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 that the adoption process is a brave and thoughtful decision.  It involves making a well-thought-out plan for your baby’s life. You have many choices in adoption.  Expectant/birth mothers look throughprofile 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.

Types of Adoption in Georgia

The idea of making an adoption plan for your baby may seem overwhelming, but it can be made easier by learning about the process. The first thing to know is the types of adoptions available in Georgia. Here is a brief breakdown of the most common.

Foster Care Adoption

Foster care is a state-run system that handles the temporary and permanent placement of children in need of care. The children placed in foster care have been removed from their homes by order of a judge – either because of unsafe or unsuitable living conditions. Foster care can be a pathway toward parenthood for those looking to adopt a child in a very inexpensive way. Foster care, however, is not a voluntary choice made by birth parents.

Private Domestic Infant Adoption

Private domestic adoption is handled, as the name suggests, by a private and professional organization. This adoption professional handles the placement of infants and young children who have been lovingly placed for adoption. Birth parents who choose adoption typically choose this type of adoption for their baby.

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, ourcompassionate staff is always available to speak with expectant/birth parents. We understand that placing a child for adoption is a difficult journey and you deserve hands on support. 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 legislation.

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, and we have been to each family’s home, 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 family 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 an agreement that will spell out 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 vary among families. You may choose to email with 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 in person 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.

Contact AWL to Learn More About Adoption

Georgia Adoption Laws and Consent Requirements

Adoption laws are complex and vary by state. It is crucial to work with an adoption agency because this professional can provide a team of adoption attorneys who know and adhere to Georgia adoption laws.

Birth Parent Consent and Timing

According to Georgia adoption laws, a birth parent cannot consent to the adoption any sooner than 24 hours after the baby is born. This gives the birth parent a bit of time to meet the baby and consider the decision.

Revocation Period and Finality

Some states do not have revocation periods, meaning consent is irrevocable once signed. In Georgia, birth parents have a four-day grace period to revoke or change their minds after consenting to the adoption, surrendering their parental rights. This four-business-day period begins the day after the document is signed. Once these four days have passed, the decision is irrevocable. This is why it is important for birth parents to take all the time needed before consenting to adoption. It is never too late to make an adoption plan.

Costs and Financial Assistance for Adoption in Georgia

Birth parents considering adoption will be relieved to know there is financial support that comes with adoption. Facing an unplanned pregnancy and planning adoption is a life-changing experience that can cause financial stress. It is important to be supported every step of the way – including with finances. It is also important to know there is never any fee associated with adoption for expectant/birth parents. All services are free for birth parents.

Expectant/birth parents considering adoption in Georgia can receive the following financial assistance from Adoptions With Love:

• We can cover a deposit and several months of rent, as needed.
• Other living expenses, such as utilities, food bills, transportation, and even maternity clothes.
• Medical coverage. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you feel comfortable, and cover any uninsured medical expenses related to pregnancy and birth, reimbursed after the adoption is complete.

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. There is no judgement. We are here for you.   Contact us today at 617-964-4357 , text us at 617-777-0072 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.