Johns Creek Family Lawyer
Family law is a broad topic that covers many legal issues you and your loved ones or household members may encounter. Our family lawyers can help with everything from questions about adoption to annulling or dissolving a marriage.
If you have a legal problem related to marriage or family issues in Georgia, give our experienced team of professional attorneys a call. Every Johns Creek family lawyer at our firm understands that your problems are unique and require a specialized solution. Together, we can assess your options and work toward the resolution that is right for you.
Georgia Adoption Laws
One common source of family law issues is adoption. To adopt a child in Georgia, a prospective parent must fulfill all the following criteria, according to the Official Code of Georgia §19-8-3:
- They are least 25 years old or married and living with their spouse
- They are at least 10 years older than the child to be adopted
- They were a Georgia resident for at least the previous six months
- They are financially, physically, and mentally able to care for the child
Additionally, if an individual is married, they must file for adoption in their own name as well as the name of their spouse.
Generally, an adoptive parent must file an adoption petition in the county in which they live, per O.C.G.A. §19-8-2. However, in certain instances, an individual may file the petition in the county where the child resides or where the adoption agency is located. A Johns Creek family law attorney can provide prospective adoptive parents with information and advice on how to file an adoption petition and handle other adoption-related matters.
Other Legal Issues and Considerations for Families in Johns Creek
In both adoption and other family law matters, individuals often have to file legal paperwork or other court submissions. This paperwork may come in the form of petitions, complaints in civil matters, affidavits, or other verified statements.
For example, local courts generally require individuals to file a divorce petition to begin the divorce process. In other situations, someone may need to file a formal complaint against a family member that includes an affidavit or another type of sworn statement regarding the facts of the case. The detailed and often complex rules regarding the content and timing of family court filings can mean that any person attempting to undergo these processes alone may have their work cut out for them.
Court Hearings
After the initial filing of a family law case, the court usually schedules some kind of hearing to ascertain the facts of the case and possibly make a decision on one or more aspects thereof. For example, in child custody matters, courts often conduct one or more hearings to determine what custody arrangement is best for the child.
Legal representation in such hearings may be essential to avoid waiving one’s rights. A family lawyer in Johns Creek can help ensure that you exercise all your rights and are well-prepared for any court hearings.
Let a Johns Creek Family Law Attorney Help
Many individuals have to deal with family problems at some point in their lives. Sometimes, these problems have legal implications and may require the services of a qualified family law attorney. If you have any kind of legal troubles in Georgia involving your loved ones or roommates, a Johns Creek family lawyer from our firm is standing by to help you.
Our dedicated legal team can review your situation and work with you to come up with a solution that fits your needs. We can also conduct any research or other investigations needed to present you with good legal options. Call today to get started on your case.
