63.2-1242.3 - Close relative placement; child in home for three years or more.
§ 63.2-1242.3. Close relative placement; child in home for three years ormore.
When the child has continuously resided in the home or has been in thecontinuous physical custody of the prospective adoptive parent(s) who is aclose relative for three or more years, the parental placement provisions ofthis chapter shall not apply and the adoption proceeding shall commence inthe circuit court.
For adoptions under this section:
1. An order of reference, an investigation and a report shall not be madeunless the circuit court in its discretion shall require an investigation andreport to be made.
2. The circuit court may omit the probationary period and the interlocutoryorder and enter a final order of adoption when the court is of the opinionthat the entry of an order would otherwise be proper.
3. If the circuit court determines the need for an investigation, it shallrefer the matter to the local director of the department of social servicesfor an investigation and report, which shall be completed in such time as thecircuit court designates.
4. The circuit court may waive appointment of a guardian ad litem for thechild.
(2006, cc. 825, 848; 2010, c. 306.)