Each state maintains its own adoption policies, so the process can vary considerably for families in different states. As a Georgia resident, you’ll want to work with an adoption agency or adoption attorney who is very familiar with Georgia adoption laws and policies. Below, you’ll find adoption agencies and adoption lawyers offering services to Georgia families. Scroll past the listings to learn all about the legal guidelines for families adopting in Georgia whether you’re adopting a newborn through domestic adoption, an infant or older child from U.S. foster care adoption, or a child through international adoption.
GEORGIA ADOPTION LAWS & STATUTES
WHO CAN ADOPT IN GEORGIA?
Any adult, including a foster parent, may adopt as long as s/he is 25 years or older or married and living with his/her spouse, at least 10 years older than the adoptee, a resident of Georgia for 6 months or more, and financially, physically, and mentally prepared to become an adoptive parent.
Can LGBT families adopt? LGBT singles are permitted to adopt individually; however, state statutes do not address whether same-sex couples may jointly petition to adopt.
GEORGIA DOMESTIC ADOPTION LAWS
Can adoptive parents advertise for birth parents? No.
Can out-of-state residents finalize an adoption? No.
Can adopting parents use an adoption facilitator or another paid intermediary? Yes, but adopting parents may only use a child-placing agency that is recognized by the state.
What birth parent expenses may be paid, and in what time period? Medical, legal, with affidavit. Reasonable living expenses if licensed agency adoption.
Is there a putative father registry? Yes.
When can consent to adoption be granted? In agency cases, 24 hours after birth. In private cases, any time after birth.
When does consent become irrevocable? If consent is revoked, is return to birth parent automatic? 10 days after signing; if the 10th day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then period extends to next business day. Return generally automatic.
Are post-adoption contact agreements legally enforceable? Not addressed in state statutes.
GEORGIA INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION LAWS
Is a foreign adoption decree automatically recognized by the state? Yes, a decree of court by any court within or outside of the U.S. is recognized by Georgia as long as the adoption decree is issued under due process of law.
Can parents readopt in this state? Is it mandatory? Yes, adopting parents may readopt in Georgia as long as the foreign adoption decree is entered by a Georgia court, and the child is granted a visa from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
When will a U.S. birth certificate be issued? The State Registrar will issue a birth certificate upon receipt of the adoption report from the court decreeing the adoption and proof of the child’s date and place of birth.
ADOPTION FROM FOSTER CARE IN GEORGIA
Are adoption subsidies available? When do they start and how long do they last? Yes, subsidies are available for a special needs child, who is defined as having at least one of the following: has a physical, mental, or emotional condition as diagnosed by a professional, member of a sibling group of 2 or more children being placed together, has been in the care of a public or private agency or a foster parent for more than twenty-four months in a row. In addition, the child must be in the custody of the Georgia Dept. of Human Services. Subsidies start at adoption placement.
Where can I learn more about the process of adopting a child from foster care in Georgia?
GEORGIA LICENSING OFFICE CONTACT
Katrina Mcafee
404-321-6900
[email protected]
GEORGIA ADOPTION UNIT
Program Manager: Deborah Burrus
Georgia Department of Human ResourcesDivision of Family and Children Services
2 Peachtree Street, NW
Suite 18-395
Atlanta, Georgia 30311
Phone: (404) 463-3957
Fax: (404) 657-3406 [email protected] http://dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/adoption
