Adopting a step-child is a beautiful way to bring strength and connection to a blended family. The process to make this connection official through legal action involves many pieces and requirements. Before taking any legal actions, consider your relationship with your step-child, and ensure you meet all the requirements and expectations.
Let’s start with the following requirements to legally adopt a step-child in Georgia:
- Be a Georgia resident
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be married to the child’s parent
- Have the noncustodial parent’s consent
- File a petition for adoption
- Attend a court hearing for the adoption
The court not only will ensure the step-parent has all of the legal requirements above, but will also take into consideration the following factors:
- Will the step-parent pass a background check or fingerprinting?
- What is the relationship between the step-parent and the child?
- Is there evidence of a supportive and loving relationship between the step-parent and the child?
Once you have met the requirements, and considered all additional factors, the process can begin.
The process to adopt a step-child in Georgia is as follows:
- File a petition to the superior court
- Earn consent from the noncustodial parent
- Initiate a home study investigation
- Attend a court hearing
- Finalize any paperwork for the adoption
As experienced Family Law Attorney’s we know the adoption process, and how to best assist our clients. If you or someone you know is considering adopting a step-child, please consider reaching out to the Law Offices of Gina Smalley for legal assistance. We are ready to fight for you and your legal needs.
