Helping Families With The Legal Side Of Georgia Adoption

The state of Georgia does not require biological and adoptive parents to go through an agency to undergo the adoption process. If you want to adopt a child and know someone who is surrendering their parental rights, you can complete the process by mutual agreement.

At Jody A. Miller, Esq. Attorney At Law, in Atlanta, Georgia, I represent clients who wish to adopt a child when they know that the child is available for adoption and the biological parents have agreed to the process. As an Atlanta adoption attorney, I draft and procure the surrender of parental rights documents; obtain any information regarding your home life, finances, criminal background checks and any other required information (which might vary according to the judge assigned to the case); and file the paperwork with the court. I understand that adopting a child is an emotional time, which is why I work to make the process as seamless as possible.

Effectively Handling All Types Of Adoptions

An uncontested adoption occurs anytime two parties mutually agree to the adoption of a child with no legal dispute. These adoptions commonly include:

• Family adoptions: A relative, such as a grandparent or aunt and uncle, may choose to adopt a child.
• Stepparent adoption: When a parent remarries, the stepparent may choose to legally adopt the child if the other parent agrees to terminate their parental rights and it is in the best interest of the child.
• Private adoptions: Do you know someone who is giving her baby up for adoption? If she and the baby’s father agree to surrender their parental rights to you, I can guide you through the adoption process with little or no difficulty.

The uncontested adoption process is fairly simple, and primarily requires filing the necessary paperwork. However, there are circumstances that may inhibit the finalization. Some judges and counties require a home visit and ask to review the adoptive parents’ finances to ensure the child is going to a stable and safe home. If the child has Native American nationality, there are other legal issues that need to be addressed before the adoption can be completed. I am an Atlanta lawyer experienced in handling uncontested adoptions, and can effectively meet the challenges of these cases.

What Is The Timeline For The Uncontested Adoption Process?

The adoption process can vary. For uncontested adoptions, it may take a few months. This is a general timeline for uncontested adoptions:

1. Initial consultation: I will discuss your situation and goals. This step helps me understand your needs and how I can assist you.
2. Filing the petition: Once I gather the necessary documents, I will file the adoption petition with the court.
3. Home study: A home study may be required. This involves a social worker visiting your home to ensure a safe environment for the child.
4. Court hearing: After the home study, a court hearing will be scheduled. This is where the judge reviews the case and makes a decision.
5. Finalization: If the judge approves, the adoption is finalized. You will receive the official adoption decree.

Remember, each case is unique, and timelines may differ based on individual circumstances.

What Are The Fees And Costs

Adoption costs can vary based on several factors. Here is a general overview of fees for uncontested adoptions:

• Legal fees: These cover the attorney’s time and services. I will provide a clear breakdown of these costs during the initial consultation.
• Court fees: These are required for filing the adoption petition and other court-related expenses.
• Home study fees: If a home study is necessary, there will be additional costs for the social worker’s services.

I can provide a detailed breakdown of all anticipated costs during the initial consultation. As your Atlanta family law attorney, my aim is to provide transparent pricing information well before you begin. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to me.

What Is Contested Adoption?

Unlike an uncontested adoption, where all parties agree to the adoption of a child, a contested adoption in Georgia means one parent does not want the adoption to take place.

Common circumstances involve the birth mother wanting to give the baby up for adoption over the objection of the birth father, and contested stepparent adoptions. If you find yourself in this position, especially as the father, I have the experience to represent your best interests.

Finalizing The Adoption

As in any adoption, uncontested adoptions need to be finalized through the family courts. I ensure all necessary paperwork is signed and filed in a timely manner. During the adoption hearing, if the judge has no reason to believe the child should not be legally in your care, the adoption will be finalized.

Talk To An Atlanta Adoption Lawyer About Your Journey

At Jody A. Miller, Esq. Attorney At Law, located in Atlanta, Georgia, I represent adoptive parents in uncontested adoptions. Email me or call me at 678-805-9576 for answers to your questions about the process.