CHAPTER 437

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding thereto a section num-
bered § 63-356.2, relating to when, in certain adoptions, reference to
and investigation by the Director of Welfare and Institutions may
be dispensed with.

[S 400]

Approved April 1, 1952

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding thereto a section
numbered § 63-356.2, as follows:

§ 63- 356.2. When the mother of an illegitimate infant marries, and
the husband of such mother desires to adopt such child, or where a natural
parent of an infant is divorced and has custody of such infant and marries
again, and the new spouse desires to adopt the infant, on a petition filed
by the natural parent and spouse for the adoption and change of name
of the infant, the court may proceed to order the proposed adoption or
change of name without referring the matter to the Director of Welfare
and Institutions, provided, however, that no such order of reference and
investigation shall be dispensed with unless such infant is of the age
of sixteen years and has lived in the home of the person desiring to adopt
the infant for at least five years. If the court feels that there should
be some investigation before a final order of adoption is entered, it shall
refer the matter to the Commissioner of Public Welfare for an investiga-
tion and report within such time as the court designates.