Atlanta Adoption Lawyer

Adoption Attorney Serving Families in Atlanta, GA

Adoption is a beautiful process that is filled with joy and love. However, it is also a complex and delicate matter that is not without its legal complexities. If you are looking to adopt a child, you should work with an experienced adoption lawyer to make sure that your rights and the rights of the child are protected throughout the process.

At KF Law, LLC, our family law attorneys understand the importance of adoption in your life, both personally and legally. Our skilled adoption lawyer will take the time to understand the details of your case and the specific needs of you and your family. We will then work to resolve your case in a way that is best for all involved.

Contact our Atlanta adoption lawyer at KF Law, LLC today to discuss your case. Contact us online or call (678) 326-4611 to get started!

What Is an Adoption?

Adoption is the legal process by which a child is permanently transferred from the custody of one parent or guardian to another. The new parent or guardian assumes all legal rights and responsibilities of the child, including the right to make decisions regarding their medical care, education, and upbringing. The child also gains the right to inherit property and the right to use the new parent's last name.

The type of adoption you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and the circumstances of your case. There are two main types of adoption:

• Relative adoption – This type of adoption involves the adoption of a child by a relative of the child, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling.
• Non-relative adoption – This type of adoption involves the adoption of a child by a parent or guardian who is not related to the child by blood or marriage.

In addition, there are also special needs adoptions and international adoptions. While these types of adoption involve additional complexities, an experienced adoption lawyer in Atlanta can help you determine the best option for your situation.

Eligibility for Adoption in Georgia

Adopting a child in Georgia involves several legal requirements that prospective adoptive parents must meet to ensure the adoption is legally recognized. These requirements can vary depending on the type of adoption (domestic, foster care, relative, or international), but there are general criteria that apply across most adoption scenarios.

Here are the key requirements to adopt in Georgia:

• Age Requirement: Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old, or 10 years older than the child in a stepparent adoption.
• Residency Requirement: Adoptive parents must be legal residents of Georgia for at least 6 months.
• Home Study: A comprehensive evaluation of the home and parents, including background checks, financial assessments, and health evaluations.
• Financial Stability: Adoptive parents must demonstrate the ability to financially support a child.
• Health Requirements: Prospective parents must be in good physical and mental health.
• Background Checks: Criminal background and child abuse clearances are required for all adoptive parents.
• Adoption Application: Parents must submit an adoption application with personal information and preferences.
• Parental Rights Termination: The biological parents' rights must be legally terminated before adoption can proceed.
• Consent to Adoption: Consent is typically required from biological parents, especially for domestic and foster care adoptions.

What Is a Child-Placing Agency?

A child-placing agency is a private or government agency that assists with the placement of children who are available for adoption. Such agencies maintain records on the children and perform background checks on potential adoptive parents, among other services.

The Georgia Department of Human Services is the state agency that oversees child-placing agencies. These agencies must be licensed by the state and comply with all state regulations.

As the adoption process can be lengthy, a child-placing agency can be an important resource for adoptive parents. The agency will work to find the perfect child for your family and will also help you navigate the adoption process and any legal matters that may arise during the process. 

If you are considering adopting a child, it is important to work with an experienced Atlanta adoption lawyer who is familiar with child-placing agencies and their regulations as well as the adoption process.

The Adoption Process in Georgia

Adopting a child in Georgia involves several key legal steps, from beginning the process to finalizing the adoption in court. It’s essential to have a thorough understanding of each step and how to navigate the legal system.

Here’s an overview of the general adoption process in Georgia:

• Home Study and Adoption Application: The home study is an in-depth evaluation conducted by a licensed social worker, during which the social worker will assess the home environment, interview the prospective parents, and evaluate their ability to care for a child. The home study will also include background checks, medical evaluations, and financial assessments. Once the home study is completed, prospective adoptive parents will submit an adoption application.
• Termination of Parental Rights: Before an adoption can proceed in Georgia, the biological parents’ rights must be legally terminated. In some cases, the biological parents may voluntarily give up their parental rights, while in other cases, parental rights may be terminated by the court due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment.
• Matching with a Child: Once the home study is approved and the adoption application is submitted, the adoptive parents may be matched with a child who is available for adoption. This is typically the longest part of the process, particularly for families pursuing domestic infant or international adoptions.
• Finalizing the Adoption: Once a child is placed in the home, a series of legal steps must be taken to finalize the adoption. These steps typically include filing an adoption petition, having an adoption hearing and issuing the final adoption decree where they legally change the child’s name and confirm the adoptive parents’ rights as the child’s legal parents.
• Post-Adoption Services: While the adoption process ends with the final decree, adoptive families may require post-adoption services, such as counseling, support, or follow-up visits from a social worker. These services can help both the child and the adoptive parents adjust to their new family dynamics.

Common Adoption Disputes

Adoption is a complex and delicate matter that is not without its legal complexities. One of the most common issues that arise in adoption is a dispute. Disputes can arise due to a number of reasons, but most often, they involve the terms of the adoption or the rights and responsibilities of all involved parties.

Disputes can be settled in court through litigation. However, it is best to work with an experienced adoption lawyer who can help you resolve the matter outside of court if possible. Our skilled Atlanta adoption lawyer will take the time to understand the details of your case and the specific needs of you and your family. We will then work to resolve your case in a way that is best for all involved.

Types of Adoption Disputes

There are a number of different types of adoption disputes that can arise during the adoption process. Some of the most common include:

• Termination of parental rights – When a child's parents voluntarily surrender their parental rights, they are no longer legally considered their child's parent. This allows the child to be adopted by another family.
• Relinquishment of parental rights – If a parent refuses to relinquish their parental rights, they must be proven unfit to continue caring for their child before an adoption can occur. If a parent's rights are terminated, they are no longer legally considered their child's parent and can no longer make decisions regarding their medical care, education, and upbringing.
• Disagreement on adoption terms – Parents and adoptive parents may not agree on the terms of the adoption. If the parents do not wish to terminate their rights, the adoption may not proceed. However, if the terms of the adoption are not specified in the adoption contract, the parents' rights can be terminated without their consent.

In addition, an adoption can also be contested by a birth parent. A birth parent can file a petition with the court to request that their parental rights be terminated.

Our Atlanta Adoption Lawyers Can Help

When it comes to adoption, KF Law, LLC is your trusted partner. Our experienced team of lawyers understands the complexities and emotional aspects involved in the adoption process. We provide compassionate guidance, expert legal advice, and personalized support to ensure a smooth and successful adoption journey. With KF Law, LLC, you can rest assured knowing that your interests and the best interests of the child are at the forefront of every decision.

Contact our Atlanta adoption lawyer at KF Law, LLC today to discuss your case. Contact us online or call (678) 326-4611 to get started!