How To Get More Information About Adoption In Virginia
Requesting an adoption disclosure in Manassas, Virginia, is not as easy as 1-2-3. It requires you to gather information and have knowledge about the several steps involved in the process. One way is to contact the adoption placement agency, and second, ask for assistance from an adoption attorney at The Irving Law Firm. They know by heart the Virginia adoption laws and the processes involved in adoption disclosure. You can talk to them about your expectations, and they will tell you about your options.
What Is An Adoption Disclosure?
Adoption Disclosure means the official release of data from a confidential adoption record about a child’s legal adoption. Under the conditions stipulated in Virginia Code Sections 63.2-1246 and 63.2-1247, an adult adoptee, adoptive parent, biological parent, and adult biological sibling may obtain identifying and non-identifying details from the adoption record.
Types Of Adoption Disclosure
Identifying and non-identifying adoption disclosures refer to the various degrees of information given to relevant parties in an adoption.
Identifying Adoption Disclosure
The revelation of information that may identify the adoptee, biological family, or adoptive family is known as identifying adoption disclosure. It may include names, contact details, birth dates, and other identifiable information. Records are shared among adoptive parents, biological parents, or adoptees and their biological families. Identifying adoption disclosure is common in open adoptions or when both parties agree to disclose information.
Non-Identifying Adoption Disclosure
Non-identifying adoption disclosure is the sharing of data that does not expose the names of the persons involved. It may hold data about the child’s medical records, biological parents’ backgrounds, or any information that may help the adoptive parents know the child’s needs. Non-identifying adoption disclosure is common in closed adoptions when the adoptive and biological families have little to no contact.
The Process Of Adoption Disclosure
More adoptive and biological parents are opting to exchange information and keep in touch with one another in recent years, signaling a trend toward more open adoption.
The first step is to submit a request to the adoption placement agency that arranged the adoption if an adopted person wishes to know more about their birth family and history. The agency may disclose information, such as their identification, birth date, and birth parents’ names. After this, the agency tries to identify the biological or adoptive parents and discuss whether they are open to sharing information or communicating with the adoptee. If they agree, the agency initiates the flow of information and communication.
If it is impossible to find the biological or adoptive parents, or they are unwilling to provide information or communicate, the adoptee is given non-identifying information. The only information the adoption placement agency may share is the family and medical history but not their birth parents’ names or contact details.
How An Adoption Can Attorney Help In An Adoption Disclosure
An adoption attorney at The Irving Law Firm can help in adoption disclosure by assisting adoptive parents or adopted individuals through the legal steps involved in getting details about their birth parents. An adoption attorney can assist you in the following ways:
Provide Knowledge
Adoption attorneys know the laws of adoption and disclosure. They can educate adoptive parents or adopted individuals on their legal duties and rights and ensure they follow the necessary legal procedures when requesting information.
Assist In Documentation
An adoption attorney can assist you in preparing and filing the appropriate legal paperwork, such as requests and affidavits, needed for the disclosure process. They may also assist in ensuring all relevant information is contained in these documents to optimize success possibilities.
Deal With Relevant Parties
An adoption attorney is a go-between between the adopted person or adoptive parents and the birth parents, speaking on their behalf and enabling communication if requested.
Negotiator & Mediator
If arguments or conflicts surrounding the disclosure process arise, an adoption attorney can serve as a mediator to assist both parties in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement.
Protector Of Rights
An adoption attorney can defend the legal rights of parties involved in the disclosure process, such as the biological family, adoptive parents, or the adopted person. They can guarantee that all parties are dealt with fairly and that their feelings are always respected.
Summary
Adoption disclosure refers to the official release of information concerning a child’s legal adoption from a protected adoption record. The adoption record can provide identifying and non-identifying information to an adoptive parent, adult adoptee, or birth family.
Adoption disclosure may be challenging and stressful, but it can also offer adoptees relevant knowledge about their family’s background and biological family. If you need more clarification about the process, you may hire an adoption attorney at The Irving Law Firm to help you. Let them talk to the adoption placement agency and wait for them to update you.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Our attorneys in Virginia will represent you in divorce, family, business formation, criminal, personal injury & estate planning cases.
Passionate, Fierce and Meticulous
I don’t normally post things and typically stay to myself, but I felt convicted as someone out there may be going through the same thing that I have- fighting for custody/ visitation of your child and can use some direction. There’s a lot of great attorneys/ firms out there and I have spent the money hiring and/ interviewing, but I needed a meticulous, fierce and dynamic one just to have a fighting chance. From the moment I met Attorney Rebecca Thacher, I knew she was the attorney for me. I didn’t feel like a client, I was family. What’s crazy about this….. My case was on a Monday morning, but because I retained her as my lawyer so late, I didn’t give her my information until almost after 4:00 on that Friday. She understood my plea for help and was absolutely fierce in the courtroom citing all my concerns and raised crucial points. I came out victorious. I’m a father and I know what it’s like for a child to be used as a weapon, with Attorney Rebecca Thacher you are not in this alone so please ask for help and retain her.
He’ll Fight For You In The Court Until You Can’t Fight AnymoreI got charged with a possession charge and couldn’t afford a lawyer at the time, so the court appointed Fernando to my case. Whenever you choose to get a court appointed lawyer you’re always taking a risk. Because you’re one of who knows how many clients the court has given him with the same problems. But, Fernando never made me feel like another “body” he’d do basic work for while moving to the next. He’s sincere, he listens, and genuinely wants his clients to succeed. He’ll fight for you in the court until you can’t fight anymore. He was truly a blessing and a great lawyer.
I Always Felt That She Had My Best Interests At Heart
Angela Morehouse at the Irving Law Firm represented me in my divorce and for the guardianship/conservatorship of my mother. Her and her paralegal are not only professional but thorough in their representation. I always felt that she had my best interests at heart and could count on her and the firm during my most difficult times. I would highly recommend Angela and the firm and wouldn’t hesitate to retain them in the future if the need arises.
He Is Such A Good Lawyer & Will Fight Hard For You
Mr.Irving literally saved my life. He is such a good lawyer and will fight hard for you. His whole staff is also super nice and professional. I was in big trouble and he managed to get my charges dropped down to a lower offence. I really appreciated his direct straight up approach with me, along with his empathy and understanding. I will never use another lawyer again. He really is the best!.
Has Been Fully Engaged In Working My Case From The Moment He Was Assigned!
A fantastic firm. I have used them for both criminal defense and civil law and cannot recommend them enough. For my civil case I was awarded significantly more than I thought I would be getting and it came in a very timely manner. Fernando, who is handling my criminal case, is amazing. He has been fully engaged in working my case from the moment he was assigned. He is trustworthy, provides honest assessments of situations, and has proven himself invaluable to me. In this very trying time he has also shown that he actually cares about my case and it’s outcome. I’m so grateful he’s on my side and I have recommended him to a number of friends and family members. If you need a lawyer this entire firm seems to be absolutely top notch.
He Delivered On Everything He Promised!
Mark B. was amazing! He delivered on everything he promised. He prepared me for worst case scenario and had a great plan from the beginning. Luckily he was able to get all charges dropped. He’s a very busy guy but never made me feel like he rushed anything. I usually do not like dealing with lawyers, but he’s a rare breed. He’s very professional, personable and likable. Best of all he charged me a flat fee up front. I owe that guy everything. Least I could do is leave a great review. I would definitely recommend him, and use his talents again if needed.
Thanks For The Comfort Of Having A Great Law Firm To Lean On!John Irving and the rest of the team at Irving Law Firm have provided exceptional service for all of my needs on multiple occasions. I would not recommend anyone else. They take the time to explain what will happen, keep you updated, and make sure to provide the best possible help they can. Thanks for the comfort of having a great law firm to lean on!
The Outcome Was Better Than We Could Have Hoped For
John and The Irving Law Firm handled our case with the utmost professionalism and dignity. We are grateful for John’s knowledge and his great reputation in the area. The outcome was better than we could have hoped for and, should we ever have need for legal services again, The Irving Law Firm will be our first call.
The Best Customer Service, Amazing Rates & Knowledge In The Business
John is an amazing lawyer with the experience and knowledge to represent anybody with any issues. I highly recommend the Irving Law Firm to anybody looking for a law firm with the best customer service, amazing rates and knowledge in the business.
Quick To Respond & Are Empathetic To Your Struggles
The attorneys at Irving and Irving are honest, hard-working and will stand by you until your case is closed. They are quick to respond and are empathetic to your struggles. If I ever need an attorney again, they are the only one’s I would trust. Thank you!
Handled My Case Including Guidance Before & During My Time In CourtJohn and his team are great at what they do. I was pleased at how they handled my case including guidance before and during my time in court. I would recommend them to anyone.
Genuinely Wants His Clients To Succeed & Cares For Their FutureMark is an outstanding lawyer. He has been nothing but respectful and professional since the day I have met him. He genuinely wants his clients to succeed and cares for their future. I Would definitely recommend him in the future to anybody who’s looking for a lawyer.
When I Say He Fought For Me He Fought For Me!
I want to say this is the best law firm. Mark is the best very professional and outstanding never lied to me was always upfront with me. He stood up for me in court he’s just awesome I can’t say enough about him. I would recommend this law firm to any and everyone that wants good representation. When I say he fought for me he fought for me!!!!! He always was there when I called or emailed if he was a tab bit busy. He knows what he is doing in the courtroom. Thank you so much Mark.
We are on a mission at The Irving Law Firm to provide exceptional service and client satisfaction.