What if the biological parent lives in Virginia but I live in another state?

You file where YOU and the child live — not where the biological parent lives. If you live in another state but the biological parent is in Virginia, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Virginia.

However, if you and the child live in Virginia:

• You file in Virginia Circuit Court
• The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Virginia or in another state
• The adoption follows Virginia law regardless of where the other parent lives
• 6 months residency required (Va. Code § 63.2-1201)

If the biological parent lives in Virginia and you live elsewhere:

• You file in YOUR state's court
• The biological parent is served at their Virginia address
• Virginia's laws do not govern — your state's laws do
• Contact us and we'll prepare documents for your state

Cross-state service of process:

• A sheriff or process server in Virginia can serve the biological parent
• If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Virginia
• If the parent's location in Virginia is unknown, service by publication may be used

Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.