Dedicated Georgia Adoption Lawyer

The path to adoption, whether it involves a stepparent, a foster parent or some other situation, can be difficult and confusing. Skilled, focused legal guidance can help you navigate the road and redefine your family.

At Kierston M. Phillips, P.C., you will find a no-nonsense, local adoption attorney who is committed to her clients. Kierston can assist parents with their petition for adoption, the home study requirements in Georgia, the steps necessary to obtain consent from the biological parents and hearings. From beginning to end, attorney Kierston will stay by you and facilitate this process.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Adoption In Georgia

There are several critical steps in the Georgia adoption process, including:

• The initial consultation: The first step is to obtain proper legal representation, and that begins with your initial consultation.
• Home study: Parents must go through a home study to make sure that they have a home that is safe and suitable to raise a child.
• Identifying parties: The child and the birth parents must be specifically identified so that proper consent is obtained.
• Termination of parental rights (TPR): One of the most crucial steps is the termination of parental rights by the biological parents. An adoption cannot continue until this has occurred.
• Placement: Post-placement supervision often lasts for six months and includes face-to-face visits, but every case is unique, depending on the child’s needs.
• Finalization hearing: If everything goes smoothly, the new parent then goes through a finalization hearing in the Georgia courts to officially gain parental rights.

Often, the final step is to obtain a new birth certificate. The child then lives with the adoptive parent permanently.

Legal Requirements For Adoption In Georgia

Eligibility for adoption in Georgia centers around the following:

• You need to be an official Georgia resident
• In most cases, except for stepparent adoptions in Georgia, you need to be a minimum of 10 years older than the child
• Typically, you need to be at least 21 years old to adopt, although single individuals may need to be 25 years old
• You must be deemed physically and financially able to adopt

Whether you are filing a petition for adoption, going through a background check or looking into the home study requirements in Georgia, it can help to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side.

Call Today For A Consultation

Those who are interested in an adoption in Georgia can start the process with an initial consultation. To meet with a Georgia adoption lawyer at Kierston M. Phillips, P.C., dial 678-394-0521 or use the online contact form today.