Adoption Legal Services

To proceed with a relative adoption in Georgia, several key requirements must be met:

- Eligibility: Relatives eligible to adopt a child include grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other extended family members. The specific degree of relation required can vary, so it's important to consult with an attorney to determine eligibility.

- Consent: The biological parents must voluntarily relinquish their parental rights and consent to the adoption. If the biological parents are deceased or their whereabouts are unknown, the court may waive this requirement or terminate their rights if they are deemed unfit.

- Home Study: A home study may be required to assess the adoptive home environment and ensure it is suitable for the child. This evaluation includes background checks, home visits, and interviews to verify the stability and safety of the home.

- Legal Filings: The adoptive relative must file a petition for adoption in the superior court of the county where they or the child resides. This petition must include detailed information about the adoptive parents, the child, and the reasons for the adoption.

- Termination of Parental Rights: The court must officially terminate the biological parents' rights before the adoption can be finalized. This can be voluntary, through the parents' consent, or involuntary if the court finds sufficient grounds for termination.

- Termination of Parental Rights: The non-custodial biological parent's rights must be terminated either voluntarily or involuntarily. This can happen through consent, where the biological parent agrees to give up their rights, or through a court process if the parent is deemed unfit due to abandonment, neglect, or other reasons.

- Consent of the Custodial Parent: The custodial parent, who is married to the step parent, must consent to the adoption.

- Residency Requirement: The step parent and the child must have lived in Georgia for at least six months before filing for adoption.

- Home Study: While not always required in step parent adoptions, a home study may be ordered by the court to assess the living situation and ensure it is in the best interest of the child.

To proceed with a third party adoption in Georgia, several essential requirements must be met:

- Consent: The birth parents must voluntarily relinquish their parental rights and provide written consent for the adoption. This consent must be given freely and without coercion. In some cases, the consent of the biological father may need to be established through a paternity test or affidavit.

- Home Study: A home study conducted by a licensed social worker or agency is typically required to assess the suitability of the adoptive home. This evaluation includes background checks, home visits, and interviews to ensure the child's well-being.

- Legal Filings: The adoptive parents must file a petition for adoption in the superior court of the county where they reside or where the child resides. This petition includes detailed information about the adoptive parents, the child, and the circumstances of the adoption.

- Termination of Parental Rights: The court must officially terminate the birth parents' rights before the adoption can be finalized. This termination can be voluntary or, in certain circumstances, involuntary if the court finds that the birth parents are unfit or have abandoned the child.