Hinesville Adoption Attorneys
Family Law Services in Georgia and Beyond
Deciding to start a family is one of the most important decisions that a couple will ever make. Complicated adoption laws overwhelm most couples when they embark on this journey. However, hiring an adoption lawyer will make these troubles easier to navigate and will help to ensure success throughout the adoption process.
At Balbo & Gregg, we have more than 40 years of combined experience. Our Hinesville adoption attorneys have helped families throughout the nation with their family law needs. Compassion is the foundation of our practice as we seek to provide the best possible guidance to every client. Events surrounding adoption are important and details matter—we will provide you with the dedicated service that the process of adoption requires.
Adoption in Georgia
In Georgia, potential adoptive parents must meet certain requirements. First, parents must be at least 10 years older than the child they are trying to adopt. Additionally, if an adoptive parent is single, he or she must be 25 years old or older. If he or she isn’t single, the adoptive parent must be at least 25 and living with their legal spouse. In the case of relative adoption, the adoptive parent must be at least 21 years old. In all cases, adopters must be medically and financially stable.
There are six main categories of adoption in Georgia. Understanding the different types of adoption will help you to better understand which path to take. Most adoptions require pre-placement home studies and criminal background checks that may require a lawyer. Additionally, a variety of adoption options available in Georgia may require the help of an expert to make sure they are completed legally.
Our Hinesville adoption lawyers handle the following adoption cases:
- Independent and Private Adoptions: This adoption process involves a biological mother voluntarily giving her child away to adoptive parents. An adoption attorney is required to make sure this process is done thoroughly and legally so that guardianship is properly transferred.
- Agency Adoptions: These adoptions are facilitated by private agencies that specialize in placing children with adoptive parents. The agency must provide written consent for the child to be adopted.
- Department of Family and Children Services: These types of adoptions are often very similar to private agency adoptions. However, DFCS adoptions may qualify for financial aid that covers legal fees, monthly costs, and medical care. Having an adoption lawyer will make sure you receive proper benefits.
- International Adoptions: Adopting a child from another country is a complicated legal process that requires the experience of a lawyer. An adoption lawyer will help you navigate issues regarding immigration, citizenship, and governmental approval from both countries involved.
- Relative Adoptions: When someone that wants to adopt is related to the child by blood, this type of adoption is necessary. Notably, these adoptions do not require a pre-placement home study.
- Stepparent Adoptions: This adoption occurs when one person adopts their spouse’s child. This variety of adoption does not require a pre-placement home study.
- Other Adoption Options: Some situations may enable an adoption to occur without the consent of the biological parent. These situations may involve instances in which the parent is unable to care for the child, is neglectful, has abandoned the child, or other events. These instances may result in a legal battle that requires the help of an attorney.
When the adoption of a child is at stake, your family deserves the help of passionate Hinesville adoption attorneys. Balbo & Gregg knows how important adoption is to families, and we make clients our top priority as a result. When you call us at (866) 580-3089 we will evaluate your case at no cost to you. Once we take your case, you will receive the dedication of an experienced family law team that is focused on earning the best results for you and your future child.
Contact us today at (866) 580-3089 to receive a free consultation.
