DHS Subsidized Foster & Kinship Adoptions

Services Offered

DHS-Subsidized Foster & Kinship Adoptions

We help West Virginia foster and kinship families finalize adoptions with compassionate guidance, clear communication, and a process designed to feel straightforward from start to finish.

When a child has already found safety, consistency, and belonging in a home, legal permanency becomes the next meaningful step. This service is designed to help families better understand that process and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Who this serves

Foster parents, kinship caregivers, and families seeking a permanent legal path forward.

What families need

Clear next steps, thoughtful communication, and a better understanding of how finalization may work.

Why it matters

Permanent legal protection can help bring added stability, confidence, and peace of mind to the family.

Approach

Support that feels personal, practical, and easier to follow at each stage of the process.

What to Expect

A clear process with guidance at every step

We know these family decisions are deeply personal. Our goal is to make the legal side feel less overwhelming by helping you understand what comes next, what paperwork is needed, and how your matter will move forward.

Whether you are pursuing an adoption, guardianship, or another family-related service, you deserve straightforward answers, timely communication, and support that feels personal instead of transactional.

Helpful note

Every family situation is different, so timelines and next steps can vary. The best place to start is with a conversation about your specific circumstances.

Why this matters

Clear expectations help families feel more prepared, more confident, and less overwhelmed as they move through each stage of the legal process.

Best fit for

Families who want a smoother, clearly explained legal process with direct support.

What we help with

Document preparation, filing guidance, communication, and next-step clarity.

What makes this easier

Prompt communication, practical explanations, and a process centered on your family.

First step

Reach out so we can talk through your situation and point you toward the best next move.

Ready to talk through your next step?

Reach out to Biddle Law Office to ask questions, get clarity, and move forward with confidence.

Every adoption is unique. We help you understand the process & make it easy.

DHS subsidized Adoptions and Legal Guardianship for foster and kinship families

Adoptions through West Virginia’s foster care system are fully covered by the state. However, because attorneys are reimbursed after finalization, some firms require upfront costs or charge more than what the state pays.

We will never ask you to pay any fees in advance or pay us more than what the state will reimburse.

Legal guardianship:

Legal guardianship is best used when a parent’s parental rights have not been terminated by the Judge during the course of an abuse and neglect proceeding or of when a child over the age of 12 years does not want to consent to or desire to be adopted. The child’s name can be changed or remain the same and the biological parent’s names remain on the birth certificate. This is permanent until the child turns 18 years of age.

Adult Adoptions:

The original birth certificate will now list the adoptive parents and that adults biological parent and the adoptee can also change their name if they desire.

Stepparent Adoptions:

Stepparent adoption can happen either through a biological parent voluntarily relinquishing their rights or by demonstrating abandonment, such as a lack of contact or financial support.

Costs vary based on each case, but you’ll receive a clear, upfront estimate before any payment is required, with flexible payment options available.

Private Adoptions:

We help families finalize private adoptions after the family has been approached or connected with a Mother who has determined that it would be in her unborn or born child’s best interest to be adopted. We also help families that have been connected with a child through a certified adoption agency. While we don’t match families with children, we’re happy to connect you with trusted adoption agencies to get started.

International Adoptions:

International adoptions are completed in the child’s birth country, and we help ensure that adoption is legally recognized in the United States. Once recognized, a U.S. birth certificate can be issued.

Costs vary by case, but you’ll receive a clear, upfront estimate before any payment is required, with flexible payment options available.

Why Families Trust Biddle Law Office

Fast & Efficient:

Paperwork is typically prepared within 24–48 hours of receiving your adoption packet — so you can move forward without delays.

25 Years of Experience:

Jackie has spent more than two decades helping West Virginia families navigate adoption with care, efficiency, and integrity.

No Hidden Costs:

The state covers all costs associated with DHS subsidized adoptions and the quoted retainer covers all costs associated with private adoptions.”

Compassionate Guidance:

You’ll work directly with Jackie every step of the way — from preparing your packet to your final court hearing.

Client Testimonials

Kind words from families we have served

Every adoption story is personal. These families shared what it was like to work with Jackie and the Biddle Law Office team.

Jackie and Savannah are amazing! They are fast and some of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of coming in contact with. I highly recommend this woman and appreciate everything she has done for us!!

Kristi Donahue

Biddle Law Office client
Jackie is absolutely amazing. Highly recommend if you are venturing into the adoption process.

Andrea Mollohan

Biddle Law Office client
Jackie is so caring and helpful every step of the way! She’s definitely who you need for all your adoption needs!

Tara Porter

Biddle Law Office client
Jackie is absolutely wonderful!! She was absolutely the best during the entire adoption process! Even before our two boys entered the adoption phase, she would answer questions and was always very helpful. This woman right here LOVES what she does, and that’s hard to find! She’s definitely in it for the right reasons. She treats everyone the same, no matter who you are or how much money you have! There is no reason not to choose Biddle Law Office.

Mitchell Mundy

Biddle Law Office client
Highly recommend Jackie. She made this process so easy. She is very professional and caring!

Patti Andela-Neal

Biddle Law Office client

I look forward to working with you!

Phone Number

O: 304. 522. 2204

C: 304. 617. 2093

Email Address

Mailing Address

422 10th Street, Suite 1 & 2

Huntington, WV 25701

© Biddle Law Office 2025

This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

I look forward to working with you!

Phone Number

O: 304. 522. 2204

C: 304. 617. 2093

Email Address

Mailing Address

422 10th Street, Suite 1 & 2

Huntington, WV 25701

© Biddle Law Office 2026

This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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