Experienced Barrow County Adoption Lawyers

There are a wide variety of steps, requirements, and potential issues associated with the laws governing Georgia adoptions. A single complication can greatly prolong the process or prevent the adoption from taking place.

Adoption Requirements in Georgia

First and foremost, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible to adopt a child in Georgia:

• You must be at least 25 years old or married and living with your spouse
• You must be at least 10 years older than the child you are hoping to adopt
• You must be physically, mentally, and financially capable of caring for the child

There are other complexities, consequences, and applicable laws you will need to think about. Adding a member to your family is no small feat, and Georgia tightly regulates adoptions in even the simplest of situations.

When looking to adopt, you will need to consider:

• What type of adoption you wish to choose
• How adoption will impact your taxes
• How you will navigate mandatory court procedures
• Whether a same-sex couple is involved in the adoption
• Whether stepparents are involved in the adoption
• Whether the child’s biological parents abandoned them

Knowing how to respond to the above questions and situations requires a working knowledge of family law, and it is therefore not wise to attempt an adoption alone. Retaining legal representation throughout the process can help you avoid common mistakes, expedite your adoption, and ensure your rights – and the rights of your children – are completely protected. 

What are Adult Adoptions in Georgia?

Adult adoption is the legal process of an adult (18 years or older) being adopted by another adult. In Georgia, adult adoptions are legally binding agreements that involve relinquishing rights and responsibilities for those involved.

1. The person seeking to be adopted, known as the adoptee, must obtain a notarized affidavit of identity and consent from the court in order for the petition to be filed with the court. 
   • Additionally, consent from any living birth parents must also be obtained before this can take place.
2. Once all required information has been obtained, the adoptive parent will file a petition with the court which will then create an order granting permission for the adoption after it has reviewed all relevant documents. 
3. Afterward, both parties may submit a form to update their driver’s license or state ID card with the new name change resulting from the adoption.

Reasons for Adult Adoption

• Adult adoptions are most commonly used in situations when one party wishes to honor someone who acted as a parental figure during their life or when two people wish to establish family ties without having to go through a traditional parenting process. 
• Adult adoptions allow individuals to recognize relationships in a way that is permanent and legally binding while establishing access to certain government benefits such as inheritance rights and health insurance coverage under certain circumstances. 

If you have any questions, contact our GA adoption lawyers. 

Our Adoption Attorneys in Barrow County Can Help Through the Process

At the Mitchell & Crunk Law Firm, our goal is to facilitate a successful start to your new relationship. Our team can assist you in complying with all adoption requirements and represent you in all necessary court appearances and hearings. We will be by your side every step of the way, from finding the child you wish to adopt to handling all court paperwork. 

For those new to adoption, we can help you decide which type of adoption best suits your needs and desires. We are extensively familiar with Georgian laws surrounding various types of adoptions and can offer you the advocacy you need to succeed.

Our Barrow County, GA adoption attorneys know how to approach:

• Adoptions facilitated by agencies
• Private adoptions
• International adoptions
• Stepparent adoptions
• Same-sex couple adoptions
• Relative adoptions
• Adult adoptions

After deciding which type of adoption you wish to pursue, we will assist with all required paperwork and represent you in court should your case need to be presented before a judge. Mandatory court appearances can be common with many stepparent adoptions and other adoptions with extenuating circumstances. Our GA adoption lawyers' skill and deep knowledge of adoption law equip us to handle the twists and turns that can appear throughout the process. 

As prospective adopting parents, you have your work cut out you. Make adoption easier by hiring a diligent and experienced legal team to support you. Whether you are looking to explore initial adoption options or you have questions about how adoption works in Georgia, we encourage you to get in touch. Our adoption lawyers serving Barrow County are ready to answer your questions and provide the legal support you need to achieve your goals.

• Related: Our Guide to Adoption in Georgia

Call (678) 701-6252 or contact us online to learn more about how our adoption lawyers in Barrow County can help you grow your family. Same-day appointments and payment plans are available.