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Sherry Virginia Neal's Answers
- 88 Legal Answers
- 2 Legal Guides
3
Attorney answers:
Can I contact my biological family from a closed adoption?
Georgia has several great resources for you. The most relevant is the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry. You do not mention whether your adoption was finalized here in Georgia. If you were adopted in Georgia, the Registry can provide you with any non-identifying information available, which could contain the genetic/ancestral information that you are seeking, although it sounds like you may already have the non-identifying information that would be available. If that information is not...
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4
Attorney answers:
Can I adopt my adult step-child in GA?
Absolutely! Georgia permits adult adoption. Logistically, adult adoption is more simple than adoption of a minor because adult adoption requires the consent of the adoptive parent and the adoptee but not of the biological parent. If you would like to discuss the process in detail, I would be happy to chat with you. I regularly handle this type of case, and I offer free consultations to potential adoption clients. You can find a list of other experienced adoption attorneys on the...
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3
Attorney answers:
My wife and I are interested in adopting a 17 year old female that we have known for about a year. What is the process?
The process for an adoption in your case will depend, in part, on how old the young woman is when you file the adoption as well as on the specific circumstances in your case. If she is still 17, the process will include obtaining surrenders from her parents, if they remain willing to consent. Contrary to the information provided by the attorney who is not licensed in this state, it is not necessary to file a petition for termination of rights in such circumstances. If the parents change...
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5
Attorney answers:
Is notice by publication to a biological father (not listed on birth certificate, address unknown) a proper route?
I agree with the answers provided with regard to the need to consult with an attorney to make sure that this case is handled appropriately. Notice must be done properly with the correct language over the proper period of time and in all the correct publications (yes, that may be more than one. I will note, though, that a court order is not required for publication in an adoption matter.) In addition, just because the father's name is not on the birth certificate does not necessarily mean...
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4
Attorney answers:
Adopting our 8 month old grandchild with mothers consent, father unknown
It is difficult to provide an accurate answer to your question without far more detailed information, and I recommend that you consult with an attorney to make sure everything is handled correctly. Adoption is not generally a matter where it is appropriate (or easy) for people to represent themselves. As an initial matter, you need to be certain that you are using the correct surrender form and all of the required accompanying forms. Georgia has several versions of the surrender tailored...
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5
Attorney answers:
Do i need permission from the father for a step parent adoption with a child born out of wedlock in Ga ?
In Georgia, stepparent adoptions do require either that the birth father's rights be voluntarily surrendered or terminated by the court, regardless of whether his name is on the birth certificate. That said, the proper process must be followed exactly to be certain that the birth father's rights are appropriately addressed and that the adoption is secure. In many cases, this means that notice must be provided by publication when the biological father cannot be found. I recommend that you...
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5
Attorney answers:
What is my next step for my husband to adopt my son?
The next step is to talk with an attorney who has experience handling stepparent adoptions. I encourage you to meet with an attorney to review your options and the process for accomplishing your goals. Adoptions are matters that must be done properly in order to terminate biological parent rights and establish rights of the adoptive parent with the child. There are specific rules for how an adoption must be done, and it can be difficult for someone to follow all the rules correctly without...
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3
Attorney answers:
My grandson is 22 and wants my husband and I to adopt him.
Unfortunately, I think you will find it difficult to locate reliable forms. Because adoption matters are so case-specific, I don't know any adoption attorneys who share their forms online or in other public forums. Your best bet is to hire an attorney with experience handling this type of matter. The cost may be less than you anticipate, and you will have a solid legal document when all is said and done. I regularly handle this type of matter and offer free initial consultations to...
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6
Attorney answers:
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My fiance and i are getting married this sat, January 14th 2012, and i would like to know what to do to have him adopt my son?
Congratulations on your wedding. The first step is definitely to consult with an experienced adoption attorney. In Georgia, stepparent adoptions require the consent of the birth father or termination of the birth father's rights by the court. The ease with which you can obtain termination of rights if the birth father will not consent depends on the exact facts of each case, including factors such as the birth father's contact with the child and payment of support for the child. There...
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4
Attorney answers:
How do I go about adopting this child in my custody?
I know this must be an exciting time for your family. It is important to make sure that everything is done properly to ensure the long-term success of your adoptive placement. As a result, in this type of adoption, it is essential to have a lawyer to make certain that all the legal requirements for adoption are met. Because this would be an independent adoption, you will need to complete a home study. Ideally, this should have been done pre-placement, but there is a procedure for...
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