Are you and your family considering expanding by adopting a child? Congratulations! This is a wonderful decision and experience. Of course, the process for child adoption also has certain laws necessary for you to know.
Don’t let this process overwhelm or discourage you. If you start to question the process, consider contacting an Atlanta adoption attorney who can help you move through the process.
Adopt a Child in Georgia
Are you and your family considering expanding by adopting a child? Congratulations! This is a wonderful decision and experience. Of course, the process for child adoption also has certain laws necessary for you to know.
However, don’t let this process overwhelm or discourage you. If you start questioning the process, consider contacting an Atlanta adoption attorney who can help you move through the process.
If you aim to adopt a child in Georgia, firstly, you must make sure you meet the legal requirements. Secondly, understand how the process works. For instance, there are steps, papers to file, and boxes to check. Consider the following:
Legal Eligibility
To adopt a child, Georgia law requires that you are:
- At least 25 years old or have and live with your spouse
- At least ten years older than the child you are trying to adopt
- Be financially physically, mentally, and financially secure
- Be able to have permanent custody of the child
The Adoption Process
You will begin the adoption process once you confirm that you are legally eligible to adopt in Georgia. However, this process can take time, depending on the individual facts of your situation and the child you hope to adopt. The process may resemble the following:
Choosing the Type of Adoption
The first step in adopting a child is choosing the type of adoption you want. Consider these questions:
- Do I want an infant or an older child?
- Do you want to adopt locally or internationally?
- Do I want to adopt through a foster system or a private agency?
Choose an Adoption Professional
If you plan to work with an adoption professional, make sure you choose someone who is experienced in Georgia adoption. Moreover, the adoption process can be lengthy and emotional, and you need someone to complete the task. Consider the following when choosing a professional:
- Experience facilitating the type of adoption you chose
- Experience facilitating adoptions in Georgia
- Offers pre- and post-placement support and mediation
- Fees fit within your desired budget
- The estimated wait time or waitlist for a Georgia adoption
Application
You and your spouse must apply to adopt jointly.
Home Study
Georgia law requires a home study before a petition for adoption is filed. This study involves a thorough investigation into the adoptive parents, including:
- Background check
- Criminal history
- Three visits with parents (one in the home)
- Separate interviews for all immediate family members in the home
- Description of home and community
- Informal assessment of health and mental health
- Evaluation of parenting practices
- Gathering character references
Fees
If the mother is carrying the child you want to adopt, you may be involved in prenatal care. Georgia law also allows adoptive parents to reimburse the birth mother for medical expenses related to the pregnancy. Adoptive parents cannot reimburse or otherwise pay the birth mother.
Termination of Parental Rights
For you to adopt a child in Georgia, the birth mother or custodial parent must terminate parental rights. This is done through the court.
Revocation
In Georgia, a birth mother has a certain period in which she can change her mind. This period is four days after signing the adoption paperwork. Consequently, if the birth mother changes her mind, the child will be removed from the care of the adoptive parents. Thus, they will be placed back in the care of the birth mother.
Final Decree
Once all other steps are completed, your petition for adoption will be heard before a judge. Consequently, a hearing will be scheduled, and you will sign the final adoption decree.
Need Help with a Georgia Adoption?
Adopting a child is a beautiful experience. But, like all legal matters, it can be a lengthy and expensive process. Moving from prospective parent to parent can also be incredibly emotional.
At The Embry Law Firm, we understand the adoption process in Georgia. We have helped numerous families move through the process, and we can help you. Contact us today to learn more about our adoption services.
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