Whether you're a birth mother exploring your options, a hopeful adoptive parent preparing for your journey, or an adoptee seeking answers, this guide offers clear legal insight tailored to your needs.

By understanding your rights and responsibilities under Georgia adoption law, you can move forward with confidence—and with the support of professionals who care about doing things the right way.

Speak with a Georgia adoption specialist today to get help with any step in the process.

Can I choose adoption for my baby?

Yes. Georgia law supports your right to place a child for adoption when it's in your and the child’s best interests. Licensed agencies and attorneys can help you create a legal adoption plan, including court approval of your decision.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-4

When can I give my baby up for adoption?

You can begin working with an agency or attorney during your pregnancy, but legal consent cannot be given until after birth. Once signed, Georgia provides a four-day revocation period, allowing time for final reflection before the consent becomes permanent.
Georgia Lawss: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-4(d)

Can I get my baby back after adoption?

Only within that four-day revocation window. After that, your consent becomes legally binding unless there’s evidence of fraud or coercion.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-9

Can you do adoption without the father's consent?

Sometimes. Georgia courts may allow the adoption to proceed if the father has not registered his paternity or failed to provide support. An adoption attorney or agency can guide you through these scenarios.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-10

Do both birth parents have to sign adoption papers?

Typically, yes—but exceptions apply when one parent is absent, unknown, or has had their rights terminated. The court will evaluate each case.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-6

Can I get paid for adoption?

No one can pay you to place a baby for adoption. However, Georgia allows for reasonable expenses, such as housing, food, medical care, and transportation, to be paid on your behalf with court oversight.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-24

Can you choose who adopts your baby?

Yes. You can view adoptive family profiles, ask questions, and decide what feels right. Your agency can walk you through matching and pre-placement contact.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-5

Can people from a different state adopt my baby?

Yes. Through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), adoptive families in other states can legally adopt a baby born in Georgia.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 39-4-4

Can I give my baby up for adoption without an agency?

Yes, but it's complex. Independent adoptions are legal, but you still need a licensed attorney and an approved home study. Agencies can simplify the process and offer emotional support.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-3

Can my spouse or relative adopt my baby?

Yes. Stepparent and relative adoptions are permitted and often follow expedited procedures, especially when the child already has a strong existing bond.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-7

Can I do an anonymous adoption?

Yes. Through Georgia's Safe Haven Law, you can leave your newborn (up to 30 days old) at a designated location (hospital, police or fire station) without identifying yourself.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-10A-4

Can I have contact with my child after adoption?

If you and the adoptive family agree, a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement (PACA) can outline your future relationship. These agreements are legally enforceable when court-approved.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-27

What if my baby is Native American?

Adoptions involving Native American children must follow ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) requirements, including tribal notification and placement preferences.
Relevant law: 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901–1963

What rights do birth parents have after adoption?

After the adoption is finalized, you no longer have legal parental rights. However, open adoption agreements can allow for continued contact, depending on what you and the adoptive family decide together.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-19

For Adoptive Families: Starting Your Family with Confidence

Do you have to be married to adopt in Georgia?

No. Single individuals, married couples, and LGBTQ+ couples are all eligible to adopt. Georgia does not impose marital restrictions on adoptive parents.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-3

How old do you have to be to adopt?

Generally, you must be at least 25 years old (or 21 if married) and 10 years older than the child. Exceptions apply for relative or stepparent adoptions.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-3

Do you need a home study?

Yes. A licensed social worker will conduct a home study, which evaluates your readiness to adopt and your ability to provide a safe, loving environment.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-16

Can you adopt privately without an agency?

Yes, but all adoptions still require an attorney and home study approval. An agency can offer matching, counseling, and legal coordination services to streamline the experience.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-3

What are the steps to adopt in Georgia?

1. Choose your path (agency, private, international)
2. Complete a home study
3. Match with a birth mother or child
4. Finalize consents and ICPC (if needed)
5. Attend your finalization hearing in Georgia court
    

Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-13

Can we adopt a child from another state?

Yes. You must comply with ICPC, which coordinates legal requirements between Georgia and the other state. An agency or attorney will help you navigate this.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 39-4-4

Can we advertise for a birth mother?

Only licensed agencies and attorneys may advertise for adoption. Doing so independently could violate Georgia law.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-24(b)

Can a birth father stop the adoption?

Potentially. If a biological father has legal paternity and actively objects, the court will review his claim. If he has failed to establish rights, the adoption may still proceed.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-10

What if birth parents don’t sign?

If birth parents refuse or are unable to consent, the court may pursue termination of parental rights (TPR) due to abandonment, neglect, or other qualifying reasons.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-10

When is adoption finalized in Georgia?

Typically, adoption finalization occurs several months after placement, once post-placement visits and legal requirements are fulfilled.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-14

Can a birth mother change her mind?

Yes, but only within four days after signing consent. After that window, consent becomes irrevocable except in rare circumstances.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-9

Are adoptive parents listed on the birth certificate?

Yes. Once finalized, a new birth certificate is issued listing the adoptive parents as the legal parents.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 31-10-13(f)

What rights do adoptive parents have?

Full legal rights—the same as biological parents. You become your child’s permanent legal guardian in every way.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-19

Are open adoptions enforceable in Georgia?

Yes, if both parties agree and the court approves the PACA, Georgia recognizes it as legally binding.
Georgia Laws: O.C.G.A. § 19-8-27

Does ICWA apply to private adoptions?

Yes. ICWA applies in all adoption types involving Native American children and must be followed precisely.
Relevant law: 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901–1963

What support is available after adoption?

• Ongoing agency support and referrals
• Medical background info from birth families
• Counseling and connection resources for adoptees

For Adoptees

If you were adopted in Georgia and are now seeking answers, you may be able to access:

• Non-identifying background info through the agency
• Identifying info with birth parent consent or court approval
• Reunion support if both parties register through mutual consent services

Post-Adoption Contact Agreements can also play a role in allowing contact between adoptees and birth families, depending on what was established at the time of adoption.

What’s Next?

Whether you're choosing adoption, finalizing your family, or searching for answers—you deserve trustworthy information and experienced guidance.

Reach out to an adoption specialist today to learn how we can help you navigate Georgia adoption law with confidence and care.

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