Hinesville Adoption Attorneys

Experienced Family Law Services in Georgia

Deciding to start a family is one of the most important decisions that a couple will ever make. Complicated adoption laws overwhelm most couples when they embark on this journey. However, hiring an adoption lawyer in Hinesville will make these troubles easier to navigate and will help to ensure success throughout the adoption process.

At Balbo & Gregg, we have more than 40 years of combined experience. Our attorneys have helped families throughout the nation with their family law needs. Compassion is the foundation of our practice as we seek to provide the best possible guidance to every client. Events surrounding adoption are important and details matter—we will provide you with the dedicated service that the process of adoption requires.

Get the guidance you need from a Hinesville Adoption Attorney. Schedule your free consultation today by calling us at (866) 580-3089 or reaching out online!

Cases We Handle

Our Hinesville adoption lawyers handle the following adoption cases:

Independent and Private Adoptions: This adoption process involves a biological mother voluntarily giving her child away to adoptive parents. An adoption attorney is required to make sure this process is done thoroughly and legally so that guardianship is properly transferred.
Agency Adoptions: These adoptions are facilitated by private agencies that specialize in placing children with adoptive parents. The agency must provide written consent for the child to be adopted.
Department of Family and Children Services: These types of adoptions are often very similar to private agency adoptions. However, DFCS adoptions may qualify for financial aid that covers legal fees, monthly costs, and medical care. Having an adoption lawyer will make sure you receive proper benefits.
International Adoptions: Adopting a child from another country is a complicated legal process that requires the experience of a lawyer. Our adoption lawyer in Hinesville will help you navigate issues regarding immigration, citizenship, and governmental approval from both countries involved.
Relative Adoptions: When someone that wants to adopt is related to the child by blood, this type of adoption is necessary. Notably, these adoptions do not require a pre-placement home study.
Stepparent Adoptions: This adoption occurs when one person adopts their spouse’s child. This variety of adoption does not require a pre-placement home study.
Other Adoption Options: Some situations may enable an adoption to occur without the consent of the biological parent. These situations may involve instances in which the parent is unable to care for the child, is neglectful, has abandoned the child, or other events. These instances may result in a legal battle that requires the help of an attorney.

What are the Requirements for Adoption in Georgia?

In Georgia, potential adoptive parents must meet certain requirements:

Parents must be at least 10 years older than the child they are trying to adopt.
If an adoptive parent is single, he or she must be 25 years old or older. If he or she isn’t single, the adoptive parent must be at least 25 and living with their legal spouse.
In the case of relative adoption, the adoptive parent must be at least 21 years old.
In all cases, adopters must be medically and financially stable.

How is the Home Study in Georgia?

The home study involves a thorough assessment of prospective adoptive parents and their living environment to ensure that they can provide a safe and nurturing home for a child. This process is designed to evaluate the readiness of individuals or couples to adopt and to protect the welfare of the child.

Key components of the home study include:

Background Checks: All adults living in the home must undergo criminal background checks, including fingerprinting.
Interviews with the Prospective Adoptive Parents: These interviews assess the family's motivations for adopting, their parenting philosophy, and their understanding of the challenges and rewards of adoption.
Home Visits: A licensed social worker will conduct home visits to evaluate the living environment. The social worker will check for overall conditions to ensure they meet the needs of a child.
Family Dynamics: The home study will also consider the relationships and dynamics within the family.

If the home study is approved, families may begin the process of being matched with a child. Once a child is placed in your home and the required waiting period has passed, the adoption can be finalized in court.

Our Hinesville adoption attorney will help prepare you and file the necessary paperwork with the court to initiate the finalization process. Upon approval, the court will issue a final decree of adoption, formally recognizing the adoptive parents as the child’s legal guardians.

Ready to start your adoption journey? Contact our adoption attorney in Hinesville today for a free consultation. Call us now at (866) 580-3089 or reach out online to discuss your options!

How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in Georgia?

The duration of the adoption process in Georgia can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of adoption (e.g., private, foster care, international), the agency involved, and the specific circumstances of the case.

On average, the entire process can take anywhere from a few months to several years. Domestic adoptions often take about 6 to 12 months, while foster care adoptions may be quicker if a child is already placed in the home. International adoptions can take longer due to additional legal requirements and processes.

What Disqualifies You From Adopting in Georgia?

Several factors can disqualify individuals or couples from adopting in Georgia. These include having a felony conviction involving violence or child abuse, a history of child neglect, or significant mental health issues that could impair parenting abilities.

Additionally, individuals who are currently abusing drugs or alcohol may also be disqualified. Each case is assessed individually, and a comprehensive home study will evaluate the overall suitability of the prospective adoptive parents.

Contact Our Adoption Lawyers in Hinesville

When the adoption of a child is at stake, your family deserves the help of passionate Hinesville adoption attorneys. Balbo & Gregg knows how important adoption is to families, and we make clients our top priority as a result.

When you call us at (866) 580-3089 we will evaluate your case at no cost to you. Once we take your case, you will receive the dedication of an experienced family law team that is focused on earning the best results for you and your future child.

Contact us today at (866) 580-3089 or filling this online form to receive a free consultation.