Adopting a child in Georgia, especially an infant is a great decision that helps hopeful families add to their family. Like any other adoption process, adopting an infant also takes time. Several steps need to be taken; with every step of the way will come a sigh of relief and anticipation to move on to the next step until you legally become a parent. The following are some of the guidelines you have to pass through when adopting a child.
Guidelines of Adopting A Child in Georgia
You have to meet some specific requirements per Georgian law to adopt a kid. The following requirements need to be met:
- Be at least 25 years of age, unless married or living with a spouse.
- Be at least ten years older than the child you are adopting.
- Be financially and mentally stable to have permanent custody of the child.
In case you are married, you should apply for joint adoption. However, in the case of a stepparent, the spouse does not need to join the adoption petition.
Process You Have to Go Through Along Adoption Attorney in Atlanta
To help you prepare for the adoption journey, here is the process every prospect parent has to go through:
Step 1: Choose the type of adoption
The first step in the process is to choose the kind of adoption you want to continue with. There are multiple options that you pick from when looking to adopt infants:
- Private or state adoption
- Relative adoption
- Stepparent adoption
- Through international adoption agencies in Georgia
Step 2: Wisely Choose the Professional
Many agencies and professionals can assist you in the adoption process; however, it can be extremely overwhelming at times. You must find the right help to continue the process since it will be long and, at times, a bit difficult. You can consider the following factors when choosing an adoption expert:
- Does the professional have experience in infant adoption?
- Do they guide pre and post-placement communication with prospective birth parents?
- Compare the costs associated with adoption professionals, and look out for any hidden fees.
- Find what estimated time professionals are giving. You must know the timeframes to make your expectations clear.
Step 3: Create Adoptive Family Profile and Pass Home Study
Finding a perfect match for the adoptive parents and kids becomes much easier if all the requirements are met properly. The first in this is to clear the home study – now, it may seem like a breach of privacy, but it is important to determine whether you are ready to adopt or not.
Upon completing the home study successfully, the potential family will create their profile and the chosen professional. This profile will be shown to the prospective parents by an adoption attorney like Tom Tebeau. This way, the birth parent/s know what they can expect for their children.
Step 4: Waiting and Meeting with Potential Parents
This process can feel like ages but worth the wait. Make sure you are prepared to meet the potential birth parent/s when you get the phone call because it means the new baby will be around the corner. When you meet with the birth parents, you need to be transparent and share your expectations about the future you can provide their child. Once the potential birth parent has chosen you and their child is born, you can continue the legal process to finalize the adoption process.
Step 5: Post-Placement Contract
After adoption finalization, you can enjoy your new life with your new family. However, be careful about the post-placement agreement. Remain open with the birth mother, and set expectations and boundaries along the way to choose what’s best for the child.
Starting a new family is a big step forward. It’s not easy to go through the process when you are adopting a child in Georgia, so you need to be mentally prepared for the things to come, and this blog post will help you do just that.
For more details on infant adoption in Georgia, move on to the following section of most common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to adopt a baby in Georgia?
The uncontested adoption, where the birth parents surrender their legal rights, quickly moves through the courts. It can be done in six months to a year; however, the time varies for each case, and an adoption attorney can guide you about the timeframe you can expect.
- Is it difficult to adopt a baby?
The adoption process can be complicated and long, or it can be smooth depending on the adoption professional you can work with. If the professional gives you proper guidance, you can start your family without stress.
- What is the upper age limit for adoption?
There is no such limit to adopting a child in Georgia. But you need to fulfill the criteria specified by the government (mentioned above), and there should be no criminal offense against you to qualify for infant adoption.
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