Va. Code » Title 63.2. Welfare (Social Services) » Subtitle III. Social Services Programs » Chapter 12. Adoption » Article 4. Stepparent Adoption
Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1242 (2026)

Investigation and report at discretion of circuit court

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For adoptions under this article, an investigation and report shall be undertaken only if the circuit court in its discretion determines that there should be an investigation before a final order of adoption is entered. If the circuit court makes such a determination, it shall refer the matter to the local director for an investigation and report to be completed within such time as the circuit court designates. If an investigation is ordered, the circuit court shall forward a copy of the petition and all exhibits thereto to the local director and the provisions of § 63.2-1208 shall apply.

Code 1950, § 63-356.1; 1950, p. 626; 1956, c. 300; 1968, c. 578, § 63.1-231; 1974, c. 421; 1975, c. 364; 1977, c. 526; 1979, c. 339; 1986, cc. 481, 482; 1987, c. 482; 1992, c. 607; 1995, cc. 772, 826; 2000, c. 830, § 63.1-219.49; 2002, c. 747; 2018, c. 9.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 2010–2020 · leading case: Michael Stacy Graves, Jr. & Lisa Anne Graves v. Neil Edward Jones, No. 1888162 (Va. Ct. App. May 9, 2017).
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Michael Stacy Graves, Jr. & Lisa Anne Graves v. Neil Edward Jones, No. 1888162 (Va. Ct. App. May 9, 2017). · cites it 8× “complied with Virginia Code § 63.2-1242.” Upon reviewing the record and opening brief, we reverse and remand this case to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”
Tracey Cook & Arthur Cook v. Gary Scott Jensen & Jennifer Debra Springer Jensen, No. 1047194 (Va. Ct. App. Feb. 4, 2020). · cites it 2× “3 2 Code § 63.2-1242 relates specifically to investigative reports undertaken for stepparent adoptions.”
C.J.F. V.W.R.F., No. 0057104 (Va. Ct. App. Aug. 24, 2010). · cites it 2× “As the guardian concedes, no specific mandate within Code § 63.2-1242 requires a formal hearing.”
C.J.F. v. W.R.F., No. 0056104 (Va. Ct. App. Aug. 24, 2010). · cites it 2× “As the guardian concedes, no specific mandate within Code § 63.2-1242 requires a formal hearing.”
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