Adoption Guide

Understanding adoption in Georgia

Adoption creates a legal parent-child relationship. The process depends on the type of adoption and the circumstances of the child and prospective parent. Attorney Ned Ogueri can review the proposed adoption and identify the legal steps that may apply.

Eligibility and the adoption process

Georgia DFCS guidance generally describes an applicant who is at least 21, or married and living with a spouse, and at least ten years older than the child. Exceptions to the age-difference requirement apply to stepparents and relatives. Residence or interstate-placement rules and the ability to provide permanent care also matter.

A married applicant generally files jointly with the spouse, with a different filing rule for a stepparent adopting the spouse’s child. The applicable requirements must be checked for the particular adoption rather than assumed from a general checklist.

Issues to review before proceeding

Depending on the case, the review may involve consent, existing parental rights, required investigations, documents and court procedures. Adoptions involving another state or country can require additional legal analysis. A Georgia adoption process does not, by itself, resolve every international immigration question.

Keep any prior court orders and available information about the proposed placement. Before making commitments or assuming a placement is legally complete, obtain advice about the process that applies to your circumstances.

Request an individual review

Contact Zeribe Law Offices to discuss the proposed adoption with Attorney Ned Ogueri. The initial review can identify the information needed and whether further legal work is appropriate. No placement, approval or completion date can be guaranteed.