Making the decision to adopt a child in Georgia and bring a new child into a family can be an exciting time in a couple’s lives. While it’s an exciting time, it can also be a stressful time. There are many steps to be completed in the adoption process before a family can bring their new child home.

Among the steps that must be taken are extensive background checks, financial checks and home visits. Each of these can take time and add stress to an already stressful situation. Once a family passes the required background checks and home visits, the wait for a child begins. But for people in Georgia, one of these waiting periods just got shorter.

When a birth parent gives up his or her child for adoption, there is a waiting period during which the birth parent can change his or her mind and reclaim custody of the child. A new law that was recently passed reduces that waiting period from ten days to four. The lawmakers who passed this bill believe it will increase the number of adoptions in the state. Other states already have four-day waiting periods.

The decision to adopt a child should not be taken lightly. A family in Georgia considering adoption may benefit from speaking with a lawyer experienced with the process and applicable laws. A knowledgeable family law attorney can help a family navigate the adoption process and answer the many questions they may have. An experienced attorney will do his or her best to facilitate the adoption process and make a couple’s wish to adopt a reality.