Understanding the Adoption Process in Georgia

In Georgia, the adoption process can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, it can be a fulfilling journey toward expanding your family. At Banks, Stubbs & McFarland, we are here to provide you with the necessary information and compassionate legal representation to guide you through this process. 

Let our experienced Forsyth County adoption attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland oversee the adoption process in Georgia so you can focus on building a loving and nurturing home for your future child.

Understanding the Adoption Process in Georgia

Adopting a child in Georgia requires following a series of legal steps to ensure the process is conducted ethically and in the child’s best interest. Let's take a closer look at the key stages of the adoption process in Georgia.

Determine Your Adoption Approach

The first step is determining the adoption type you want to pursue. Georgia allows for various kinds of adoption, including: 

• Domestic adoption
• International adoption
• Foster care adoption

Each type of adoption has its own set of requirements and considerations, and some are more affordable than others.

Meeting Requirements for Adoption in Georgia

First, you must be at least 21 years old to adopt in the state or be married and live with a spouse. Adoptive parents must be ten years older than the child unless it is a relative or stepparent adoption. 

Additionally, you must undergo a thorough background check, including a criminal history review and a child abuse registry check, to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.

In Georgia, you must demonstrate your ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for the child. This includes meeting financial requirements and having a stable income to support the child's needs. The adoption agency or the court will assess your ability to provide the child with a loving and safe home.

Furthermore, you will need to complete adoption training and attend adoption-related classes. These classes are designed to prepare you for the responsibilities and challenges of adoption, equipping you with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Complete a Home Study

Regardless of your adoption type, a home study is a mandatory requirement. This involves an assessment of your suitability to adopt, including background checks, interviews, and home visits. The home study aims to ensure you can provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child.

If you are adopting a child out of foster care, it will require the Department of Family and Children Services to provide paperwork that allows you to adopt. If you have a private adoption, you will have to have the parents sign a surrender of parental rights. If you are domesticating a foreign adoption, that will require placement with a child placing agency or adoption agency.

File a Petition to Adopt

Once your home study is approved and the child you are adopting is located, you must file a petition to adopt with the court in the county where you reside. The petition will include your personal information, the child's information, and other required information and affidavits as required by law.

Attend Court Hearings

After filing the petition, you will be scheduled for a court hearing. The judge will review your case during the hearing and decide whether to grant the adoption. This step is crucial as it formalizes the legal relationship between you and the child.

Finalize the Adoption

Once the court approves the adoption, you must complete the necessary paperwork to finalize the adoption. This includes obtaining a new birth certificate for the child and updating their legal name if desired. Following all the legal requirements is essential to ensure a smooth and legally valid adoption.

Banks, Stubbs & McFarland Helps Parents with Adoptions in GA

If you are considering adoption, the adoption attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland are here to assist you. Our team has extensive experience handling adoption cases in Forsyth County and throughout Georgia. We understand the unique legal requirements and processes involved in adoption and are committed to providing you with personalized and effective legal representation.

Our compassionate and dedicated team is ready to guide you through the adoption process and help you complete your family.

Contact Our Forsyth County Adoption Attorneys

Contact Banks, Stubbs & McFarland for more information about adoption in Forsyth County, Georgia, and how our adoption attorneys can assist you. Let us be the trusted legal allies you need throughout your adoption journey.