{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/63.2-1201.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/63.2-1201.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/63.2-1201.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/63.2-1201.1.html"}],"law_id":76763,"edition_id":1,"section_id":76763,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1201.1","catch_line":"Previously married persons who stood in loco parentis during the time of the marriage may adopt in the same manner as married persons","history":"2008, c. 868; 2024, c. 90.","full_text":"A\n\nPersons previously married to each other who stood in loco parentis to a child during their marriage to each other, and who could have adopted or readopted the child pursuant to this chapter while married to each other, but whose marriage is void, has been annulled, or has dissolved, may adopt or readopt the child pursuant to the provisions in this chapter that are applicable to married persons.B\n\nAn individual previously married to a parent of a child by birth or adoption, and who stood in loco parentis to that child during the marriage, and who could have adopted the child pursuant to § 63.2-1241 during the marriage, may, with the consent of the prior spouse who is a parent of the child by birth or adoption, adopt the child, after the marriage has been dissolved, annulled, or voided, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter that are applicable to step-parents.C\n\nAny person or persons seeking to adopt or readopt pursuant to this section may be permitted to do so even if they have remarried.D\n\nNothing in this section shall be construed to permit any child to have more than two living parents by birth or adoption who have legal rights and obligations in respect to the child.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":275669,"text":"Persons previously married to each other who stood in loco parentis to a child during their marriage to each other, and who could have adopted or readopted the child pursuant to this chapter while married to each other, but whose marriage is void, has been annulled, or has dissolved, may adopt or readopt the child pursuant to the provisions in this chapter that are applicable to married persons.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":275670,"text":"An individual previously married to a parent of a child by birth or adoption, and who stood in loco parentis to that child during the marriage, and who could have adopted the child pursuant to § 63.2-1241 during the marriage, may, with the consent of the prior spouse who is a parent of the child by birth or adoption, adopt the child, after the marriage has been dissolved, annulled, or voided, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter that are applicable to step-parents.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":275671,"text":"Any person or persons seeking to adopt or readopt pursuant to this section may be permitted to do so even if they have remarried.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":275672,"text":"Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit any child to have more than two living parents by birth or adoption who have legal rights and obligations in respect to the child.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14142,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14096,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:01","date_modified":"2026-06-26 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certificates","url":"\/63.2-1200.1\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1200.1","metadata":false},{"id":70662,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1201","catch_line":"Filing of petition for adoption; venue; jurisdiction; and proceedings","url":"\/63.2-1201\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1201","metadata":false},{"id":76763,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1201.1","catch_line":"Previously married persons who stood in loco parentis during the time of the marriage may adopt in the same manner as married persons","url":"\/63.2-1201.1\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1201.1","metadata":false},{"id":57240,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1202","catch_line":"Parental, or agency, consent required; exceptions","url":"\/63.2-1202\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1202","metadata":false},{"id":70065,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1203","catch_line":"When consent is withheld or unobtainable","url":"\/63.2-1203\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1203","metadata":false},{"id":70767,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1204","catch_line":"When consent is revocable; fraud or duress; mutual consent","url":"\/63.2-1204\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1204","metadata":false},{"id":75979,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1205","catch_line":"Best interests of the child; standards for determining","url":"\/63.2-1205\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1205","metadata":false},{"id":84468,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1205.1","catch_line":"Certain offenders prohibited from adopting a child","url":"\/63.2-1205.1\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1205.1","metadata":false},{"id":63319,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1206","catch_line":"No parental presumption after revocation period expires","url":"\/63.2-1206\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1206","metadata":false},{"id":84982,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1207","catch_line":"Removal of child from adoptive home","url":"\/63.2-1207\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1207","metadata":false},{"id":58081,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1208","catch_line":"Investigations; report to circuit court","url":"\/63.2-1208\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1208","metadata":false},{"id":77214,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1209","catch_line":"Entry of interlocutory order","url":"\/63.2-1209\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1209","metadata":false},{"id":62868,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1210","catch_line":"Probationary period, interlocutory order and order of reference not required under certain circumstances","url":"\/63.2-1210\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1210","metadata":false},{"id":71943,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1211","catch_line":"Revocation of interlocutory order","url":"\/63.2-1211\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1211","metadata":false},{"id":67535,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1212","catch_line":"Visitations during probationary period and report","url":"\/63.2-1212\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1212","metadata":false},{"id":67676,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1213","catch_line":"Final order of adoption","url":"\/63.2-1213\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1213","metadata":false},{"id":60911,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1214","catch_line":"Annual review of pending petitions for adoption; duty of Commissioner and circuit court clerk","url":"\/63.2-1214\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1214","metadata":false},{"id":86424,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1215","catch_line":"Legal effects of adoption","url":"\/63.2-1215\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1215","metadata":false},{"id":82487,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1216","catch_line":"Final order not subject to attack after six months","url":"\/63.2-1216\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1216","metadata":false},{"id":55297,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1217","catch_line":"Provision of false information; penalty","url":"\/63.2-1217\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1217","metadata":false},{"id":86942,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1218","catch_line":"Certain exchange of property, advertisement, solicitation prohibited; penalty","url":"\/63.2-1218\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1218","metadata":false},{"id":66924,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1219","catch_line":"Suspected violation of property exchange information","url":"\/63.2-1219\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1219","metadata":false},{"id":57977,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1220","catch_line":"Issuance of birth certificates for children adopted in the Commonwealth","url":"\/63.2-1220\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1220","metadata":false},{"id":61151,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1220.01","catch_line":"Foreign adoptions; establishment of date of birth","url":"\/63.2-1220.01\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1220.01","metadata":false},{"id":62740,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1220.1","catch_line":"Establishment of minimum training requirements","url":"\/63.2-1220.1\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1220.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":70662,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1201","catch_line":"Filing of petition for adoption; venue; jurisdiction; and proceedings","url":"\/63.2-1201\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1201","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":57240,"structure_id":14142,"section_number":"63.2-1202","catch_line":"Parental, or agency, consent required; exceptions","url":"\/63.2-1202\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1202","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/63.2-1201.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2008. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 868<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2024, chapter 90<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":79180,"section_number":"63.2-1200.1","catch_line":"Recognition of foreign adoption; issuance of birth certificates","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-1200.1\/"},{"id":70662,"section_number":"63.2-1201","catch_line":"Filing of petition for adoption; venue; jurisdiction; and proceedings","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-1201\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":62936,"section_number":"63.2-1241","catch_line":"Adoption of child by spouse of birth or adoptive parent or other person with legitimate interest","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-1241\/"}],"permalink":{"id":271381,"object_type":"law","relational_id":76763,"identifier":"63.2-1201.1","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1201.1","url":"\/63.2-1201.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/63.2-1201.1\/","token":"63.2\/III\/12\/1\/63.2-1201.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Previously married persons who stood in loco parentis during the time of the marriage may adopt in the same manner as married persons","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 63.2-1201.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Persons previously married to each other who stood in loco parentis to a child<\/span> during their marriage to each other, and who could have adopted or readopted the child<\/span> pursuant to this chapter while married to each other, but whose marriage is void, has been annulled, or has dissolved, may adopt or readopt the child<\/span> pursuant to the provisions in this chapter that are applicable to married persons. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> An individual previously married to a parent of a child<\/span> by birth or adoption, and who stood in loco parentis to that child<\/span> during the marriage, and who could have adopted the child<\/span> pursuant to § 63.2-1241<\/a> during the marriage, may, with the consent of the prior spouse who is a parent of the child<\/span> by birth or adoption, adopt the child<\/span>, after the marriage has been dissolved, annulled, or voided, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter that are applicable to step-parents. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any person or persons seeking to adopt or readopt pursuant to this section may be permitted to do so even if they have remarried. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit any child<\/span> to have more than two living parents by birth or adoption who have legal rights and obligations in respect to the child<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPREVIOUSLY MARRIED PERSONS WHO STOOD IN LOCO PARENTIS DURING THE TIME OF THE\nMARRIAGE MAY ADOPT IN THE SAME MANNER AS MARRIED PERSONS (\u00a7 63.2-1201.1)\n\nA. Persons previously married to each other who stood in loco parentis to a\nchild during their marriage to each other, and who could have adopted or\nreadopted the child pursuant to this chapter while married to each other, but\nwhose marriage is void, has been annulled, or has dissolved, may adopt or\nreadopt the child pursuant to the provisions in this chapter that are applicable\nto married persons.\n\nB. An individual previously married to a parent of a child by birth or adoption,\nand who stood in loco parentis to that child during the marriage, and who could\nhave adopted the child pursuant to § 63.2-1241 during the marriage, may,\nwith the consent of the prior spouse who is a parent of the child by birth or\nadoption, adopt the child, after the marriage has been dissolved, annulled, or\nvoided, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter that are applicable to\nstep-parents.\n\nC. Any person or persons seeking to adopt or readopt pursuant to this section\nmay be permitted to do so even if they have remarried.\n\nD. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit any child to have more\nthan two living parents by birth or adoption who have legal rights and\nobligations in respect to the child.\n\nHISTORY: 2008, c. 868; 2024, c. 90.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}