§ 19-8-3. (Effective September 1, 2018) Who may adopt a child; when petition must be filed in names of both spouses

GA Code § 19-8-3 (2018) (N/A)

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(a) Any individual may petition to adopt a child if he or she:

(1) Is at least 25 years of age or is married and living with his or her spouse, or is at least 21 years of age and is a relative of the child;

(2) Is at least ten years older than the child, except such ten-year requirement shall not apply when the petitioner is a stepparent or relative and the petition is filed pursuant to Code Section 19-8-6 or 19-8-7;

(3) Is a bona fide resident of this state at the filing of the petition for adoption or is a bona fide resident of the receiving state when the adoptee was born in this state and was placed in compliance with Chapter 4 of Title 39, relating to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; and

(4) Is financially, physically, and mentally able to have permanent custody of the child.

(b) If an individual seeking to adopt a child is married, the petition for adoption shall be filed in the name of both spouses; provided, however, that, when the child is or was the stepchild of the party seeking to adopt, such petition shall be filed by the stepparent alone.

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§ 19-8-2. (Effective September 1, 2018) Jurisdiction and venue of adoption proceedings

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§ 19-8-4. (Effective September 1, 2018) Adoption through the department, child-placing agency, or out-of-state licensed agency