In Virginia, fathers and mothers have the same legal rights, and a birthfather has the same rights as a birthmother. However, these rights can greatly diminish if the birthfather has not played an active role in the child’s life.
Virginia Adoption Law provides that if the birthfather has not visited or contacted the child within the six months immediately prior to the filing of the Adoption Petition, he has abandoned the child, and his consent to the adoption is not required. He does, however, still have to receive notice of the adoption.
The Irving Law Firm
9253 Mosby St., 2nd Floor
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 844-4118
