In this answer · 1 sections
West Virginia stepparent adoption is governed by West Virginia Code Chapter 48, Article 22. Here are the key statutes:
- WV Code §48-22
https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-22/
- §48-22-306
https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-22-306/
- West Virginia Code §48-22-301
https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-22-301/
- §48-22-101
https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-22-101/
- WV Code §48-22-701
https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-22-701/
- §48-22-302
https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-22-302/
- §48-22-801
https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-22-801/
- §48-22-703
https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-22-703/
Key provisions:
- Residency: 0 months (W. Va. Code § 48-22-201)
- Abandonment: 6 months (W. Va. Code § 48-22-306)
- Child consent: Age 12+ (W. Va. Code § 48-22-301)
- Home study: Waived for stepparents (W. Va. Code § 48-22-501)
You don't need to read these yourself — we know them inside out and prepare all your documents in compliance with West Virginia law. But they're here if you want to review them.
Stepparent adoption in West Virginia at a glance
- Court
- Circuit Court
- Residency before filing
- No minimum period
- Typical timeline
- 3-6 months
- Court filing fee
- $200-$400
- Child must consent at age
- 12
- Home study
- May be required
- West Virginia families we've helped
- 252
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