Last updated on April 8, 2021
Ask anyone who has been through the adoption process about their experience and there is a very good chance that they will tell you that it was one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done. At the same time, there’s also a very good chance that they will tell you that it was one of the most challenging things they’ve ever done.
While the rewarding aspect of adoption obviously comes from either starting or adding to a family, what about it’s challenging aspect? In other words, why are people so likely to view it as having been so demanding?
The simple answer is likely that the adoption process can sometimes prove to be rather lengthy and, more significantly, that the area of adoption law is exceedingly complex, such that the adoptive parents may have never felt entirely sure as to where they were in the process or what the law dictated.
In recognition of this reality, today’s post, the first in a series, will start providing some background information on adoption in the hopes of providing much-needed insight to those just about to start the process or those merely starting to consider it as an option.
Is there more than one type of adoption in Georgia?
As it turns out, Georgia legally recognizes six different types of adoptions, including:
- Private agency and public adoptions
- Stepparent adoptions
- Relative adoptions
- Third party adoptions
- Foreign adoptions
- Adult adoptions
Are there any basic eligibility requirements that I must satisfy in order to adopt?
A person must satisfy the following conditions in order to adopt a child in any capacity here in Georgia:
- They must be a minimum of 25 years old unless they are married and reside with their spouse.
- They must adopt with their spouse if married (unless they are a stepparent to the child to be adopted).
- They must be a minimum of ten years older than the child to be adopted.
- They must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months.
- They must have the physical and mental capacity, as well as the necessary resources to care for the child to be adopted.
We will continue this examination in future posts. Please consider speaking with a skilled legal professional if you have questions about adoption or are ready to start the process.
