Virginia Court Voids Marine’s Adoption of Afghan Orphan

A Virginia appellate court voided U.S. Marine Maj. Joshua Mast's adoption of an Afghan war orphan, marking a critical juncture in a protracted custody dispute. The decision affects international relations and leaves the child's future uncertain. The court cited procedural errors and the Afghan government’s continued claim to the child.

A Virginia appellate court ruled Tuesday that a U.S. Marine should never have been granted the adoption of an Afghan war orphan, voiding the custody order that has allowed him to raise the girl for almost three years. This decision marks a significant turning point in a contentious custody battle with international consequences far beyond the fate of one child.

The ruling deals a significant blow to Marine Maj. Joshua Mast's yearslong legal efforts to retain custody of the child, orphaned in Afghanistan in 2019. Despite obtaining adoption approval from Fluvanna County, Virginia, while the child was still in Afghanistan, Mast has now lost legal guardianship. The Afghan family, who fled during the Taliban takeover and arrived in the U.S. in 2021, has been fighting against the adoption in court.

The appellate panel emphasized procedural errors and the lack of Afghan government consent as key reasons for overturning the adoption. The fate of the girl remains undecided; she continues to stay with the Mast family as the court dismissed all prior adoption proceedings and directed further hearings. Legal experts and government agencies have declined to comment further on the next steps or their roles in resolving this complex case.

(With inputs from agencies.)