What to Know About the Adoption Process in Georgia

If you live in Georgia and are facing an unplanned pregnancy, then you may be considering adoption. This is a positive choice for many expectant/birth parents who are not ready to parent. Adoption enables you to give your baby a loving family and life of opportunities. .

With recent law changes, it may feel as though your options are limited. However, “giving a baby up for adoption” is still an option for women in Georgia. If you are researching the adoption process in Georgia, read on. In this short guide, we will break down what you need to know about the process of placing a baby for adoption in the Peach State.

Giving Up a Baby for Adoption in Georgia

Although you may be looking to give your baby up for adoption, you should know that adoption is not the same as “giving up.”

“Giving up” implies that a birth parent is choosing an easy way out, or giving their child away to strangers. The truth is, the adoption process actually involves making a well-thought out plan for the baby’s life. Expectant/birth mothers look through photo books and carefully choose a family to raise the baby. They can think deeply about what they want for their child, and find a family that meets all of their needs. Expectant/birth mothers can meet and speak with the family if they wish.

For this reason, we say “making an adoption plan.” Adoption means planning for a bright future for both mom and baby. For everyone involved, adoption means more opportunities, stability, and love. Learn more about placing a baby for adoption in Georgia here.

Step-by-Step Adoption Process in Georgia

Are you ready to begin the adoption process in Georgia? Whether you are in your first trimester, third trimester, or have already given birth, adoption is available to you. Here are the steps you must take as an expectant/birth mother in Georgia.

1. Find the Right Adoption Agency for You

The first step in making an adoption plan is finding the best adoption agency that will meet your needs. There are many Georgia adoption organizations out there, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. You will want to find a professional that can offer you comprehensive care and support. You will also want to find a group that has experience and testimonials from other birth parents who share their experiences. This will help give you an idea of what to expect with the organization/agency.

At Adoptions With Love, our caring staff is always available to speak with expectant/birth parents. We understand that placing a child for adoption is a difficult journey. It does not end once the paperwork is signed. Your counseling services may continue for a year after the adoption is complete.

2. Understand the Georgia Adoption Laws

Adoption is a brave, selfless, and loving choice – no matter where you live. The adoption process in Georgia works much like it does in other states. Adoption laws vary between the states, however, so it is important to work with an agency who understands local legislations.

If you are using a reputable adoption agency like Adoptions With Love, you can be certain that your adoption will be handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. We work with experienced adoption attorneys who are well-versed with Georgia adoption laws.

In Georgia, a birth mother cannot sign consent forms for the adoption until 24 hours after the baby’s birth. This gives you time to consider your decision, meet the baby, and make your decision. It is also law, in Georgia, that birth parents have a four-day revocation period in which they may change their minds.

These are just some examples of the adoption laws in Georgia. Your adoption attorneys can make sure you understand your rights as a birth mother and answer any questions you may have throughout the process.

3. Choose Your Child’s Adoptive Family

An important step in the adoption journey is finding the best adoptive parents for your child. At Adoptions With Love, you can browse the profiles of the hopeful families waiting to adopt. These families have completed a series of interviews and background checks, so you can be confident your child is placed in a safe, stable, and loving home.

If you wish, you may choose to speak with the adoptive famiy that you like over the phone or even meet them in person. Your adoption counselor can help arrange the phone call or in-person meeting. Many expectant/birth mothers form close bonds with their child’s adoptive family, setting up a meaningful relationship for years to come.

4. Custom-Design Your Adoption Plan

Once you have chosen your child’s adoptive parent(s), you may want to consider your Post-Adoption Contract Agreement (PACA). This is the part that will determine the type of communication you maintain with your child’s adoptive family for the next several years. Many adoptions in Georgia are open adoptions – meaning there is some form of ongoing communication. The form and frequency varies among families. You may choose to email the family several times throughout the year. You may decide that you want to stay connected via text messages. You may even decide to have reunions with the family.

If you want to have a semi-open or closed adoption, that is okay, too. No adoption plan is wrong. They are all different as they meet different families’ needs. Adoptions With Love keeps photos and letters on record in case you choose to open your adoption down the road.

5. Keep Seeking Support

Adoption is a lifelong journey. It does not end once the adoption is complete. Your adoption professional can continue to offer you the support you deserve. From postpartum care to counseling sessions, you may – and should – continue to utilize the services offered by your Georgia adoption agency.

Start the Adoption Process in Georgia

Whether you just discovered you are pregnant, are in your final trimester, or have already given birth, know that it is never too late to make an adoption plan.  Contact us today at 1-800-722-7731 or visit us online to get more information on adoption in Georgia. Adoptions With Love is a private, compassionate adoption agency serving expectant/birth mothers in Georgia.