The adoption of a child is an amazing experience. Whether you are the birth parent or the parent-to-be, hiring a professional and experienced adoption attorney will help with the numerous legalities surrounding an adoption case.
A Gwinnett County adoption attorney at Fox Firm, P.C., can represent and assist clients in the state of Georgia in the following cases: Adoption by consent; Stepparent adoption; Adoption via termination of parental rights; Grandparent adoption; Relative adoption; Foster parent adoption; Deprivation cases.
It is possible to get a private adoption, in which the adoptive parents can work directly with the birth parents. There are state regulations regarding how these types of adoptions can be done. It is also possible to conduct an adoption through the state, particularly through the Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS). Children being adopted through DFCS often come from family crisis situations and live in foster homes. According to DFCS, the majority of children being adopted through the state agency are adopted by foster parents, foster/adoptive parents or relatives.
After an adoption occurs in the state of Georgia, the legal relationship between the child and his or her birth parents is terminated, according to O.C.G.A. §19-8-19 (2012). The adoptive parents are given full parental rights over the child as if that child was their biological son or daughter.
When a private adoption occurs, the adoptive parents and the birth parents (or the representative agency) will usually have to set up certain agreements and terms. It will have to be determined whether the adoption is open or closed. (In open adoptions, the birth parents are allowed to have some type of contact with the child. In closed adoptions, the birth parents are not allowed to have contact.) There might also be a need to agree on who is responsible for covering certain costs, such as medical expenses related to a birth mother’s pregnancy and delivery (when she is placing her infant for adoption). The state of Georgia prohibits any other types of financial assistance from made by the adoptive parents to the birth parents. Having a knowledgeable legal professional by one’s side can help ensure that the process is being done correctly and in accordance with state law.
At our firm, we look to make this life-changing event a smooth transaction for you and your family. We understand that this could mean a better life for everyone involved, and we would be proud to help you with your adoption. Fox Firm, P.C., is home to an extremely caring and compassionate lawyer who is dedicated to providing his clients with the best representation in Georgia for their United States or international adoptions.
Adopting a child is a gift and is one of the most selfless decisions that you can make in your lifetime. By choosing adoption, you are willing to provide your child or someone else’s child with a better and brighter future. Whether you are seeking to adopt or seeking to find a loving home for your child, Fox Firm, P.C., looks forward to assisting you. The firm will help you understand and complete the adoption process, which can be complex. Our ultimate goal is to help provide families with successful and happy outcomes. Fox Firm, P.C., provides legal services for adoptions in Gwinnett County, Georgia, which includes Lawrenceville and many other areas. The firm has an office located in Lawrenceville. Contact us today so we can use our legal skills to help you get the adoption process started.
