As a Georgian resident who is ready to add a new member to your family, you may be wondering how to start the process of adoption. Each state has its own unique laws regarding adoption, along with requirements you must fulfill in order to be considered qualified as a potential adopting parent.
American Adoptions takes a look at Georgia’s adoption laws, which dictates what requirements Georgian residents will need to hit in order to be eligible to adopt. In Georgia, adopting parents need to be 25 years or older. If you aren’t that old, you can still adopt if you are married and living with your spouse. You also need to be at least 10 years older than the child you intend to adopt.
The most important part, however, is proving that you are mentally, financially, and physically capable of raising a child. These things will be examined throughout the interviewing process, along with other points such as:
- Why you wish to adopt
- What your parental practices are like
- Your social background
- The home and community you live in
- Any potential criminal record
- Your understanding of adoptive parenting and how you intend to adjust to it
Additionally, a minimum of three character references will be called upon. If you have worked with children in the last five years, one reference must be from a former employer. You also need a reference from an extended family member who is not living with you.
By fulfilling these requirements, you will be considered eligible to adopt. However, you will still need to apply in order to go through with an adoption. Having an attorney on your side throughout the process can be an immense help.
