How Long Does Termination of Parental Rights Take?

In a Georgia Grandparent Adoption

When it comes to grandparent adoption, one of the key concerns is “how long does termination of parental rights take?” 

Specifically in Georgia, the process can vary greatly depending on the circumstances, but generally, it can take between six months to a year. 

The process is often complex due to the constitutional rights of parents, and requires careful legal navigation to give you the best chance of success at your court hearing.

Let’s take a deeper dive into this subject.

How Can a Parent’s Rights Be Terminated in Georgia?

In Georgia, during a grandparent adoption, a parent’s rights can be terminated voluntarily or involuntarily. 

Voluntary termination occurs when a parent willingly surrenders their rights. A parent who does so has a four day period to change their mind.

Involuntary termination happens when the court decides that it is in the child’s best interest to terminate the parent’s rights due to reasons such as neglect, abuse, or abandonment.

How Much Does It Cost to Terminate Parental Rights?

The cost to terminate parental rights in a Georgia grandparent adoption can vary greatly. 

It depends on several factors including attorney fees, court costs, and other related expenses. 

It also depends on how much evidence you have to unearth to support your claim that the parent’s rights should be terminated.

Feel free to reach out to us at Your Law Firm to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

How Long Does a Father Have to Be Absent to Lose His Rights in Georgia?

In Georgia, for a father to lose his rights in the context of a grandparent adoption, he must have shown a lack of substantial parental contact or financial support for at least one year. 

However, this is subject to the discretion of the court and the unique circumstances of each case.

Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Georgia

In order to terminate parental rights in Georgia, a petition must be filed in the superior court of the county where the child resides. 

This petition outlines the grounds for termination and is a critical step in the process.

We always recommend you get an adoption attorney to help you bring the case, to ensure the petition is properly drafted and filed.

At Your Law Firm, if we know that the grandparents are going to step in to try and adopt their grandchild should the petition to terminate parental rights be granted, we will file the adoption and the termination petitions at the same time.

This is so no time is lost in your grandparent adoption journey.

Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights in Georgia

In Georgia, the grounds for termination of parental rights in a grandparent adoption can include chronic substance abuse, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, or failure to provide support. 

The court must find clear and convincing evidence of these grounds and that termination is in the best interest of the child.

This means you will need a lot of evidence for each ground – not just word of mouth. Photos, text messages, documentation, other outside witnesses, and even the child’s testimony (usually by way of a Guardian ad Litem) are all important for these types of cases.

Average Length of Time for a Termination of Parental Rights Georgia Grandparent Adoption

The average length of time for a termination of parental rights in a Georgia grandparent adoption can vary based on the circumstances of each case. 

However, as mentioned earlier, it generally takes between six months to a year. 

This timeline can be affected by various factors such as court schedules, the cooperation of all parties involved, and the complexity of the case.

Final Thoughts

Remember, navigating the legal waters of parental rights termination and adoption can be complex. 

It’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure the best possible outcome for your family.

If you’re in North Georgia or the Atlanta area, give us a call at Your Law Firm to find out more about this stage of the grandparent adoption journey. We’re here to serve.