Adopting a child in Georgia grants adoptive parents several legal rights, similar to those of biological parents. If you’re considering adoption in Georgia, you need to understand these rights.
Parental rights after adoption
Once you legally adopt a child in Georgia, you assume all the responsibilities and rights of a parent. These include making decisions about your child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. You also gain the right to provide consent for your child’s participation in activities like extracurriculars and sports. If your child needs medical treatment, you can give consent, and any necessary legal documents will be in your name.
Relationship with biological parents
In Georgia, the adoption process severs the relationship between the child and their biological parents. Biological parents no longer have legal rights or responsibilities concerning the child. If the biological parents previously had visitation or custody, these rights end upon finalization of the adoption. However, adoptive parents may allow ongoing contact or visitation with the biological family if it benefits the child, though the law does not require it.
Inheritance and legal recognition
After adoption, a child inherits from their adoptive parents just like a biological child would. This includes rights to assets, property, and benefits. Adoption is legally recognized in Georgia and across the United States, ensuring that the child is treated as a full and legal member of the adoptive family. They can also change their surname to match that of their adoptive parents.
Adoptive parents in Georgia enjoy full rights to raise, care for, and make decisions for their children without interference from birth parents. Understanding these rights provides peace of mind as you move forward with adoption.