Child Custody & Adoption Attorney in West Virginia
Caring, practical support for parents making life-changing decisions
Child Custody & Adoption Attorney in West Virginia
Trusted by Barboursville Parents | Real Help for the Road Ahead
Raising a child is full of tough choices and some of the hardest come during legal changes like divorce, custody disputes, or adoption. At Hoover Law, our team helps West Virginia families through these emotional transitions with clear advice, steady and consistent communication, and strong support. Whether you’re working to protect time with your child or expand your family through adoption, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Why Work with a West Virginia Child Custody Lawyer or Adoption Attorney?
Protect Your Relationship
Custody affects how much time you spend with your child and how decisions are made. We help protect that bond with grounded and practical parenting plans.
Plan for a New Beginning
Whether you’re adopting a stepchild, relative, or new addition, we’ll walk you through what’s needed so your family grows legally and securely.
Stay Grounded in the Process
Custody and adoption cases each follow specific rules in West Virginia. We help you understand what comes next so you’re never left confused.
Our Custody & Adoption Services in Barboursville, WV
Child Custody & Parenting Plans
We help parents find agreements that provide consistency, reflect real schedules, keep kids grounded, and reduce long-term tension.
Stepparent & Kinship Adoption
Adopting a child already in your life? We’ll guide you through the process, whether you’re a stepparent, grandparent, or relative taking on legal care.
Private & Independent Adoption
Looking to adopt outside of the foster system? We assist with private adoptions and help make sure all legal steps are handled properly.
Agency & Foster Care Adoption
If you’re working with a licensed agency or adopting through foster care, we’ll manage the legal process from placement to finalization.
Custody Modifications
If life has changed since the original custody order, we’ll help you request a fair adjustment that reflects what’s best for your child.
Parental Relocation Support
Moving with your child? We explain what West Virginia law requires and help you take the right steps to request permission or respond to a move.
Our Process
How We’ll Approach Your Case
One-on-One Consultation
We’ll meet in person or online to talk through your situation, what matters most to you, and what kind of outcome you’re hoping to achieve.
Gather What We Need
Next, we collect the right documents and information, whether it's about your parenting schedule, home situation, or adoption paperwork.
Negotiation or Court Planning
We work to resolve custody peacefully and efficiently. But when things can’t be settled, we’re fully prepared to fight for you in court.
Finalize the Agreement
Once the court approves your parenting plan or adoption, we’ll make sure everything is handled correctly and nothing is left unfinished.
Follow-Up and Future Help
We’re here even after the case ends, to adjust parenting plans, help with future filings, or simply answer questions as your child grows.
What to Expect from Hoover Law
Clear Costs, No Confusion
We talk about pricing from the start, what you’ll pay, what it covers, and how we keep your case efficient and manageable.
Hands-On, Personal Help
Whether you're building a new family or protecting the one you have, we stay engaged, answering questions, explaining next steps, and showing up when it matters most.
Real Results in Custody & Adoption
From contested custody hearings to stepparent adoptions, we’ve helped families throughout West Virginia find stability, security, and the clarity they need to move forward.
West Virginia Court Familiarity
We know how these cases play out locally, what judges look for, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid common delays.
West Virginia Custody & Adoption FAQs
How is custody decided in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. While a 50/50 shared custody arrangement is presumed to be in the child's best interest, this presumption can be overcome with sufficient evidence of limiting factors. The court considers the existence or absence of these limiting factors to create a parenting plan that prioritizes the child's well being.
Can I change a custody order?
Yes. If there’s been a substantial change of circumstances since the entry of your last court order, a change in your life or your child’s needs, you can ask the court for a custody modification.
What if my child’s other parent and I already agree on everything?
That’s helpful. We can help you finalize your agreement, file the right paperwork, and avoid unnecessary delays or court appearances.
Who can adopt a child in West Virginia?
Adoptions can be pursued by stepparents, grandparents, other relatives, or unrelated adults. The court will look at the child’s best interests and whether parental rights need to be terminated.
Do I need an attorney if my adoption is uncontested?
It’s still a good idea. Even simple adoptions involve paperwork, deadlines, and court approval. We help make sure everything goes smoothly and legally.