Are you considering adoption in Atlanta, GA? The Edwards Law Group can help guide you through every stage of the process with care and clarity. Georgia’s adoption laws can be complex, and mistakes can be costly without the right support. Contact our firm at (770) 723-7211 to schedule a confidential case evaluation with an Atlanta adoption lawyer.

Expanding your family through adoption is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling things you can do in your lifetime, but Georgia’s process can be challenging with many hurdles to overcome. Having an experienced attorney ensures you have the knowledge, resources, and guidance needed to complete the adoption properly and welcome a child into your home.

Why Choose The Edwards Law Group To Help You With an Adoption in Atlanta, GA?

Adoption agencies – both public and private – take the adoption process seriously. So, while this can be a time of joy and anticipation, it can also be stressful and intimidating.

The experienced family law attorneys at The Edwards Law Group will stand beside you throughout the adoption process, advise you of your legal rights, and help you demonstrate your fitness to be a parent. 

Clients in Atlanta, Georgia, choose us because:

• We’re trusted by adoptive parents because we’re honest, respected legal advocates with a proven ability to successfully navigate complex family law issues like adoption. 
• We’re well-versed in Georgia adoption law and regulations established by private adoption agencies within the United States and internationally. 
• With 50+ years of combined experience handling adoption cases for prospective parents, we understand the challenges clients are likely to face and the strategies to mitigate any difficulties that may arise.

Every adoption is different. You need to work with an experienced attorney you can trust to help you as you expand your family. Call our Atlanta family law attorneys for assistance today.

Adoption in Georgia

Adoption is a legal process in which an adult assumes legal custody of a non-biological child. When an adoption is finalized, parental rights are transferred from the child’s biological parent(s) and/or the state to their adoptive parents. 

What Are the Qualifications To Adopt in Atlanta?

Adoptive parents must satisfy the following requirements to adopt a child in Georgia:

• Minimum age: Be at least 25 years old or 21 years old while married and living with their spouse
• Age difference between adoptive parent and adoptive child: Be at least 10 years older than the child they seek to adopt (unless the adoptive parent is the child’s stepparent or relative)
• Residency: Be a Georgia resident at the time the adoption petition is filed
• Ability: Be “financially, physically, and mentally able” to have permanent custody of the adoptive child

Adoption isn’t something that should be done on a whim, so the state makes it clear that prospective parents must be able to “make an unconditional commitment to meet the physical, emotional, medical, psychological, and social needs of the child or children in their care.” 

If adoption counselors or a judge believe that an adoptive parent can’t achieve this for the child’s life, the petition to adopt may be denied.

What’s the Adoption Process Like?

While the specific procedures may vary depending on whether you’re applying for a public adoption or a private adoption, here’s what you can generally expect as you initiate the adoption process in Atlanta:

• Initial contact: The adoption process begins when you make contact with the Department of Human Services Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) or a private adoption agency and relay your interest in adopting a child
• Information session: You’ll sit down and learn about the adoption process with DFCS representatives or the private adoption agency
• Background checks: As a prospective parent, you’ll undergo extensive background checks to determine your fitness to raise a child
• Home study: You’ll be visited in your home by adoption officials to ensure that the adoptive child will have a stable, safe environment if the adoption is finalized
• Matching: The matching process can take time because it focuses on finding the right fit for both the adoptive child and the adoptive parent. The child’s specific needs and requirements must be taken into consideration, as well as what the family has to offer.
• Pre-placement visits: Once a potential match is made, the child will visit your home under the supervision of adoption representatives.
• Placement: The adoptive child moves into your home.
• Finalization: Once the adoption is approved by the state and/or private agency, the petition to adopt must be filed with the Superior Court of Fulton County. During an adoption hearing, a judge will review the petition and either approve or deny your request to adopt. When the adoption is approved, the child becomes part of your family as if they were biologically your own.

This process takes time and can be quite expensive. Any missteps or violations of Georgia law can be serious setbacks for adoptive parents. The best way to ensure that you navigate the adoption process successfully and in the shortest time possible is by hiring an experienced Atlanta adoption attorney you can trust. 

Representing Families in All Types of Atlanta Adoption Cases

There are two different types of adoptions: public and private. Within these categories are additional ways to complete an adoption. Each process has its own unique set of rules and requirements. When you decide to expand your family through adoption, it’s important to work with a family law attorney who understands the laws and procedures that will apply to your specific case.

At The Edwards Law Group, we have nearly five decades of experience representing prospective parents in all matters of adoption, including:

Public Adoptions

Public adoptions are conducted by the state, specifically the Department of Human Services Division of Family & Children Services. The state oversees adoptions of children in the state’s foster system, many of whom have been placed there because they’ve been neglected or abused by their biological parent(s). 

Private Adoptions

Private adoptions can be facilitated by the state or conducted by a private adoption agency. Typically, private adoptions pursued through the state involve parents and children who are already related or have some pre-existing relationship. 

When a third-party agency is involved, they’re usually tasked with matching a prospective parent and child who don’t know one another. These can include adoptions of children yet to be born, international adoptions, or adoptions from outside of the state of Georgia.

Single-Parent Adoptions

You don’t have to be married to adopt a child in Atlanta. Single-parent adoptions are permitted, as long as you’re at least 25 years old and 10 years older than the child you adopt.

Stepparent Adoptions

Stepparent adoptions are quite common. In these situations, a child’s stepparent formally adopts their spouse’s non-marital children. If the child’s other biological parent is alive, that parent would be required to terminate their parental rights before the stepparent could adopt.

Second Parent Adoptions

Second-parent adoptions are similar to stepparent adoptions, except that the parents are not required to be married. The second parent can legally adopt their partner’s biological child without terminating the biological parent’s parental rights. 

This is a good option for same-sex couples who are not married but want to formalize their family unit.

International Adoptions

International adoptions allow a family in Atlanta to bring a child from another country into their home permanently. These adoptions tend to be more costly and complicated because they involve matters of immigration and citizenship.

Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation With an Experienced Atlanta Adoption Lawyer

Whether you want to adopt a child in your own family, expand your family with a child who is currently in Atlanta’s foster system, or adopt a child through a private agency, it’s not a journey you need to go on alone. Any adoption process can be overwhelming at times, and it’ll be important to have a skilled and compassionate advocate in your corner for it all.

At The Edwards Law Group, our Atlanta adoption attorneys have 50+ years of combined experience navigating all matters of adoption in Georgia. When you ask for our help, we’ll be able to provide support, critical legal guidance, answers to your questions, and strength as you grow your family.

We offer a confidential case evaluation. Contact our Atlanta, Georgia, law office today to discuss your situation with our team.