Adopting a child is a life-changing decision that brings joy and responsibility to families. In Georgia, the adoption process is governed by state laws and regulations that aim to ensure the best interests of the child. This article will provide an overview of the child adoption process in Georgia, including eligibility requirements, types of adoption, and resources available to adoptive families.
In Georgia, any person who is at least 25 years old and has been a resident of the state for at least six months can adopt a child. Single individuals, married couples, and same-sex couples are all eligible to adopt. However, certain factors such as criminal history, income, and lifestyle may disqualify an individual or couple from adopting.
There are several types of adoption available in Georgia, including:
This type of adoption involves adopting a child who is currently in the foster care system. These children have been removed from their biological parents due to abuse or neglect and are in need of a permanent home.
This type of adoption involves working with international adoption agencies in Georgia to adopt a child who is not in the foster care system. This can include domestic adoptions and international adoptions.
This type of adoption involves an agreement between the birth parents and the adoptive parents to have some level of contact after the adoption is finalized. This can include letters, emails, phone calls, and even in-person visits.
This type of adoption involves no contact between the birth parents and the adopted child after the adoption is finalized.
The adoption process in Georgia begins with an application to adopt. The prospective adoptive parents will then be required to complete a home study, which includes a background check, financial review, and home visit. The adoptive parents will also be required to attend training on adoption and parenting.
Once the home study is complete and the adoptive parents have been approved, the next step is to find a child to adopt. This can involve working with a private agency or attorney or searching through the list of children available for adoption through the foster care system.
Once a child is identified, the adoptive parents will have the opportunity to meet the child and see if they are a good match. If the match is made, the adoptive parents will then be required to complete a series of court appearances to finalize the adoption.
After the adoption is finalized, the adopted child becomes a legal member of the adoptive family and has the same rights and responsibilities as a biological child.
Adopting a child in Georgia is a big decision that brings joy and responsibility to families. In Georgia, the adoption process is governed by state laws and regulations that aim to ensure the best interests of the child. Prospective adoptive parents must meet certain eligibility requirements, and have a choice of several types of adoption, including foster care adoption, private adoption, open adoption, and closed adoption. The process includes a home study, training, and court appearances.
Tom Tebeau is recognized as an expert on Georgia Adoption Law. He is a Fellow with the Georgia Council of Adoption Lawyers, a Certified Child Welfare Specialist with the National Association of Counsel for Children, and a frequent speaker on Georgia Adoption Law. He’d be honored to hear from you!
In Georgia, any person who is at least 25 years old and has been a resident of the state for at least six months can adopt a child. Single individuals, married couples, and same-sex couples are all eligible to adopt.
In Georgia, there are several types of adoption available, including foster care adoption, private adoption, open adoption, and closed adoption.
The length of the adoption process can vary depending on the type of adoption and the individual circumstances of the case. On average, the process can take several months to a year to complete.
Yes, there are fees associated with adoption in Georgia, including home study fees, agency fees, and legal fees. These fees can vary depending on the type of adoption and the agency or attorney used.
