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What Fees & Costs Can I Expect in My Georgia Adoption?Written by: Sherry Virginia Neal Reputation Level 10
Posted over 2 years ago. Applies to Georgia, 1 helpful vote, 0 comments
1
Attorney's feesNeal & Wright LLC charges $220 per hour for work by its attorneys or a flat fee. Such fees or similar are not unusual. 2
Court filing feesFiling fees in Georgia Superior Courts are usually around $90. 3
Home investigation feesAdoptive parents using a private or state agency will complete a thorough home study with the agency and will pay the agency directly for this service. The cost varies from agency to agency. In independent, stepparent, and relative adoptions, the home investigation cost is usually $250 to $500 but may be more. 4
Criminal background check feeWith limited exceptions, adoptive parents are required to undergo criminal background checks. This may be part of the agency home investigation process. GCIC charges approximately $52 per person for electronic processing through the GAPS system. 5
Costs to support the biological motherAdoptive parents using a private agency may pay some expenses to assist the biological mother, and these expenses vary. In independent adoptions adoptive parents may pay or reimburse only the medical expenses directly related to the mother's pregnancy and hospitalization for the birth of the child and medical care for the child. 6
Travel & lodging costsAdoption may involve travel, especially when the child is from another state or country. These expenses vary widely from adoption to adoption. 7
Costs related to service & noticeIf the state, a private agency, or an attorney does not obtain surrenders from the biological parents, costs for service and notice may include sheriff’s service fees, statutory overnight delivery fees, publication costs, and Putative Father Registry search fees. The cost for sheriff’s service varies, but is usually around $30 to $100. Statutory overnight delivery (for example, certified mail or Federal Express) costs may run from $5 to $50 depending on delivery location and how quickly the package must be delivered. Publication in the Atlanta metro area usually costs $90. Outside of the Atlanta metro area, publication costs vary greatly. The Georgia Putative Father Registry search is $10. 8
Cost for issuance of a new birth certificateThe fee for the Certificate of Adoption in Georgia is $25. This covers the first copy of the new birth certificate. Additional copies are $5 each if ordered when the adoption is final. Fees vary from state-to-state. Related Questions4 Attorney answers: 
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