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Virginia Code Title 63.2. Welfare (Social Services) § 63.2-1220.4. Jurisdiction to approve post-adoption contact and communication agreements

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

A. Unless otherwise stated in the final order of adoption, the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which the final order of adoption was entered shall retain jurisdiction to modify or enforce the terms of a post-adoption contact and communication agreement entered into pursuant to this article.

B. A birth parent or parents or adoptive parent or parents who have executed a post-adoption contact and communication agreement as described in this article may file a petition with the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which the final order of adoption was entered:

1. To modify the post-adoption contact and communication agreement; and

2. To compel a birth or adoptive parent to comply with the post-adoption contact and communication agreement. The court may not award monetary damages as a result of the filing of a petition for modification of or compliance with the agreement. The court may modify the agreement at any time before or after the adoption if the court, after notice and opportunity to be heard by the birth parent or parents and the adoptive parent or parents, determines that the child's best interest requires the modification of the agreement. Before the court modifies an agreement or hears a motion to compel compliance, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's best interest.

C. The circuit court shall not grant a request to modify the terms of a post-adoption contact and communication agreement unless the moving party establishes that there has been a change of circumstances and the agreement is no longer in the child's best interest; provided, however, that no modification shall affect the irrevocability of the adoption.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Virginia Code Title 63.2. Welfare (Social Services) § 63.2-1220.4. Jurisdiction to approve post-adoption contact and communication agreements - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/va/title-63-2-welfare-social-services/va-code-sect-63-2-1220-4/

Read this complete Virginia Code Title 63.2. Welfare (Social Services) § 63.2-1220.4. Jurisdiction to approve post-adoption contact and communication agreements on Westlaw. Westlaw subscription required.

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