West VirginiaStepparent & Adult Adoption
Court-approved forms for all 55 West Virginia Circuit Courts
Starting at $349Save $4,000+ vs attorneys
252
West Virginia Families
$4,600
Average Savings
55
Counties Covered
4.9
Customer Rating
What We Help West Virginia Families Accomplish
What is Stepparent Adoption?
Stepparent adoption is the legal process by which a stepparent becomes the legal parent of their spouse's child in West Virginia. This permanently establishes parental rights including inheritance, medical decision-making, and the full parent-child relationship under West Virginia Code Chapter 48, Article 22. If the other biological parent is absent or won't cooperate, the adoption can still proceed—over 80% of adoptions we help with are completed without the other parent's consent.
Timeline: Typically 3-6 months from filing to finalization in West Virginia Circuit Court
What is Adult Adoption?
Adult adoption in West Virginia is the legal process of adopting someone who is 18 years or older. It's commonly used by stepparents to formally adopt adult stepchildren, creating legal inheritance rights and official family recognition. Adult adoption in West Virginia is simpler than minor adoption—typically not requiring home studies or biological parent consent, only the adult adoptee's written consent.
Timeline: Much faster than minor adoption—typically just 4-8 weeks in West Virginia
Who Can Adopt in West Virginia?
Under West Virginia adoption law, any adult living and working in West Virginia may petition for adoption if it is in the best interest of the adoptee. For stepparent adoption specifically, you must be:
- Legally married to the child's biological parent
- A West Virginia resident
- Able to provide for the child's welfare
- Pass required background checks
Since 2001, StepParent Adoption 360 has helped over 252 West Virginia families complete their adoptions — saving an average of $4,600 compared to hiring an attorney.
Choose Your West Virginia Adoption
Simple, transparent pricing. Everything you need to complete your adoption.
Stepparent Adoption
For children under 18
- Complete West Virginia adoption forms
- Step-by-step Circuit Court filing guide
- Consent OR abandonment forms included
- County-specific instructions
- Unlimited email support
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
Typical timeline: 3-6 months
Adult Adoption
For stepchildren 18 or older
- Complete West Virginia adult adoption forms
- Simplified process (4-8 weeks)
- Adult consent documentation
- Circuit Court filing guide
- Unlimited email support
- 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee
Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks
What Does West Virginia Stepparent Adoption Cost?
Complete cost breakdown so you know exactly what to expect
With StepParent Adoption 360
*Costs vary by West Virginia county. Background check may include fingerprinting.
With a Traditional Attorney
Good News for West Virginia: Under W. Va. Code § 48-22-501, home studies are typically waived for stepparent adoptions unless the court specifically orders one. This saves you several hundred dollars compared to states that require home studies.
You Save $2,000 - $4,600+
Same court-approved documents, fraction of the cost
West Virginia Adoption Law at a Glance
Under West Virginia Code Chapter 48, Article 22
Residency
No specific duration, but must be domiciled in West Virginia.
W. Va. Code § 48-22-201
Other Parent's Consent
Consent is ideal, but not required if parent is absent or won't sign.
80%+ of adoptions proceed without it
No Contact 6+ Months?
Court can waive consent based on abandonment. This is very common.
W. Va. Code § 48-22-306
Child's Consent
Children 12 years or older must provide written consent.
W. Va. Code § 48-22-301
Where to File
File in the Circuit Court of your county.
55 West Virginia Circuit Courts
Timeline
Stepparent: 3-6 months
Adult: 4-8 weeks
Varies by county
The West Virginia Stepparent Adoption Process
A stepparent adoption in West Virginia grants you the same legal rights and responsibilities as if the child were biologically yours. Here's exactly how to make it happen:
Adult Adoption in West Virginia
A simpler, faster path to making your family official
Adult adoptions in West Virginia are usually simpler and faster than adopting a minor. If your stepchild is 18 or older and you want to formalize your parent-child relationship, adult adoption creates full legal recognition including inheritance rights.
Why Adult Adoption is Simpler:
No Termination
Typically no need to terminate another parent's rights
Adult Consent Only
The adult adoptee simply provides written consent
Simplified Process
No home study, no background check—typically completed in just 4-8 weeks
The Process: Submit a Petition for Adult Adoption to your county's Circuit Court, attend a brief hearing, and receive the Final Judgment of Adoption. You can then request a revised birth certificate for the adoptee if desired.
Typical timeline: 4-8 weeks
In the Circuit Court of
__________ County, West Virginia
In the Matter of the Adoption of:
Minor Child
Case No.:
Petition for Stepparent Adoption
COMES NOW the Petitioner, , and respectfully petitions this Honorable Court for the adoption of the above-named minor child, and in support thereof states:
1. Petitioner is an adult resident of the State of West Virginia.
2. Petitioner is married to , the natural mother/father of the child.
3. The minor child, , was born on , and is presently years of age.
4. The parental rights of the natural parent should be terminated pursuant to W. Va. Code § 48-22-306 based upon:
WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that this Court grant the adoption.
Petitioner
Sample illustration only — not a depiction of actual legal documents
Your Complete West Virginia Package
Every document required by West Virginia Circuit Courts, customized for your county and family situation.
Petition for Stepparent Adoption
State-specific court filing
Consent/Abandonment Forms
Whether parent signs or not
Order of Adoption
Final court decree
Financial Affidavits
Required disclosures
Filing Instructions
County-specific guide
Court Checklist
Everything for your hearing
Ready in 24-48 hours — Documents prepared within 1-2 business days after completing the questionnaire.
How It Works
Three simple steps to complete your West Virginia adoption
Complete Questionnaire
Answer simple questions about your family. Takes about 15 minutes.
Get Your Forms
Receive court-ready West Virginia forms within 24-48 hours via email.
File with Court
Follow our step-by-step guide to file at your West Virginia Circuit Court.
West Virginia Filing Locations
We prepare court-ready documents for families in West Virginia's major cities and surrounding counties
Charleston
WV
Huntington
WV
Morgantown
WV
Parkersburg
WV
Wheeling
WV
All 55 West Virginia counties covered. Our forms are customized for your specific county's Circuit Court requirements.
West Virginia Adoption Law References
Direct links to official West Virginia adoption statutes
WV Code §48-22
WV Code §48-22
§48-22-306
§48-22-306
West Virginia Code §48-22-301
West Virginia Code §48-22-301
§48-22-101
§48-22-101
WV Code §48-22-701
WV Code §48-22-701
§48-22-302
§48-22-302
§48-22-801
§48-22-801
§48-22-703
§48-22-703
Links open official state legislature websites in a new tab
Special Situations We Handle
Every family is unique. We have experience with all types of adoption situations in West Virginia.
Military Families
We understand military deployments, PCS moves, and interstate jurisdiction issues. Our forms work for active duty families stationed in or claiming West Virginia residency.
Blended Families
Whether you're adopting one child or multiple children from different relationships, we prepare the appropriate documents for your complete family situation.
LGBTQ+ Families
West Virginia recognizes same-sex marriage and stepparent adoption rights. We've helped many LGBTQ+ families complete their adoptions with full legal recognition.
Long-Term Stepparents
Been a stepparent for years? Many families wait to formalize the adoption. It's never too late to make your legal relationship official in West Virginia.
Absent Parent Cases
Over 80% of our adoptions proceed without the other parent's consent. If the biological parent is absent or won't cooperate, we prepare your abandonment documentation.
Adult Stepchildren
Want to adopt an adult stepchild (18+)? Adult adoption in West Virginia is simpler and faster—typically just 4-8 weeks with only the adult's consent required.
West Virginia Families Love Us
Real stories from West Virginia families who completed their adoption
"Filing in Charleston was so much easier than we expected. The forms were perfect and the step-by-step guide walked us through everything. Our family is now officially complete!"
Smith Family
Charleston, WV
"We were nervous about the legal process, but StepParent Adoption 360 made it simple. The Circuit Court accepted all our forms without any issues."
Williams Family
Huntington, WV
"After being a stepparent for 7 years, we finally made it official. The support team answered all our questions and the forms were exactly what the court needed."
Johnson Family
Morgantown, WV
West Virginia Adoption FAQ
Get answers to the most common questions about stepparent adoption in West Virginia
Ready to Complete Your West Virginia Family?
Join 252+ West Virginia families who have successfully completed their adoption. Start today and save thousands compared to hiring an attorney.
100% Court Acceptance Guarantee - Forms Ready in 24-48 Hours - All 55 West Virginia Counties