There are many reasons for adoption. Maybe you are wanting to adopt your spouse’s children, you are a same-sex couple, you are willing to take care of a family member’s children that they are not able to take care of, you and your husband are ready to add another child to the family.
No matter what circumstances in your life had led to your decision to adopt—here you are. You probably have dozens of questions about adoption. Hopefully, this information helps you understand the adoption process in Georgia.
The 4-step overview
Child adoption can be very complex. There are many factors that you might encounter that deviate from this 4-step process. The basic steps are:
- Discuss adoption with your family and fill out an application.
- Speak with an adoption agency representative, an adoption attorney, or birth parents.
- Meet with the child.
- Go to court to finalize the adoption papers.
Adoption processes vary in each situation. You can adopt a child regardless of your age, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, religion and cultural beliefs.
What are the adoption requirements in Georgia?
In Georgia, you must be at least 25 years old if you are unmarried, you can be just 18 years old if you are married and you and your spouse live together. You must be 10 years older than the child and be financially, emotionally, mentally ready to have full and permanent custody of a child.
After signing away her rights, a birth mother still has a four-day grace-period to change her mind. Two years ago, Georgia legislation passed reducing the revocation period from 10 days to four. Potential adoptive parents need to understand that the birth mother can revoke the agreement.
The adoption process may take patience. Just think how happy and blessed you will feel when you get to take your child home.
