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Adoption Lawyers in Georgia
We are adoption lawyers in Cherokee County GA for legal services to adopt children in the USA. The adoption process is complicated and you need an experienced adoption lawyer to minimize costs, and get the job done correctly. Our legal experience protects you from mistakes that could later cause the adoption to be found invalid.
Our law firm provides results-oriented representation for people wishing to adopt children in the Georgia. Our adoption attorney is highly knowledgeable about the adoption process in Georgia, and works diligently to achieve results in a timely and efficient manner.
We represent prospective adoptive parents in these types of adoptions:
- Step Parent Adoptions
- Adoptions by relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles a siblings
- Third-party adoptions
- Adult adoptions
- Agency adoptions
Legal, Financial And Family Considerations Concerning Adoption
Filing the petition for adoption is relatively easy. There are other challenges that must be overcome.
One of the most important steps in the adoption process is to obtain the unconditional and complete consent of the biological parent who is giving up the child. This is not always easy, and there can be obstacles to clearing this hurdle. If this is not achieved, the biological parent could attempt to undo the adoption at some point in the future.
We are also attuned to family considerations and can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent. Once the adoption has been completed, we can update your will and other estate documents.
A home visit by a social worker may be required in cases involving third-party adoptions. If this is necessary, we can explain what to expect and help you prepare for this important meeting.
Adopting a Relative
People choose to adopt a relative for many reasons. Often, something happens to the parents such as a death, illness or addiction and they can no longer care for their children. In these cases, it is fortunate when a family member can step up to help. However, even if you are related to the child that will be adopted, the adoption process can still be complicated.
Adoption Process - Complicated But Workable
Adoption has many steps, even when you’re adopting a grandchild, niece, nephew or other relative. To proceed you can expect to go through the following steps:
- Obtain consent for the adoption
- Undergo a home study
- File an adoption petition with the court
- Go through the court process
This process can be difficult without the right legal representation. You need an experienced lawyer to help you get through it efficiently and swiftly so you and your family can move on with your new lives. Our adoption lawyers are experienced in successfully managing routine to very complex adoptions. We have a great reputation for helping families through the adoption process including agency adoptions and stepparent adoptions.
Stepparent Adoptions
Depending on your situation, stepparent adoptions can be relatively simple compared to other types of adoption, or they can be more complicated. Some parts of the adoption process are often waived, which simplifies the process. However, if a birth parent does not agree with the adoption, then the case becomes complicated. Either way, you should work with an attorney that is experienced in handling these types of adoption cases.
Our law firm is very experienced in handling all types of adoption cases — including both the “easy” and complex ones. Our compassionate adoption attorneys recognize these cases can be sensitive, emotional and life-changing for all involved — and we will work to get you the best possible outcome in your adoption case.
The Adoption Process For Step-parents
A stepparent adoption is different from other types of adoptions. Often, because the stepparent lives with the child, the waiting period and home study investigation are waived. This generally speeds up and simplifies the adoption process, provided that the biological parent consents. In some cases, such as when the biological parent is deceased, consent is not even necessary.
However, if the biological parent refuses to consent to the adoption, it can complicate the process. In this case, you will want to look at terminating the rights of the biological parent. This can be done in several ways:
- Proving abandonment because the absent parent has not communicated with or financially supported the child
- If the absent parent is male, proving that he is not the presumed father
A highly skilled lawyer at Burns Smith Law, PC, can help you explore these options and uncover the best action to take in your case. We have worked with clients on many different complicated adoptions – including step-parent adoptions, relative adoptions and agency adoptions – and we look forward to helping you and your new family, too.
The Legal Help You Need
We know these cases can be difficult and emotionally charged. Even if a parent has been absent for much of the child’s life, giving up parental rights doesn’t always happen easily. Our goal is to find the best outcome that provides stability and security for your family.
To schedule a consultation with an adoption attorney, give us a call at 770-956-1400. We are here and ready to help you.