontested kinship adoptions with a signed consent: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested cases: 6-12 months. The court may waive the 6-month placement period under Va. Code § 63.2-1200 for relatives.
Is Virginia a community property state for kinship adoption?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris).
How is child custody decided in a kinship adoption in Chesterfield County?
Yes. Custody is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role and the child’s relationship with each party. Chesterfield County J&DR Court handles standalone custody.
What are the grounds for kinship adoption in Virginia?
Yes. Grounds include consent of the birth parents, termination of parental rights, or abandonment. No-fault grounds require a 6-month separation if the child has no minor children with a signed agreement.
How much does a kinship adoption cost in Chesterfield County?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for adoption petition: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party.
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Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.