Only licensed child placing agencies within the state of Georgia may adopt or arrange for a child to be adopted. It is against the law for any person or organization to offer anything of value to the birth parents in exchange for placement of their child. §19-8-24(a)
Relinquishment: Consent may be executed any time after the birth of the child. Birth parents have 10 days from the signing of consent to withdraw their surrender of parental rights. §19-8-5 , 19-8-9(b)
Birth parent expenses: Hopeful adoptive parents may reimburse the birth mother for medical expenses directly related to the birth of the child.§19-8-24(a)(2)
Post-adoption contact agreements: Contact agreements are not legally enforceable in Georgia.
Birth father rights: Unmarried fathers wishing to receive notice of adoption proceedings can file a paternity acknowledgement form with the Department of Public Health.
Finalization: The average time between termination of parental rights and adoption finalization was 13 months.
To discuss the specifics of your case, call us at 678.324-8511 or e-mail at info@lawrencelegal.law today to learn more.
Is Adoption Assistance Available in Georgia?
Many of the children waiting to be adopted in Georgia have special needs. Federal (Title IV-E) and state (non-IV-E) programs exist to help adoptive parents meet their child’s needs. In Georgia, monthly payments range from $440-480, depending upon your child’s age. Please visit NACAC.org for more information on adoption subsidies within Georgia.
