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Georgia Stepparent & Adult Adoption
Now you can complete your stepparent or adult adoption in Georgia without having to pay high attorney fees. We have a great program which has helped thousands of families complete their own adoptions. We never sell "automated" adoption forms, only documents prepared by an experienced adoption specialist. Our experienced Georgia adoption team will review your information and prepare adoption papers specifically for your situation.
- Adoption specialist for Georgia handles your case.
- Every customer is backed by our 100% Court Acceptance Guarantee.
- We stay with you through the entire process, to help guide you through the Georgia adoption process.
- Over 20 years experience filing adoptions in the Georgia court system
- 100% Court acceptance in the Georgia adoption/Probate Court.
- Fast Process. Submit your order today and file your adoption forms tomorrow.
Information on filing an adoption in Georgia.
When we prepare your Georgia adoption papers, we will include all the provisions specific to your situation. Documents we prepare for one family will be different than the documents for another family, because circumstances are different. We ensure that your adoption forms are ready to sign and file with the court in Georgia. Whether you are filing a stepparent adoption or an adult adoption, we will be able to help you get your adoption finalized.
Georgia Stepparent & Adult Adoptions: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re planning to adopt a stepchild or formalize an existing parent-child relationship with an adult adoptee in Georgia, knowing the legal requirements and steps involved can help you navigate the process smoothly. Below is an overview of key statutes, procedures, and timelines for both stepparent and adult adoptions in the Peach State.
1. Residency Requirements
- Residency Duration: Under O.C.G.A. § 19-8-3, at least one adoptive parent (or petitioner) typically must have lived in Georgia for at least six (6) months prior to filing.
- Where to File: Adoption petitions are generally filed in the Superior Court or Probate Court (depending on county practice) of the county where you reside. Be sure to check local rules or consult the clerk’s office to confirm the appropriate court.
2. Stepparent Adoption in Georgia
A stepparent adoption legally establishes the stepparent as the child’s parent, conferring all parental rights and responsibilities. It generally terminates the other (absent) parent’s rights unless that parent has already passed away or had rights terminated by another legal action.
2.1. Consent of the Absent Parent
- General Requirement: Georgia law (see O.C.G.A. § 19-8-4 and § 19-8-6) usually requires the consent of both legal parents.
- Exception—Abandonment: If the absent parent has had no substantial contact or provided no support for at least 12 consecutive months, the court may deem this abandonment and allow the adoption to proceed without that parent’s formal consent (see O.C.G.A. § 19-8-10).
- Unknown Whereabouts or Identity: If the absent parent is missing or unidentified, you’ll be required to perform a diligent search. If unsuccessful, the court may order notice by publication.
2.2. Child’s Consent
- Children Aged 14 and Older: Under O.C.G.A. § 19-8-3(a)(4), if the child is 14 years of age or older, the child must consent in writing to the adoption. In some courts, younger children may also be given an opportunity to express their wishes, although formal consent is not required under age 14.
2.3. Timeline & Process
- File the Petition: Submit the stepparent adoption petition with the appropriate Georgia court.
- Notice & Service: Serve the absent parent if possible. If not, follow court procedures for notice by publication.
- Potential Court Hearing: If uncontested, hearings are typically short. If contested, the court will review evidence regarding abandonment or the child’s best interests.
- Final Decree: A stepparent adoption in Georgia often finalizes in about 3 months, although complex or contested cases may take longer.
2.4. New Birth Certificate
Upon finalization, you can request a new birth certificate through the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records. This document will reflect the adoptive parent’s name and any approved name change for the child. The original birth record is sealed and only accessible by court order.
3. Adult Adoption in Georgia
Adult adoptions in Georgia are typically more straightforward, as they don’t require terminating another parent’s rights.
3.1. Consent & Process
- Adult’s Consent: The primary requirement is the adult adoptee’s voluntary consent. No other parental consent is necessary for adult adoptions.
- Petition Filing: File a petition in the county where either you or the adult adoptee resides.
3.2. Timeline
- Because adult adoptions generally lack the complexities of child custody or absent parent involvement, they can often be finalized within 45–60 days once properly filed and if uncontested.
3.3. Effects of Adult Adoption
- Name Change: The adult adoptee may request a name change in the adoption decree.
- New Birth Certificate: An amended birth certificate can be issued upon request, reflecting the new legal parent-child relationship.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
- What if the absent parent contests the adoption?
- The court will hold a hearing to determine if the absent parent truly abandoned the child or whether the adoption is in the child’s best interests. If abandonment is proven, the court can finalize the adoption despite objections.
- How does this affect child support?
- Once the adoption is final, the absent parent’s rights and obligations— including child support—generally terminate unless there’s a specific court order stating otherwise.
- Is a home study required?
- Stepparent adoptions in Georgia often have fewer formalities than other adoptions, but some courts may still require a brief investigation or background check.
- Do I need an attorney?
- While many families use professionally prepared documents successfully, an attorney may be advisable for contested situations or complex parental rights questions.
5. How We Can Help
Our service provides professionally prepared, court-ready documents tailored to Georgia’s specific adoption laws. We strive to:
- Customize Forms: Each set of documents is tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring compliance with Georgia statutes.
- Offer Step-by-Step Guidance: From serving notice to finalizing the decree, we simplify the process and help you avoid costly mistakes.
- Save Time & Money: We help you finalize your adoption efficiently—often at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal representation.
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Georgia courts approve our adoption forms. You can file with confidence.
THE ADOPTION PROCESS IN GEORGIA
The court wants the child to have the unity and security of a two-parent home, and when the absent parent is not active in the child’s life, then the court will do the adoption without the consent of the other parent. If the other parent is willing to sign a consent, that will make the adoption easier, but if the absent parent has abandoned the child, then you can do the adoption without the father’s consent.
Georgia Stepparent & Adult Adoption.
You no longer need to spend thousands on an attorney to complete your adoption. We give you the power to complete your own stepparent or adult adoption. We help you through all the stages of the adoption process, until the adoption is finalized and a new birth certificate is issued for the adoptee.
We understand what the courts need in Georgia to finalized an adoption, and will make sure that you have everything you need to have your adoption successfully processed and finalized by the court.
To get started, click the buttons our site that says "Start your Adoption". This will take you to our questionnaire which provides our legal department the information needed to complete the legal documents for your Georgia adoption.
FACT: The documents we prepare for your family will be different from what we prepare for another family. This is because the adoption forms are prepared specifically for your situation. This is why it is important to put in as much information as possible in our online questionnaire.
Once you submit your order, our team will prepare your Georgia adoption forms and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court. Then our support department will stay with you through the entire adoption process.
COMPLETING AN ADOPTION IN GEORGIA
We have helped thousands of families successfully complete their adoptions. Whether it is a stepparent adoption or adult adoption, we can make it possible for you to complete your adoption without having to pay high attorney fees. No matter your situation, whether the father's identity is unknown, or any other issue, we will be able to help guide you through the adoption process in Georgia.
Giving you the power to complete your adoption.
Courts understand that it is in the child's best interest to have two active and legal parents. When one parent is not active in the child's life, the court will do what is best for the child, and approve an adoption, with consent or proper grounds, upon the submission of the proper legal adoption documents.
We have seen every possible situation, and can help all of these families complete the adoption. Whether it is a surrogacy adoption, unknown father, multiple fathers, or deceased parents, we have the experience to help you complete your adoption - Guaranteed!
Don't let the high cost of an attorney stop you from completing your stepparent or adult adoption. You now have a legal and affordable means to complete your adoption and unite your family.
GET STARTED WITH YOUR GEORGIA ADOPTION
Our online questionnaire provides our legal department with the information we need to prepare you Georgia adoption forms. Our experienced Georgia adoption team will prepare your filing documents and send them to you ready to sign and file with the court.
SIMPLE 3-STEP PROCESS: Complete the questionnaire, then review and sign your Georgia adoption forms, and file with the court. Our step-by-step instructions will help guide you through the process.
Court Experience
With more than 100,000 court document prepared over the past 20 years, we have the experience to make sure your Georgia adoption papers are correct.
Low Cost-Only $325
Our Georgia adoption department will make sure your documents are ready to file. We will prepare your document right - All for $325 (You will also have a court filing fee that you will pay later to the Court).
Court Guarantee
You can file with confidence, we back every customer with a 100% money-back court acceptance guarantee.
