If you are ready to adopt a child or adult in Macon or Middle Georgia, we can guide you through the legal steps, paperwork, and court process. Adoption cases can be emotional and detailed. Having the right lawyer helps you avoid delays and protect your family’s future.
Learn more about our full Family Law services in Macon and across Middle Georgia.
We handle many types of adoption cases, including:
In Georgia, the person or couple adopting must generally meet these rules:
Residency: Usually living in Georgia for at least 6 months before filing (with some exceptions)
Ability to care for the child: The court considers whether you are financially, physically, and mentally able to care for the child
Age rules: Often at least 21, but there are exceptions (especially for married couples adopting together)
Age gap rule: Usually the adopter is at least 10 years older than the child, unless it is a step-parent adoption, qualifying relative adoption, or adult adoption
Most adoption cases can be filed in the county:
Adult adoption can be filed where the petitioner lives or where the adult being adopted lives.
Adoption is not “one-size-fits-all.” Even with a lawyer, the process can have extra steps depending on your situation.
Here are common parts of the process:
A home study is more in-depth and often done by a third-party provider. It can include a home visit, interviews, references, and more, and results in a report for the judge.
A home investigation is usually less in-depth and may be done by an attorney or agent appointed by the court.
These issues come up often and can change the timeline:
A child 14 or older must consent to the adoption
If a parent is deceased, inheritance rules can still matter depending on whether rights were terminated before death
Native American ancestry may trigger extra steps under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), including notice to tribal leaders
Some grandparent visitation orders can continue even after adoption, depending on the situation
A judge can dismiss or pause an adoption for reasons like pending custody or legitimation actions, concerns about terminating parental rights, or other best-interest issues
Adoption is not the same as custody. If your main issue is parenting time or decision-making, go to our child custody page.
If a living parent is involved, the adoption often requires parental rights to be voluntarily surrendered or terminated. Courts take termination very seriously.
Even if a father is not a “legal father,” Georgia law still requires notice in many situations, and the father may have a chance to file a legitimation action within a set time after service. If the father is unknown and there are no registrants in the Putative Father Registry, service by publication may apply.
If a legal parent does not consent, an involuntary termination can be difficult and very fact-specific.
Georgia limits “qualifying relatives” for relative adoptions (examples include grandparents, aunts/uncles, and siblings). A home investigation is not required unless ordered, but background checks are required.
In a step-parent adoption, the spouse must consent, and the other parent’s rights must be surrendered or terminated (unless deceased).
Important note: If the step-parent later divorces the child’s parent, the adoptive step-parent can be on equal footing in custody issues and may owe child support.
This is when the person adopting is not a step-parent or qualifying relative. It may involve fictive kin or non-qualifying relatives. A home study is usually required in these cases unless the judge allows an exception.
Adult adoption has fewer hurdles. No home study or investigation is required, no criminal background check is required, and parents typically do not have to be notified or consent. The adult must consent.
Often involves children in DFCS custody, and many adopting parents are foster parents. In many DFCS adoptions, attorney’s fees may be paid by the State for qualifying adoptive parents.
Can my fiancé adopt my child before we get married?
In a step-parent adoption, you must be married before the adoption is filed.
Can I change my child’s first and middle name during an adoption?
Yes, name changes can be included and are allowed.
Will DFCS come to my home during the adoption process?
Not unless there are special circumstances or the judge orders DFCS involvement for an investigation or home study.
If the father never legitimated and never paid support, do I still have to notify him?
Notice requirements can still apply. In some cases, the next step is to understand legitimation and what rights it can create.
If an adoption is not finalized, can someone still owe child support?
Yes, depending on whether rights were actually terminated by court order or a final adoption order.
Our Macon office is right off I-75 at Exit 171 – Riverside Drive. Our office complex is next to Groome Transportation. Our family law attorneys occupy the middle office building.
Brodie Law Group
Address: 4580 Sheraton Dr, Macon, GA 31210
Phone: (478) 239-2780
Adoption cases are different than most family law. They are about building stability and protecting the child’s future. We offer free consultations for adoption cases and help clients across Middle Georgia.
Ready to talk through your adoption options? Call our adoption lawyer at (478) 239-2780 or request a free consultation today by clicking the link below.
If adoption is not the right fit for your situation, we can still help you explore other family law options.
