How Long Does It Take to Adopt a Grandchild? (Georgia Law)

Adopting a grandchild is a major decision and the process can be complex. 

If you’re considering this life-changing decision, you may want to know: “How long does it take to adopt a grandchild?”

The answer is that in Georgia, a grandparent adoption can take as short as several months all the way up to more than a year.

This is due to several factors, such as surrender of parental rights by the child’s parents and how long it takes to get your background check and home study completed, if applicable.

Let’s take a deeper dive into Georgia grandparent adoptions.

What Makes the Grandchild Adoption Process Longer or Shorter in Georgia?

Several factors can influence the duration of the grandchild adoption process.

The consent of the biological parents plays a significant role.

If they willingly relinquish their parental rights, the process can be quicker.

However, if they contest the adoption, it may prolong the process as it has to go through litigation – which is another court hearing, and it has to be completed before you’ll be able to get your final adoption court date.

Additionally, the home study, background checks, and court schedules also impact the timeline.

Every case is unique, but these are some of the general hold-ups we see in our grandparent adoptions in Georgia.

How Much Does It Cost to Legally Adopt a Grandchild in Georgia?

The cost of legally adopting a grandchild in Georgia can vary widely, depending on the circumstances. 

Expenses may include court fees, attorney fees, costs for home study, and post-placement supervision. 

What we’ve seen is that the costs can range from $3,500 all the way up to $15,000 or more, depending on whether the adoption is contested or not.

Because of this significant cost of investment, it’s important to have a clear financial plan before starting the adoption process.

Benefits of Adopting a Grandchild in Georgia

Adopting your grandchild provides numerous benefits. 

It offers a stable and loving environment for the child, especially in cases where the biological parents are unable to provide adequate care. 

Adoption also gives grandparents legal rights, allowing them to make decisions concerning the child’s health, education, and overall well-being.

And it guarantees that, if you already have custody of your grandchild, should anything happen to you, they will go to the caretaker you designate for them – not back to their biological parents.

Can I Adopt my Grandchild Without a Lawyer in Georgia?

While it is possible to adopt a grandchild without a lawyer, it is not advisable. 

Adoption involves complex legal processes and paperwork. Especially if you have to ask the court to terminate the parental rights of the child’s biological parents. 

An experienced adoption attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that your interests, and those of your grandchild, are protected.

Partnering with Your Law Firm to Adopt Your Grandchild in Georgia

As a law firm specializing in family law and grandparent adoption cases, we at Your Law Firm bring a wealth of expertise to help you navigate the adoption process. 

Our team is committed to providing professional, authoritative, and concise legal services to ensure your grandchild adoption process in Georgia is as smooth and efficient as possible. 

Trust us to partner with you every step of the way, providing clarity and support throughout this important journey.

Reach out to start the conversation today about your Georgia grandparent adoption. We’re here to serve.