Many people turn to adoption as a wonderful way of expanding their families. Laws governing the process vary from one state to the next, making it crucial to speak with a qualified family lawyer to streamline the process. Below, the professionals at Davidson, Hopkins and Alexander in Jackson County tell you what you need to know about the proceedings in Georgia. With over 80 years of combined experience, these legal professionals have helped numerous children find their forever homes with adoptive families.

Requirements

If you’re considering adoption, you must prove your willingness and ability to care for a child—emotionally, physically, mentally, financially, psychologically, and socially. Further requirements for adopting in Georgia include the following:

• If you’re married, you must be living with the spouse, and the application to adopt must be filed in both of your names.
• If you’re single, you must be at least 25 years of age.
• You must be at least 10 years older than the individual to be adopted.
• You must be a resident of Georgia for at least six months prior to filing the petition to adopt.
• If the child to be adopted is 14 years of age or older, they must provide their written consent.

The Process

With these requirements met, you and your family lawyer can contact the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services. You will then be invited for an informational interview. Afterward, a social worker will visit your home, and you will be required to attend the DFCS adoption preparation program. This covers everything from information about your future child to general behavior management techniques. Once this is complete, a family evaluation will be completed to investigate for issues like financial readiness and criminal history.

If everything goes well, you will enter the “preplacement” phase, during which you can visit your potential child in person. After a series of visits, you can sign a placement agreement for them to join the family. Finally, the lawyer will file a formal adoption petition to make the child legally yours through the Georgia courts.

If you want to expand your family through adoption, the family lawyers at Davidson, Hopkins & Alexander in Jefferson, GA, will help. They will take the time to listen to your desires and give you the personalized service you deserve. Visit them online to learn more about what they do, and give them a call today at (706) 367-5264 to schedule an initial consultation.