The most common form of adoption is stepparent adoptions, but we consider each of our clients and their families to be unique, so we treat every family individually.
DeKalb County Child Adoption Attorney Fred Cavalli Is Also a Parent Who Understands Your Family's Needs
In 1985, Mr. Cavalli moved his family to Decatur where he established the law office of Fred L. Cavalli and began resolving a wide range of disputes involving complicated and contentious cases including stepparent adoptions.
In Georgia, a child can be adopted by a stepparent, regardless of whether the child's other parent is still living. To the parents who are struggling with an ex-spouse regarding the adoption of their child, it can be a great relief to know that this is possible, but there are specific steps that must be taken and different requirements for each situation.
According to state law:
- If the child has only one legal parent still living, the child may be adopted by the spouse of his/her living parent only if that parent consents in writing to the adoption.
- If both of the child's legal parents are living but not married to each other, the child may be adopted by the spouse of either parent only if the other parent voluntarily surrenders his or her parental rights in writing and the other parent consents in writing to the adoption.
- Consent will not be required if a parent has abandoned the child, cannot be found after diligent search, or is determined to be insane.
Regardless of the situation, a child 14 years of age or older must consent in writing to his or her adoption.
Termination of Parental Rights
If the child's parent refuses to surrender his or her rights, the court will hold a hearing to determine whether the adoption is in the best interests of the child. We have successfully resolved many of these cases, and our lawyer has the experience and knowledge of the process that is crucial to creating a positive outcome for your family.
Please contact us to arrange a free and confidential meeting with Decatur stepparent adoption attorney Fred Cavalli so you can learn about your legal rights and your options. You are under no obligation to hire our law firm.
