Winchester Adoption Attorney
Advocates Helping Your Family Grow in Virginia
An adoption is a life-altering event that is not without its complexities. That’s why you need a legal team who will work tirelessly on your behalf. Buchbauer & McGuire, P.C. represent adoptive parents, helping them grow their families.
When you’re ready to move forward with your adoption, know that our team will be beside you at every step of the process.
For the trusted legal advice you need from our Winchester, Virginia adoption lawyers, call (540) 508-8995 today to schedule a consultation.
Understanding Adoption & Your Parental Rights
It’s important to note that there are several forms of adoption and each type has its own legal process and requirements.
Adoption procedures we handle include:
- Parental Placement Adoptions: In a parental placement adoption, the adoptive parents typically enter into an Entrustment Agreement with the birth parents, authorizing the adoptive parents to care for the child. The next stage of the parental placement adoption occurs in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, where the Court accepts the birth parents’ consent to the adoption. The adoptive parents then proceed to obtain a Final Order of Adoption in the Circuit Court.
- Step-Parent Adoption Process: In a step-parent adoption, the new spouse can adopt the child of the other spouse with the consent of the natural parent or, under certain circumstances, over the objection of the natural parent.
- Foster Care to Family: Some families grow through adopting a child through the Department of Social Services. This often happens when a family has been fostering a child who becomes available for adoption. In these adoptions, the Department of Social Services petitions the Court to terminate the birth parents' rights and, if the Court does so, the adoption may proceed.
- Domestic Infant Adoption: This refers to an adoption where the child, adoptive parents, and birth parents are all in the United States. As such, the entire process is handled at the state level, with local laws and procedures followed.
- International Adoption Guidance: While international adoptions vary by country, the adoption often is finalized in the child’s country of origin. While re-adopting in Virginia isn't required in such a case, many adoptive parents choose to do so to obtain a birth certificate for their child in English.
Regardless of the adoption scenario that fits your family’s situation, our Winchester, Virginia adoption lawyers will help you understand the process, go over the paperwork with you, and help get your adoption through the Virginia courts.
Our Testimonials
Get to Know Us Through the Eyes of Our Clients
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"Peter Buchbauer is simply the best."Peter Buchbauer is simply the best. He and his very adept team skillfully guided me through a very challenging 1 and 1/2 year journey to divorce. At every twist and turn, Mr Buchbauer communicated clearly, compassionately, and pragmatically with me. I was kept up to date, was involved in strategic decisions regarding the case, and made fully aware of best and worse case scenarios. He prepared me. In the end, I had a front row seat and was able to witness this consummate, passionate professional advocate for my best interests. I am so very grateful to have had Mr Buchbauer and his team working for me.- Mahala G.
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"If you want to have confidence in a lawyer, you can be sure you have great representation."The staff is very experienced and helpful. I can't say enough about this practice.- Deborah D.
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"They were prompt in responses to me, were extremely patient and understanding. Worth every single penny."He was so patient and realistic and set our expectations from the get-go.- Meghan S.
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"Every member of the firm treated me as an individual and not just another case."Every member of the firm treated me as an individual and not just another case.- Former Client
What Makes Us Different?
High-Quality Representation From Start to Finish
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Industry Leading Attorneys
Our attorneys are actively involved in updating and writing the law through our participation with the Virginia Bar Association’s Family Law Coalition. They are recognized for their family law experience, internationally, nationally and in Virginia.
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Creative SolutionsWe look at the law differently to achieve your goals and the best outcome.
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A Team You Can TrustWe provide guidance and communication throughout the process to keep you informed.
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Decades of Experience
Our skilled litigators have over 75 years of combined legal experience.
At Buchbauer & McGuire, P.C., our Winchester family law attorneys invite you to let us become part of your team to represent and advocate for your best interests. Contact us via our secure online form or by calling (540) 508-8995 to schedule an appointment.
