Last updated on March 18, 2025

Georgia Adoption Lawyers

Adoption is one of the rare times in family law where everyone can leave the courthouse happy. At The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C., our adoption lawyers in Atlanta will help you face the complex legal requirements and extensive documentation associated with adoption, so you can focus on the joy of bringing a new person into your family.

No matter where you reside in northern Georgia, you can contact our adoption attorneys for a consultation about your legal rights and options. We are prepared to advise and represent you as you pursue:

• A private or agency-assisted adoption, whether local, interstate or international
• A stepparent, grandparent, relative or foster parent adoption
• A contest to an adoption or termination of parental rights

Types Of Adoption In Georgia

Georgia offers several pathways to adoption, each with its own legal requirements and processes. Understanding these different types can help you determine which option best suits your family’s situation.

• Independent (private) adoptions: Direct arrangements between birth parents and adoptive parents
• Agency adoptions: Adoptions handled through licensed public or private adoption agencies
• International adoptions: Adoptions of children from foreign countries
• Stepparent and relative adoptions: Adoptions by a stepparent or blood relative
• Single parent adoptions: Adoptions by unmarried individuals
• Open adoptions: Arrangements allowing ongoing contact between birth and adoptive families
• Adult adoptions: Legal adoption of individuals 18 years or older

Each adoption type follows different legal pathways, and our attorneys can help you navigate the specific requirements for your chosen method.

Georgia Adoption Requirements

Georgia law establishes specific requirements for those seeking to adopt a child in the state. Meeting these criteria is essential for a successful adoption petition.

• Age requirement: Adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old or married and living with their spouse who is at least 25
• Home study: A thorough evaluation of the prospective adoptive home
• Residency: Georgia residency for at least six months prior to filing (with exceptions)
• Financial stability: Demonstrated ability to financially support the adopted child
• Health status: Reasonable physical and mental health to raise a child
• Criminal background check: All household members over 18 must pass

Our adoption attorneys can help evaluate your eligibility and prepare you to meet these requirements.

Timeline And Process For Adoption In Georgia

The adoption process in Georgia typically involves several steps and can vary in length depending on the type of adoption.

• Initial consultation and selection of adoption type
• Completion of home study process (typically 2-3 months)
• Matching with a child or birth mother
• Preplacement visits when applicable
• Placement of the child in the adoptive home
• Post-placement supervision
• Finalization hearing in court
• Issuance of new birth certificate

From start to finish, adoptions can take anywhere from several months to several years, with stepparent and relative adoptions typically proceeding more quickly than international adoptions.

In-Family Or Private Adoptions – Answers To Your Questions About Custody

As long-standing, respected family law attorneys, we understand relevant adoption laws whether your needs involve adoption of a stepchild, adoption of a foster child or some other scenario such as a dispute between parents or other family members over child custody and visitation, including situations involving grandparent rights.

These situations can arise due to questions over the fitness of a parent, suspicion or knowledge of family violence or drug abuse in the home, neglect, or abandonment. You can depend on us to handle your case with sensitivity and readiness to take decisive legal action.

What Do Stepparents Need To Know Prior To Adoption In Georgia?

Stepparent adoptions are sometimes called “adoption terminations” because the rights of biological parent must first be terminated before the stepparent can adopt. Because the biological parent’s rights must be fully terminated, stepparent adoptions are usually only appropriate when the biological parent is no longer involved in the child’s life.

The termination of the biological parent’s rights can be voluntary or involuntary. Our lawyers are prepared to guide you through the termination process. Once the biological parent’s rights are terminated, he or she would not be responsible for paying child support.

Once the biological parent’s parental rights are terminated, the adoption may proceed. In Georgia, you may not be required to have a home investigation if you are the child’s stepparent. The judge will decide whether to send anyone to your home.

Once the adoption is complete, our lawyers can assist you with name change and updating the child’s birth certificate to list you as the parent.

Contact The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C.’s Georgia Adoption Lawyers

In all situations, our approach is to begin with a thorough consultation to assess your personal circumstances and goals. We are honest and forthright when discussing the likelihood of success, potential complications and approximate total costs. To speak to an adoption lawyer in Alpharetta, Cumming, Marrietta, or Atlanta, please contact us today at 770-888-5120.