Adoptions

Adoption is a legal process by which a court issues an order declaring one person to be the legal child of an adoptive parent(s). When an adoption is finalized, the person’s birth parents no longer have legal rights or responsibilities, and the adoptive parents become the person’s legal parents.

Typically, Georgia Superior or juvenile courts handle adoption cases. Under Georgia law, any adult may file an adoption petition in the state if they meet all of the following requirements:

They are at least 25 years old or are married and living with their spouse.
They are at least 10 years older than the child.
They have been a legal resident of Georgia for at least six months prior to filing the adoption petition.
They are financially, physically and mentally ready to have permanent custody of the child.

Accordingly, Georgia law requires certain conditions to be met before a child can be adopted. In addition to finding that the adoption is in the child’s best interest, one of the following must occur:

The living parents or guardians voluntarily surrender all rights to the child, in writing, either directly to the prospective adoptive parents or to a licensed adoption agency.
The child is abandoned without any living parents.
A court proceeding has terminated the biological parents’ rights involuntarily.

There are several different forms of adoption in Georgia, including:

Stepparent adoption: the spouse of a child’s biological parent adopts the child.
Third-party adoption: an individual who is not the stepparent or other relative adopts the child.
Adult adoption: the adoption of a person 18 years or older.
Relative adoption: a child adopted by someone they are related to by blood or marriage.

At Boyd Collar Nolen Tuggle & Roddenbery, we understand the legal requirements and emotional nuances involved in adoption cases, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through every step of the process with compassion and experience. Whether pursuing stepparent, third-party, adult or relative adoption, we are committed to ensure that each adoption is carried out smoothly and in the best interests of all parties involved.

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