What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in West Virginia?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in West Virginia:

1. Marriage: You must be legally married to the child's biological parent

2. Residency: 0 months in West Virginia (W. Va. Code § 48-22-201)

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (6+ months no contact) is established under W. Va. Code § 48-22-306

4. Child Consent: Children age 12+ must consent (W. Va. Code § 48-22-301)

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in West Virginia (W. Va. Code § 48-22-501)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Circuit Court

Our document package includes everything you need — petition, consent forms or abandonment affidavit, background check forms, home study waiver request, and step-by-step filing instructions for your specific countie.