§ 19-8-14. Timing of Adoption Hearing; Record Retention; Clerk’s Duties
It is the policy of this state that, in the best interests of the child, uncontested adoption petitions shall be heard as soon as possible but not later than 120 days after the date of filing, unless the petitioner has failed to arrange for the court to receive the report required by Code Section 19-8-16 […]
§ 19-8-15. Objections to Petition for Adoption
As used in this Code section, the term “family member” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 19-7-3. If a legal mother and biological father, whether he was a legal father or not, of the child who is the subject of the proceeding are both deceased, regardless of whether either individual […]
§ 19-8-16. Investigation by Court-Appointed Agent; Criminal History Records Check for Adoption Petitioners
Prior to the date set by the court for a hearing on the petition for adoption, it shall be the duty of the agent appointed by the court to verify the allegations in the petition for adoption, to make a complete and thorough investigation of the entire matter, including any specific issue the court requests […]
§ 19-8-17. Report and Findings of Investigating Agent; Dismissal of Petition; Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem
The report and findings of the investigating agent appointed by the court pursuant to Code Section 19-8-16 shall include, among other things, the following: Verification of allegations contained in the petition for adoption; Circumstances under which the child came to be placed for adoption; Whether each prospective adoptive parent is financially, physically, and mentally able […]
§ 19-8-18. Hearing; District Attorney to Be Directed to Review Inducement Violations; Decree of Adoption; Factors Considered in Determining Best Interests of Child; Disposition of Child on Denial of Petition
Upon the date appointed by the court for a hearing of the petition for adoption or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached for a hearing, the court shall proceed to a full hearing on such petition and the examination of the parties at interest in chambers, under oath, with the right of […]
§ 19-8-19. Effect of Decree of Adoption
A decree of adoption, whether issued by a court of this state or by a court of any other jurisdiction, shall have the following effect as to matters within the jurisdiction of or before a court in this state: Except with respect to a spouse of the petitioner and relatives of the spouse, a decree […]
§ 19-8-20. Forwarding of Decree, Report, and Subsequent Orders to Department; Issuance of Adoption Certificate; Use as Evidence
Upon the entry of the decree of adoption, the clerk of the court granting the same shall forward a copy of the decree, together with the original of the investigation report and background information filed with the court, to the department. If there is any subsequent order or revocation of the adoption, a copy of […]
§ 19-8-21. Adoption of Adult Individuals; Applicability of Code Sections 19-8-19 and 19-8-20
Adult individuals may be adopted on giving written consent to the adoption. In such cases, adoption shall be by a petition duly verified and filed, together with one conformed copy, in the superior court in the county in which any petitioner or the adult to be adopted resides, setting forth the name, age, and residence […]
§ 19-8-22. Recognition and Effect of Order by Court or Administrative Body Within or Outside United States
A decree of a court or an administrative proceeding terminating the relationship of parent and child, establishing the relationship of guardian and ward, or establishing the relationship of parent and child by adoption, issued pursuant to due process of law by a court or administrative body of any other jurisdiction within or outside the United […]
§ 19-8-23. Where Records of Adoption Kept; Examination by Parties and Attorneys; Use of Information by Agency and Department
The original petition for adoption, all amendments, attachments, and exhibits thereto, all motions, documents, affidavits, records, and testimony filed in connection therewith, and all decrees or orders of any kind whatsoever, except the original investigation report and background information referred to in Code Section 19-8-20, shall be recorded in a book kept for such purpose […]