Until last year, Georgia family law made adoption an especially onerous process, with substantial hurdles that forced many prospective parents to adopt out-of-state. In 2018, lawmakers set out to update the system and passed new legislation that became effective in September, 2018.  These new laws are designed to make adoption faster and in many cases easier. Understanding the changes made to Georgia’s adoption laws is key to achieving a successful outcome.

Updates to Georgia’s Adoption Laws

Shortened Window for Reversing Decision

Previously, the birth parents could rescind or revoke their decision to put a child up for adoption within 10 days.  This created for adoptive parents who had already made significant financial and emotional investment in the child. The new law shortens this window to just four days, reducing anxiety and making adoption a more attractive option.

Legalizing Reimbursements for Birth Mothers

Unlike many other states, Georgia did not allow parents in a private adoption to provide financial support to the child’s birth mother. The new legislation legalizes this common practice, allowing pregnant women to seek reimbursement for medical expenses, rent, and other basic expenses whether they’re working with a placement agency or arranging an adoption privately.

Lowering Age Limits

The new law reduces the age requirement from 25 to 21 for adoptions taking place within the same family. This allows a close relative to gain legal custody of a child if, for example, both birth parents were to pass away. It also permits adopted children to participate in the state reunion registry when they turn 18 rather than waiting until they are 21.

Technical Changes to the Law

In addition to other many changes, the new Adoption laws added specific requirements that must be included within a Petition to Adopt and a Final Decree of Adoption.  If specific information and documentation is not included, a Court may delay or even deny an Adoption.

Even with the updates to Georgia’s adoption laws, adopting a child can be a difficult and complex process. Since 1972, Sanders, Ranck & Skilling, P.C. has helped families throughout Northeast Georgia navigate the system.  Although many adoptions are done by agreement (with consent of the parents), we specialize in situations involving the involuntary termination of parental rights such as when the parents have abandoned a child or left a child with relatives for an extended period of time without contact or support.  Please visit our website to learn more about our adoption and family law services, follow us Facebook for updates and news, or call (706) 886-7533 to schedule a consultation.