For many foster parents, the moment they realize they want to adopt their foster child is life-changing. Adoption offers the opportunity to provide a permanent, loving home—and it also involves a legal process that must be handled carefully.
At Stephen H. Hagler LLC in Augusta, GA, we guide foster parents through every step, ensuring your adoption is completed smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with Georgia law.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility to Adopt
In Georgia, foster parents must meet certain requirements to be eligible to adopt, including:
- Being at least 21 years old.
- Being financially stable.
- Having completed foster parent training through the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS).
- Having the child placed in your home for a set period, typically at least six months, before adoption finalization.
If you meet these requirements, you can move forward with the legal process.
Step 2: Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Before adoption can proceed, the biological parents’ legal rights must be terminated. This may happen voluntarily—if the birth parents consent—or involuntarily, if the court determines it is in the child’s best interest due to neglect, abuse, or other qualifying reasons.
In many foster-to-adopt cases, TPR has already been addressed by DFCS. However, if it has not, our firm can represent you in these proceedings.
Step 3: File an Adoption Petition
Once parental rights are terminated, you can file a formal adoption petition with the court in your county—Richmond County, Columbia County, or surrounding areas in the Augusta region. This petition includes background information about you, your foster child, and your relationship.
Our team ensures your petition is complete and filed correctly, preventing costly delays.
Step 4: Home Evaluation and Post-Placement Reports
Although you’ve already been approved as a foster parent, Georgia law may require an updated home evaluation and post-placement supervision reports. These help confirm that your home environment remains stable and supportive for the child.
Step 5: Court Hearing and Finalization
The final step is the adoption hearing. A judge will review your case, ask questions, and—if everything is in order—issue an adoption decree, making your child a permanent and legal member of your family. This is often a joyful, emotional day for everyone involved.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Adoption is a deeply personal process, but it is also a legal one with strict requirements. Even in straightforward foster-to-adopt cases, missing paperwork, misfiled petitions, or procedural errors can cause delays.
At Stephen H. Hagler LLC, we have over 30 years of experience handling adoptions in Georgia. We work closely with foster parents to:
- Ensure all legal documents are accurate and complete.
- Represent you in court proceedings.
- Coordinate with DFCS and other agencies.
- Address any unexpected legal challenges.
Foster-to-Adopt Statistics in Georgia
According to the Georgia DFCS, there are more than 11,000 children in foster care statewide, and hundreds are adopted each year by their foster families. Many of these adoptions are completed within 6–12 months after TPR, but timelines vary depending on case complexity.
Start Your Adoption Journey Today
If you are ready to adopt your foster child in Augusta, GA or surrounding counties, Stephen H. Hagler LLC can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first legal step toward making your family complete.
Posted on behalf of Stephen H. Hagler, LLC