Types of adoption

There is no doubt that adoption can be one of the best things you do with your life. But, if you don’t get some help from a professional then it can be confusing, frustrating, and drag on forever. At Hastings Shadmehry we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the adoption process quickly. We have streamlined our process to keep the costs down and unite you with your child as soon as possible.

We handle a multitude of adoption cases including:

  • Stepparent adoptions
  • Relative adoptions
  • Grandparent adoptions
  • State agency adoptions
  • Private agency adoptions
  • Interstate adoptions
  • Contested adoptions
  • Termination of parental rights
  • Involuntary termination of parental rights
  • Change of name

If you have a child living with you and the biological parent is no longer involved then you may be anxious to get on with the adoption process. However, before you can adopt the child you must have the biological parent’s rights terminated. If you don’t, they may turn up later and try to undo the adoption. If the biological parent will not give up their rights willingly then you can make them do it involuntarily in some situations. To find out if this is an option for you, you should set up an appointment with one of our experienced family law attorneys.

The most common form of adoption

Stepparent adoption is by far the most common form in the United States and it is permitted under Georgia law. If you are considering a stepparent adoption then you need to keep the following in mind:

  • Before a stepparent can petition for the adoption of a stepchild or stepchildren in Georgia, the parental rights of the biological parent have to be terminated. During this process, the biological parent gives away all parental rights and responsibilities.
  • There are only two ways that the process can go, the biological parent will either give up their rights willingly or they will fight it. If they decide to fight, then it will be left open for the court to decide.

Having a court decide a matter this important is never a good idea. You need an experienced adoption attorney to help you win your case so that you can move forward with the adoption. At Hastings Shadmehry we have the experience you need to litigate contested adoptions. Email or call us today at 770-641-8200 and let us help you adopt a child.