Adopting a child is a life-altering experience for everyone involved, from the kid to both families. Adoptive parents may feel differently from the birth parents. And it involves more than simply feelings. It’s easy to become mired in the process’s bureaucracy, and the whole process builds frustrations.
That’s why you should never adopt a child in Georgia without first seeing a lawyer.
The Law Office of Tom Tebeau III may be a good choice if you need legal assistance with adoption. They are competent in dealing with all the legal issues and complexities at every stage. This blog will explain the process of adopting a kid, beginning to end.
Table of Contents
Legal Considerations for Adopting a Child in Georgia
Having a qualified attorney on your side will make the five steps of the child adoption procedure a breeze. The following section elaborates on those measures.
Information & Inquiry
The process of adopting a child in Georgia involves locating and selecting children in the state of Georgia; the first thing that must be done is to consult with your attorney on the adoption process and the requirements imposed by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Talk to the attorney about all there is to know about the terms and the legal issues and acquire as much information as you can so that you can make a decision that is both informed and well educated.
Pre-Service Education
The prospective adoptive family and potential adoptive parents will next undergo training as part of the process. Either a county department or a private licensed organization that is linked with DFCS will supply it for you. The adoptive families will learn about child welfare, the requirements of the adopted child, and how to interact with other people once they have taken them in as adoptees as a result of the training that will be provided.
Taking a Look at the Family
The examination is a crucial phase since it may make or break your prospects of adopting a child.
All members of the prospective adoptive family will be interviewed and assessed to see whether or not they are a good fit for the child.
In the meanwhile, you can visit adoption fairs and other similar events to meet prospective kids for adoption in Georgia that might fit your criteria and expectations. Unless you’re accepted, you won’t be able to adopt the child.
Pre-placement Visits
Adoptive parents can actively seek out a child for whom they express interest or wait for DFCS referrals. The child’s parents will next examine all the information provided to determine whether or not to accept the child. If the family decides to adopt the child, many pre-placement visits will be set up so that the child may get to know them. The child will move in when the Placement Agreement is signed, and everything checks out.
Final Adoption
This is the most important stage of the adoption process in Georgia, and it is at this point that you will most definitely require the assistance of an attorney or international adoption agencies in Georgia.
The adoption process won’t be considered complete until after your attorney submits an adoption petition to a family court, the case is heard by a judge from the Superior Court, and you are given the go-ahead to adopt the child. The judgment of the court renders everything to be within the law.
These are the five fundamental phases involved in welcoming a kid into your home and making them a member of your family. However, before making a choice, you should consult with an adaptation attorney at a reputable law company, such as The Law Office of Toma Tebeau III, to talk about everything in greater depth and obtain all of the pertinent facts.
In order to offer you further insight into the subject matter that has been discussed above, we have compiled a detailed list of some of the most often asked questions by our clients and answered those questions. Continue reading down below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to adopt a child in Georgia?
Between $10,000 and $30,000 is what it will cost you to adopt a child in Georgia.
According to estimates provided by the National Infertility and Adoption Education Non-Profit, the typical cost of adopting a child runs anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000.
How long does it take to adopt a baby in Georgia?
It usually takes anything from several months to a year for adoptions to be finalized when they are handled inside the state and by licensed organizations. Adoptions that take place in another state might take a long time because of the need to comply with state and federal requirements. Adoptions through stepparents, private agencies, and the Department of Family and Children’s Services can often be finalized within six months.
Do you get a monthly check when you adopt a child in Georgia?
When the approval of monthly adoption assistance has been received, the approval of funds that are not recurring occurs automatically. In order to be eligible for Monthly Adoption Assistance Benefits, a child who was in the custody of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at the time of his or her adoption and who satisfies the special needs requirements must be adopted.