63.2-1252 - Search of registry. - Virginia Statutes

§ 63.2-1252. Search of registry.

A. If no father-child relationship has been established pursuant to §20-49.1, a petitioner for adoption shall obtain from the Department acertificate that a search of the Putative Father Registry was performed. Ifthe conception or birth of the child occurred in another state, a petitionerfor adoption shall obtain a certificate from that state indicating that asearch of the putative father registry was performed, if that state has aputative father registry.

B. The Department shall furnish to the requester a certificate of search ofthe registry upon the request of an individual, court, or agency listed in §63.2-1253. Any such certificate shall be signed on behalf of the Departmentand state that a search has been made of the registry and a registrationcontaining the information required to identify the registrant has been foundand is attached to the certificate of search or has not been found. Withinfour business days from the receipt of the request, the Department shall mailthe certificate to the requestor by United States mail. Upon request of therequestor and payment of any additional costs, the Department shall have thecertificate delivered to the requestor by overnight mail, in person, bymessenger, by facsimile or other electronic communication. The Department'scertificate or an appropriate certificate from another state shall besufficient proof the registry was searched.

C. A petitioner shall file the certificate of search with the court before aproceeding for adoption of, or termination of parental rights regarding, achild may be concluded.

D. A certificate of search of the Putative Father Registry is admissible in aproceeding for adoption of, or termination of parental rights regarding, achild and, if relevant, in other legal proceedings.

(2006, c. 825.)