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Georgia Adoption Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Need a pro bono lawyer to represent me be on my side with a guardianship case. Plus visitation. 706 716 4208

Ex got guardianship I'm the mom trying to fight for justice to be apart of her life an get guardianship visitation.

Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Nov 1, 2020

If you are unable to afford an attorney, your local legal aid office may be able to assist you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Georgia on
Q: Is a birth plan a legal document?
Homer P Jordan IV
Homer P Jordan IV
answered on Sep 4, 2020

In most cases they are not legal documents, they merely lay out the guidelines or plans that someone intends to follow. If you would like to make a birth plan a legal document, it would be a good idea to have an attorney help with drafting it. -Homer P. Jordan IV, Esq. 404-620-1558

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Georgia on
Q: I am 16 in two months. Will I have to wait until 16 to file for emancipation, or can I file now and be approved later?

From everything I researched the process can take 4-6 months, and I need to be out of their guardianship asap. I haven't been staying with them for the past 2 weeks, and I've been kicked out twice. I have lots of witnesses of physical abuse, and I can prove I'm mentally, financially,... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Sep 4, 2020

You do not have to wait to file the Petition for Emancipation. It may be best to contact an attorney who can assist you with the specifics of your case.

We wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, LLC. (770) 240-0922.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Georgia on
Q: Hello I'm trying to get my daughter's last name changed to my husband's last name

My daughter has my last name her biological father never signed the birth certificate however we did go to court for child support and for him to have visitation rights, with him not signing the birth certificate would I need his permission to have her name hyphenated? (She'll be 11 this year)

V. Joy Edwards
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answered on Sep 2, 2020

Yes

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law, Animal / Dog Law and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: In the state of Georgia, if someone gifts you a pet (cat), when/how does it become legally yours? Gifter wants it back

Given a cat for Christmas almost 4 years ago cat was adopted in GA but person who adopted her from the shelter was an Alabama resident. He adopted her (official papers) and unofficially gave her to me as a Christmas gift, Times have changed and he wants the cat back. I have receipts where I’ve... View More

Homer P Jordan IV
Homer P Jordan IV
answered on Aug 26, 2020

Going off of the facts that you have provided, it sounds as though the cat is yours. I would recommend holding on to the receipts for care that you mention, just in case he wanted to take this to court to try and get the cat back. -Homer P. Jordan IV, Esq. 404-620-1558

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Adoption and Appeals / Appellate Law for Georgia on
Q: My ceillling is leaking sewer water an the hotel want move me or fix issues its making me ill my asthma is awful
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 18, 2020

A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. This is not an appellate law matter; it is a health matter that needs timely attention. Have them move you or repair the problem if those are the immediately available options. You could sort other issues out after... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: I am 16 and have decided I want to live with my god grandmother. How can she could get custody of me? My aunt has it now

My aunt doesn’t want to let me leave at the moment. However, leaving with my god grandmother will personally be better for me in terms of happiness and my mental health along with my emotional health. According to my mother my aunt has temporary custody as well. My god grandmother is willing to... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Aug 7, 2020

There will have to be a modification in custody, and this is filed in court. It is unclear if your aunt has legal, temporary custody of you or if she was given temporary custody with your mother’s permission. For these reasons, it is best to contact an attorney who can assist you with the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: My ex husband stole my dogs out of spite and gave them to an animal shelter and they already adopted them out before

I had the chance to reclaim them do they legally have to give me my dogs back or give me the names of the people who adopted them

Kristina M. Bergsten
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 22, 2020

I’m sorry for your loss! That is absolutely abhorrent what your ex did.

In Colorado, once a shelter has a dog for 5 days and the dog goes unclaimed during that period, the shelter legally owns the dog. That’s set out my Colorado regulation. You might want to check if that is also the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Child Support for Georgia on
Q: My sister is moving out of state in few days. She has a 16 yr. Old who is living with me but I don't have custody.

My niece been living with me for 3mo. Her mom just told us she now is moving 5 states away in 2 days. But her 16 yr. Old isn't going with her. What will happen?

Can I sign for her Drs. And school stuff?

Will they get her mom for abandonment?

Regina Irene Edwards
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answered on Jul 10, 2020

Your sister and the child's father need to sign guardianship or custody paperwork with you.

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: My brother has two kids that were adopted when they were around 10 to12 years old. By their stepfather and their mother.

He went into the hospital. Got sick and they called on the phone and told them they were the biological children. He wanted me to be over his medical.The hospital said they have authority of him. That what he wants is irrelevant. Is this true .he has a trach, is on vent,and they are transferring... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Jul 2, 2020

It is unfortunate to hear about your brother’s illness. The answer to your question depends on whether his rights as a parent were terminated and the children were officially (legally) adopted by the stepfather. It is best to contact an attorney who can assist you with the specifics of your... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: How to start on a step parent adoption

Hello, my husband would like to adopt my son. We’ve been together 4 years and my son’s biological father had his parental rights terminated in 2014. Do we need to hire a lawyer or is it possible to file the paperwork with the court ourselves?

Thank you!

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Jun 3, 2020

It is possible to file the paperwork yourselves, but that is not advisable. There are a number of procedures that you will need to be familiar with in order to efficiently complete your step-parent adoption. I highly recommend that you hire an attorney to complete this for you.

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Adoption and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: I got married April 2017 we've been separated since June 2017, we have two minor children together, i have no idea wher

I have no idea where he is, I know he's in the same county and state as me, as far as I know he's been in the streets, I don't want anything but a divorce and sole custody of our kids

Robbie Levin
Robbie Levin
answered on May 15, 2020

Shouldn’t be a problem. He can be served by publication if necessary.

For more information visit my website at www.LevinLawyerGa.com

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: I’d like to find a “pro-family” adoption lawyer, if there’s such a thing. How can I go about finding one?

The mother of my child and I would like to speak with an attorney regarding an adoption we went through with. We placed our daughter for adoption in January 2019 in what was supposed to be an open adoption.

Homer P Jordan IV
Homer P Jordan IV
answered on Apr 20, 2020

There are numerous attorneys that can help you with your case. You should call around to a few to find one that suits your needs and preferences. -Homer P. Jordan IV, Esq. 404-620-1558

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Adoption for Georgia on
Q: Dcfs got involved in my life with my child's birth...if i was to let my mother legally adopt her will my case close...
Ellaretha Coleman
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Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Mar 20, 2020

Possibly. However, if there is a dependency case, any placement will need to be approved by the juvenile court.

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3 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: i'm 16, and i'm adopted. I was placed on abeyance kind of like probation!! Can i go live with my birth mother?
Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Mar 10, 2020

No you cannot. You must live with your legal parent/guardian.

I wish you well.

-The Upshaw Law Firm, (770) 240-0922.

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: What can you do about coercive adoptive parents? Things didn’t turn out how they promised.

If a married couple adopts a child; promising the birth mother that she will be involved in her child’s life, and afterwards not following through or even wanting a relationship with the birth mother is that coercion? What can she do legally?

Homer P Jordan IV
Homer P Jordan IV
answered on Feb 6, 2020

This really comes down to the facts of your specific case. You should consult with an attorney who can review those facts in detail and present you with options. -Homer P. Jordan IV, Esq. 404-620-1558

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: What can you do about coercive adoptive parents? Things didn’t turn out how they promised.

If a married couple adopts a child; promising the birth mother that she will be involved in her child’s life, and afterwards not following through or even wanting a relationship with the birth mother is that coercion? What can she do legally?

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Feb 6, 2020

Whether you have any grounds to overturn the adoption would depend on the specifics facts of your case. There is not enough information in your inquiry to determine that. I suggest you speak to a family law firm to determine your options.

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: What can I do about my son being taken from babysitter s house while I was at work and someone giving him away

My name was forged in paperwork signing my rights away of my child to a complete stranger hours away. He has since been adopted and idk what to do or how I can get my baby back. This has been going on for 2 years almost and I reached out to several law enforcement agencies to try and find my baby... View More

Priscilla T. Upshaw
Priscilla T. Upshaw
answered on Feb 3, 2020

The circumstances of your case are unfortunate, it is best to contact an attorney who can assist you with the specifics of your case and provide you with a tailored response and representation.

We are glad to assist you. Contact us whenever you are ready.

I wish you well....
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3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for Georgia on
Q: If i have a dfacs case in they gave me a plan to work in i didn't.than i finally wanted to work my plan. In they are try

To get my kids adopted how can I prevent that.

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Jan 22, 2020

You need to first begin working the plan and attempt to get as much done in the case plan as soon as possible. You also need to immediately contact an attorney to discuss your options for fighting the termination of your parental rights. This is a serious matter and should be treated as such. Once... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: What would be the process of grandparents getting custody of teenage grandchildren if the mother fights it?

Father is dead, and they want to be with his parents. Mother is abusive emotionally/mentally and in the past physically. DFCS was called a few years ago, but she got off with a warning. They are 17 and 15, both girls. The oldest turns 18 in May. I understand that the first thing would be to prove... View More

Ellaretha Coleman
PREMIUM
Ellaretha Coleman
answered on Jan 12, 2020

There are a number of avenues that you can take to pursue custody. Two of which are a private dependency action or a third party custody action. You should contact a family law firm to discuss which avenue would be best for your specific circumstances.

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