A child’s life might mean everything to a family. Adopting a child in Georgia assures that your journey to caring for a child is safe and effective. Adoption lawyers in Georgia can assist you in navigating the legal process of adopting a child and welcoming a child into your home and life.
Who Is Eligible To Adopt For Adopting A Child In Georgia
Adoption is controlled by Georgia Section Of the law 19-8-3, which states:
- You should be over the age of 25, married, and living with your partner
- At least you should be ten years older than the child
- You must be a legal resident of the state for the previous six months
- You must be emotionally, physically, and financially capable of having permanent child custody
Unless the child is your step-child, your spouse must also be mentioned on the adoption petition if you are married. The petition must then be filed.
What Are The Other Options For Adoption?
Adoption by a stepparent or a co-parent
The Attorney can assist you in formalizing your legal relationship with your partner’s children.
Adoption by a single parent
Adoption eligibility does not discriminate against single people wishing to adopt. The adoption lawyers are there for you every step of the process.
Adoption of LGBTQ People
Georgia permits a person to adopt their partner’s biological or adopted child. A lawyer may assist your family in going through the procedure smoothly.
Foster Care Adoption
The Attorney can assist you if you’re ready to accept your foster kid into your family.
Private and Agency Adoption
An attorney can ensure that both parties comply if you elect to proceed through a private arrangement or an adoption agency.
What Will The Costs Of Adoption Be Like?
The costs of adoption are discussed in advance by most approved adoption agencies. Depending on your circumstances, adopting a younger child and infant may be more costly. You can also be considered responsible for the baby mother’s expenses, like hospital bills and medical treatment related to the delivery. Most adoptions, however, fall far short of these figures. Your adoption attorney will explain the fees and work with you to make your adoption as cost-effective as feasible.
What Is The Home Study Law In Georgia?
Home study is a pre-petition education program in Georgia for individuals, couples, and families. A licensed professional of the state may visit the adoptive custodians’ home two to three times to conduct interviews with family members, both jointly and individually. This is solely to ensure the honesty and safety of those looking to adopt a child. A home study is not always required in adoptions.
In Georgia, how long does the adoption process take?
The process of adopting a child in Georgia varies according to the circumstances of each case. Adoptions within the state and through licensed agencies might take a few months to a year. It may take a long time for out-of-state adoptions to meet state and federal laws.
How Long Does the Revocation Period Last in Georgia When Birth Parents Surrender Rights?
Birth parents will sign a paper giving up their parental rights in some situations. Georgia law permits a birth parent to rescind their choice to surrender parental rights four days after signing the paperwork. After four days, the surrender of rights is irreversible, and the birth parent can no longer intervene in the adoption.
What if you Need to Know about Kids For Adoption in Georgia Across the State Lines
If you adopt a child from another state in Georgia, the Interstate Compact on Child Placement will most likely apply to your case. The agency has the authority to regulate both public ad private adoption agencies and some private adoptions. Aside from that, all legal proceedings are handled by various agencies’ lawyers, such as Tom Tebeau.
You must follow the ICPC regulations and state law in both the sending and receiving states (the state where the adopting parents live and where the child will live).
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you have to do to adopt a child in Georgia?
- You must be at least 25 years old or married and have relationships with your spouse.
- You should be at least ten years older than the child you want to adopt.
- You must be financially, physically, and psychologically capable of gaining permanent possession of the child.
- Adopt jointly with your spouse if you are married
Can a single person adopt?
The adoption as a single person must be at least 25 years old.
What will disqualify you from adopting a child in Georgia?
Convictions such as felony convictions for child abuse or negligence, crimes against a child, and crimes involving violence, bodily assault, or homicide are examples of a criminal past that disqualify you from adopting a kid.
Read also : Things You Must Know About Adopting a Child in Georgia