Do I need to pay for a home study for stepparent adoption in West Virginia?

Good news — West Virginia typically waives the home study requirement for stepparent adoptions (W. Va. Code § 48-22-501). This means you won't need to go through the home study process, which saves time and money. In states that do require it, a home study for stepparent adoption is different from traditional adoption — it's essentially just a brief interview, not an invasive home inspection. Cost is typically $300–$400 when required.