Are You Interested In Adopting A Relative?
Relative adoptions are becoming more common in recent years due to numerous economic and social issues. A relative adoption is a great way to keep families together and help loved ones by making sure their children are raised in a good home close to family. However, there are challenges involved, as there are in any adoption proceeding. Make sure you get the help of an experienced lawyer who can walk you through the process and protect your interests.
At Shawn P. Hammond and Associates, attorney Shawn Hammond can help you. He has more than 25 years of legal experience assisting clients through all types of adoptions. He knows the process, and he knows how to represent your interests with dignity, compassion and professionalism. There is too much at stake to try to handle this process on your own or with less-experienced counsel.
Who Qualifies?
In Georgia, only certain relatives qualify for relative adoptions. These include those who are blood-related to the child or related by marriage as grandparents, aunts and uncles, great aunts and great uncles, and siblings.
Two Paths To Adoption
In Georgia, a relative adoption can be a simple process compared to other types of adoptions. There are two basic paths for a relative adoption to proceed, depending on the disposition of the birth parents:
- Consent: When the birth parents consent to giving up their parental rights for the purpose of the adoption, this is the smoothest and easiest path for any adoption to take.
- Proving unfitness: When the birth parents do not consent to the adoption, a more difficult path is presented. In these cases, the proposed adoptive parents have to prove unfitness as parents. This unfitness can be proven by strong evidence of abandonment, abuse or other related problems. This will terminate the parental rights of the biological parents, allowing for the adoption to proceed.
Either of these paths can present unique legal challenges. Shawn Hammond has handled many cases like this before. He knows how to help you through the process.
Contact The Firm
To adopt a relative child, talk with Shawn today. He can look at your case and explain the process, your rights and your options. Call 706-993-2785 or contact the firm online.