Adoption Of Stepson

My question involves adoption law for the State of: Virginia

My husband and I have been married for almost 8 years. My husband's first wife died of Cancer. They had a son together. I married my husband when his son was 7 years old. I would like to adopt my stepson. My husband and I have a 5 year old daughter together. We would like our family complete by having me adopt my stepson. We don't need to have consent from the biological mother because she is deceased. My husband and stepson approve of the adoption as well. What do I need to do to follow through with this adoption. I also would like to adopt my stepson because my husband travels a lot and I am in charge of both children. I have been unable to do a few things for my stepson due to me not being a legal guardian or adoptive parent, and so my husband had to do those things. It's easier for my husband for me to take care of all of that stuff and not have to take off from work to do it. I am a stay at home mom and taking care of the kids is my job. Where do I go to get this started? Do I need a lawyer? How much can this cost? Thanks for your time.

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Quoting Nay4evr

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My question involves adoption law for the State of: Virginia

My husband and I have been married for almost 8 years. My husband's first wife died of Cancer. They had a son together. I married my husband when his son was 7 years old. I would like to adopt my stepson. My husband and I have a 5 year old daughter together. We would like our family complete by having me adopt my stepson. We don't need to have consent from the biological mother because she is deceased. My husband and stepson approve of the adoption as well. What do I need to do to follow through with this adoption. I also would like to adopt my stepson because my husband travels a lot and I am in charge of both children. I have been unable to do a few things for my stepson due to me not being a legal guardian or adoptive parent, and so my husband had to do those things. It's easier for my husband for me to take care of all of that stuff and not have to take off from work to do it. I am a stay at home mom and taking care of the kids is my job. Where do I go to get this started? Do I need a lawyer? How much can this cost? Thanks for your time.

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Normally I would advise that a lawyer would be needed. However, in your situation you may be able to get it done without actually hiring an attorney.

For now, go to your local courthouse to find out where you can find the forms to file pro-se. Also locate your state's adoption statutes, which you can Google. Fill out the forms, and just to make sure, get a consult with a local attorney to make sure they are filled out correctly, and then file.

Some state's require a home study, I don't know if yours does or not, but the attorney will be able to answer that when you go for the consult. They will also be able to give you an approximate figure of what it will cost.