Virginia Supreme Court rules US Marine’s adoption of an Afghan war orphan will stand

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 7 min read 100% complete by By  JULIET LINDERMAN and CLAIRE GALOFAROFebruary 12, 2026 at 09:23 PM
Virginia Supreme Court rules US Marine’s adoption of an Afghan war orphan will stand

AI Summary

long article 7 min

The Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a U.S. Marine and his wife can maintain their adoption of an Afghan orphan. The ruling reverses lower court decisions that sought to void the adoption. The case involves Marine Maj. Joshua Mast and his wife, Stephanie, who were granted adoption of the child in 2020 by a Virginia judge, despite the child living with relatives in Afghanistan chosen by the Afghan government. The Virginia Supreme Court cited a state law that solidifies adoption orders after six months, preventing the Afghan relatives from challenging the adoption, regardless of any flaws in the initial order. This decision concludes a lengthy legal battle over the child's custody.

Keywords

adoption 100% afghan orphan 90% virginia supreme court 80% legal battle 70% us marine 70% custody battle 60% afghan family 60% adoption order 50% court ruling 50%

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Associated Press (AP)
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