joyfuladoptions.com
Barbara C. Jones, Esquire
Virginia Adoption Attorney since 1988
A Passionate Practice
For over three and a half decades, it has been my privilege to represent birth parents, adoptive parents, and children through the practice of Adoption Law throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Adoption is a profound and life changing experience, evidencing a range of emotions from sorrow and grief to extreme joy. The adoption attorney's task is to prepare and guide her clients through education of the laws and procedures involved in each case, while demonstrating professionalism, excellence, compassion, resourcefulness, diligence, and strong communication skills.
My practice has involved:
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Working with clients all over the world
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Active participation in the Virginia General Assembly
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Promoting adoption legislation
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Teaching adoption seminars
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Authoring adoption articles
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Representation of Virginia Adoption Agencies
My passion is people and my goal is to structure a client's case in the most time efficient, economical, and satisfying manner. I strive to support my clients' needs and desires, while carefully following the laws that apply. Integrity and trust are critical to the relationships I share with my clients.
Education & Practice
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Member of the Virginia State Bar, licensed to practice law since 1988
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Solo Practitioner- Practice limited to ADOPTION LAW
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Bachelor of Arts Degree from Albion College, Albion, MI
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Juris Doctorate from George Mason University / Antonin Scalia Law School, Arlington, Virginia
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Represents all parties of the adoption triad: Adoptive Parents, Birth Parents and Legal Guardians, and Children
Types of Adoptions Handled
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Direct Parental Placements (a/k/a "Independent" or "Private Adoptions")
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Agency Termination of Parental Rights Proceedings & Finalizations
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Stepparent Adoptions
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Special Needs & Adoption Assistance Adoptions
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Adult Adoptions
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Close Relative Parents
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Foster Parent Adoptions
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Interstate Compact Adoptions
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International Adoptions: Guardianships & Readoptions
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Indian Child Welfare Adoptions
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Name Changes
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Special immigrant Juvenile Status Petitions
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Consultations: assist with the planning of adoptions, review of law & procedures, counseling referrals, and other adoption resources & services
Honors and Contributions to Adoption Law
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2011 Angel in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute
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Fellow of Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys since 1993
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Named in "Top Lawyers" by Northern Virginia Magazine
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Appointed by Virginia General Assembly to serve on Joint Subcommittee to Study Virginia's Adoption Law & Policies 2005 - resulted in over 100 changes to the Virginia Adoption Code
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Co-Author, Virginia Lawyers in Adoption Proceedings (Virginia Continuing Education Legal Publications - 2010, 2014, & 2019)
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Represents Virginia licensed child- placing agencies
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Teacher and presenter for adoption organizations, including Continuing Legal Education of Virginia, Guest Lecturer at Virginia Law Schools, National Business Institute, Lorman Education Services, Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, and various ministries (including pregnancy crisis centers)
