Virginia's Laws on Living Expenses

Virginia

1. • Medical expenses and insurance premiums that are directly related to the birth mother's pregnancy and hospitalization
2. • Mental health counseling for the birth mother and birth father
3. • Reasonable and necessary expenses for food, clothing, and shelter when the birth mother is unable to work due to her pregnancy
4. • Reimbursement for expenses incurred incident to any court appearance, including but not limited to food, lodging, and transportation
5. • Fees for legal services
6. • Transportation to any of the services provided

 Fees determined to be in excess of usual or customary

 No person or agency shall charge or accept payment in connection with an adoption unless it is for a service that is specifically allowed by statute.

All parties must understand that no binding contract regarding placement or adoption of the child exists based on any financial agreement.

Allowable Fees Charged by Department/Agency Statute: § 63.2-1248

1. • Local departments of social services shall assess fees for home studies, investigations, visits, and reports.
2. • The fee charged shall not exceed the actual cost of the service.

Accounting of Expenses Required by Court Statute: § 63.2-1232(4)

 Any financial agreements or exchange of property among the parties, and any fees paid or charged, must be disclosed to the court.

Schedule of Hearings
Citation: §§ 40-11-12.1; 40-11-12.2
A permanency hearing shall be held:

• Within 12 months of the child's placement in care; at least every 12 months thereafter
• Within 30 days after a finding that reasonable efforts to reunify are not required

• All parties
• The foster parents
• Any preadoptive parent or relative providing care for the child

• The appropriateness of the service plan
• What services have been offered
• Any further efforts that will promote the best interests of the child

• Return to the parent
• Adoption
• Legal guardianship
• Placement with a fit and willing relative
• Another planned permanent living arrangement

© This information is from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse.

If you are an adoption professional and have updated information for this portion of our site let us know by contacting us at 1-800-ADOPTION or e-mail us at editors@americanadoptions.com.