Stepparent Adoption Attorney in Gwinnett County

Stepparent Adoption Attorneys in Gwinnett, Fulton, and Clayton Counties

If you are a step parent and would like to gain parental rights and responsibilities for your stepchild, you may be able to petition the court for a stepparent adoption. Stepparent adoptions in Georgia are relatively simple and straightforward, and can be accomplished without the need for a lawyer in most cases. However, if you are facing any complex or unique circumstances, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate the stepparent adoption process.

To learn more about stepparent adoptions and how they work in Georgia, contact our firm at (770) 285-1673 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Contact us today.

What Is a Stepparent Adoption?

In a stepparent adoption, the step parent petitions the court to gain parental rights and responsibilities for their stepchild. Stepparent adoptions are relatively straightforward and uncomplicated, and can be accomplished without the need for a lawyer in most cases. However, if you are facing any unique or complex circumstances, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate the stepparent adoption process.

How Do Stepparent Adoptions Work in Georgia?

In Georgia, stepparent adoption procedures are governed by the Georgia Code, Chapter 9: Domestic Relations:

• Divorce and other family law proceedings can have an impact on stepparent adoptions, and vice versa.
• A stepparent adoption can be accomplished by filing a petition with the court, and then attending a hearing before the judge.
• The petition must include the names and addresses of each of the stepchild's parents, and the stepchild's birth certificate. The petition must also include the name, address, and marital status of the step parent, and the age and birthplace of the stepchild.
• The petition must also state that the step parent and stepchild have lived together in Georgia for at least one year. If the stepchild is 14 or older, they must also consent to the adoption.

Although stepparent adoptions do not require a home study, the court may require the step parent to submit a background check and/or a drug test.

Can a Stepparent Adoption Be Denied?

Although stepparent adoptions are relatively straightforward, the Georgia courts will only grant the adoption if it is in the best interest of the stepchild. The court will consider a number of factors when determining the stepchild's best interest, including:

• The wishes of the stepchild's parents
• The relationship between the stepchild and their parents
• The ability of the stepchild to maintain a relationship with their biological parents
• The physical, mental, and emotional health of all individuals involved
• The moral fitness of the step parent
• The ability of the step parent to provide a safe, healthy, and nurturing home environment

As you can see, the court will consider a number of factors when considering the stepchild's best interest. As such, it is important to be honest and upfront with the court about any circumstances that may be relevant to the stepchild's best interest.

Why Hire a Lawyer for Your Stepparent Adoption?

Stepparent adoptions are relatively straightforward, and can often be accomplished without the need for a lawyer in most cases. However, if you are facing any unique or complex circumstances, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate the stepparent adoption process.

Stepparent adoptions can impact other family law proceedings, such as divorce proceedings, and vice versa. As such, it is important to work with an attorney who is experienced in both stepparent adoptions and other family law matters, such as divorce and child custody.

An experienced family law attorney can help you draft your petition and represent you in court, if necessary. An attorney can also advise you on any potential consequences of a stepparent adoption, such as the potential impact on child support and alimony.

To learn more about stepparent adoptions and how they work in Georgia, contact our firm at (770) 285-1673 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Contact us today.