Should I hire an adoption attorney?
For anyone going through the adoption process, it is one of the most important decisions in life that can be made and can be one of the happiest times of your life. If you or someone you know is going through the adoption process, it is crucial to hire a competent and skilled attorney to navigate through the process.
Why is hiring a skilled and competent attorney so important in an adoption?
The reality is that navigating Georgia’s adoption code requires a comprehensive understanding of the law and requirements. Georgia’s adoption code is filled with nuances and exceptions that are easy to miss if not studied carefully. Even a “simple” adoption requires precision and a thorough understanding of the adoption law.
If you attempt to navigate the process by yourself or hire an unskilled attorney, mistakes can easily be made, and the consequences of making a mistakw in an adoption cannot be understated. Your adoption proceeding could be delayed which may occur at the last minute when the court notices the mistake. Even worse, a mistake could result in the adoption being overturned. This can cause emotional distress to everyone involved.
What role does an attorney play in an adoption?
- Getting Started – Should you start the adoption process? If contested, what are the potential strengths or weaknesses? What can I expect at a final hearing? How much time will this take? While an adoption attorney may not know all the answers to your questions, an attorney can apply your facts to the law to guide you through likely scenarios and outcomes.
- Navigating the Complex Process. Once you are ready to proceed with an adoption, an adoption attorney will draft and file a petition for adoption. Georgia law also requires that various documents are attached and provided with your petition. Your adoption attorney will help guide you on what is needed from you such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and background information. Your attorney will be in touch with you throughout the process as information is needed or if your attorney needs to update you.
- Representation at the final hearing. The final hearing for an adoption will differ in tone depending on whether the adoption is uncontested or contested. If uncontested, if your petition and contents are in order, it will likely be a joyous occasion. Your attorney will present the petition and evidence as to why the adoption should be granted. If granted, the judge will sign the order granting the adoption, and the adoption will be finalized. Many families who are undergoing an adoption dress up for the occasion, and the judge may allow pictures to be taken to document the special occasion. A contested adoption is more complicated. A final hearing will likely take much more time with the presentation of evidence and testimony. At the conclusion, the the judge will be required to analyze the facts and law to make a ruling on whether the adoption should be granted or denied.
Contact Johnson Kraeuter Sanders, LLC for your adoption needs
If you are ready to take the next step or would like to speak with a lawyer for more information first, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys are well versed in adoption law, and ready to assist you with your adoption needs. Your adoption journey should be filled with as little stress as possible, and we will apply our deep experience and knowledge to navigate you through the process.