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How to Adopt a Baby in Georgia

Your Complete Guide to Parenthood

Dreaming of holding your baby in your arms? For hopeful families in Georgia, adoption can turn that dream into reality — and American Adoptions is here to make it happen. As one of the nation's most trusted full-service agencies, we provide everything you need to adopt a baby safely, legally, and compassionately.

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We’ll guide you through every step, from learning how to adopt in Georgia to finalizing your child’s adoption — and beyond.

How to Adopt a Baby in Georgia: 5 Steps to Parenthood

Imagine holding your baby for the first time — that moment starts with a single step.

Step 1: Contact an Adoption Agency

Working with an experienced, licensed agency like American Adoptions ensures that your journey is ethical, legal, and emotionally supported from day one.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Step 2: Become an Active Family

You’ll complete your Adoptive Family Questionnaire (APQ), home study, and create a family profile that will help expectant mothers get to know you.

Learn more about the home study checklist.

Step 3: Be Chosen by a Prospective Birth Mother

In Georgia, expectant mothers choose adoptive families. We help facilitate this emotional connection with empathy and respect.

Step 4: Meet Your Baby – Delivery and Hospital Stay

In many cases you can be there during the hospital stay, where the first moments with your child are shared — with support from our staff.

Step 5: Post-Placement Life

You’ll finalize your adoption in a Georgia court and begin life as a family, with continued support from our post-placement professionals.

Who Can Adopt a Baby in Georgia?

American Adoptions welcomes all types of families. Our Georgia requirements include:

  • Married couples and single parents
  • Minimum age: 21

View full adoption requirements

Why Families Trust American Adoptions

  • A licensed adoption professional

    Unlike unlicensed organizations that may overpromise and under deliver, American Adoptions is independently reviewed, follows all state laws and upholds the highest standards of practice.

  • Honest wait times

    American Adoptions utilizes a wide-reaching marketing strategy to connect adoptive families with prospective birth mothers nationwide, reducing wait times. 

  • Financial protection

    In the event of an adoption disruption, the money you put into your adoption will be refunded back to you to use how you deem fit, rather than rolled over into future adoption journeys.


Understanding Adoption Costs in Georgia

Adoption costs vary, but we offer complete transparency. Your fees may cover:

  • Counseling and support
  • Legal and medical expenses
  • Living expenses for the birth mother

We also offer Adoption Disruption Insurance to protect your investment.

Worried About Affording Adoption? You Have Options

We provide budgeting assistance, financing plans, and grants to help you afford adoption.

Explore Adoption Financing

How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Baby in Georgia?

Our average wait time is average of 12 months  — one of the shortest among national agencies.

Because American Adoptions invests heavily in nationwide advertising, your profile reaches more prospective birth parents, leading to significantly shorter wait times than low-marketing agencies.

Unlicensed adoption professionals aren’t monitored by any governing body and can mislead families about wait times and costs. American Adoptions is fully licensed, which means you receive transparent service.

Local adoption opportunities fluctuate, but national agencies have broader reach and data to provide more accurate and consistent wait time estimates. 

Why It’s So Important to Complete Your Home Study Early

Georgia families must complete a licensed home study, including background checks and home visits. We can connect you with a trusted provider.

Find a Georgia Home Study Provider

When is Adoption Finalized in Georgia?

Adoption is finalized in court typically six months after placement, once post-placement visits are complete.

Other Adoption Laws in Georgia

  • Home Study: Required by a licensed provider
  • ICWA: Applies to Native American adoptions
  • ICPC: Required for out-of-state placements
  • PACAs: Post-Adoption Contact Agreements are not legally enforceable in Georgia

Understanding ICPC

Adoption Attorneys in Georgia

While American Adoptions handles legal work, here are some adoption attorneys in Georgia:

  • Jessica Gordon (Marietta): Managing attorney at The Law Office of Jessica L. Gordon, LLC, specializing in adoption law, assisted reproduction, and child-related immigration matters. ​
  • Lynn Goldman (Atlanta): Partner at Claiborne | Fox | Bradley | Goldman LLC, with over 17 years of experience in child welfare law and mediation, focusing on adoption and fertility law, including surrogacy and gamete donation. ​
  • Richard Horder (Atlanta): Founding partner at Kazmarek Mowrey Cloud Laseter LLP, with a background in environmental law and mediation; also recognized for contributions to adoption law and grandparent adoption initiatives. ​
  • Lori Surmay (Atlanta): Attorney at The Law Office of Lori M. Surmay, focusing on adoption and assisted reproductive technologies law, including surrogacy and LGBT family building.

Types of Adoption in Georgia

Private DomesticFoster CareInternational
Permanent placementReunification if possiblePlacement of a child from another country
Newborn0-18 years oldVaries
average of 12 monthsUp to 5 years1-5 years
Agency-assistedState-runInternational laws; agency-assisted

FAQ About Adopting a Baby in Georgia

Can birth mothers change their mind in Georgia?

Yes. In Georgia, a birth mother can change her mind until she signs her consent — typically 24 hours after birth.

Is there an adoption tax credit in Georgia?

No state-specific credit, but families can claim the federal adoption tax credit of up to $15,950 (2023).

Is it hard for a gay couple to adopt a baby?

Gay couples are welcomed to adopt and in most cases do not have additional barriers to adoption. American Adoptions proudly supports LGBTQ+ families.
LGBT Adoption

Are adoptive parents on the birth certificate in Georgia?

Yes, after finalization, adoptive parents are listed on the amended birth certificate.

Are open adoptions legally enforceable in Georgia?

No, but American Adoptions strongly encourages open adoption and helps create contact plans.
How Open Adoption Works

Don’t Wait Any Longer – Adopt a Baby in Georgia Today

Adoption can be the most beautiful path to parenthood — and you don’t have to walk it alone. Whether you're just starting or ready to begin the process, American Adoptions is here to guide you every step of the way.

Get Started with Georgia Adoption

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Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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