Adoption — the social and legal process that builds a family — gives nearly 4,000 children a year the same rights and benefits as those born into a family in Georgia. If adoption is one of your family’s goals in 2015, Cauthorn Nohr & Owen’s attorneys can help you navigate state laws that govern this process. Here are some realities:

• The birth mother: The birth mother can start the adoption process at any point during or after her pregnancy. It is generally best that she begin this process with a counselor. The birth mother is often encouraged to choose the adoptive parents. A child cannot be placed for adoption without the voluntary or involuntary termination of parental rights.

• Adoptive parents: Adults must meet many requirements to be considered an adoptive parent. For instance, you must be at least 10 years older than the child you are adopting. You must pass a criminal background check, home safety checks, as well as a medical examination. There is also an extensive interview process.

• Communication: Adoptive parents will often receive information regarding the circumstances of the birth parent prior to adoption. As with any other parent, the adoptive parents have the right to control who communicates with the child after the adoption is completed.

Creating a family through adoption is a wonderful milestone — and a complicated one. Following the letter of the law can help ensure a happy new start for all involved.

CNO attorneys Tom Cauthorn, Lisa Owen, Bettina Davies, and Marijane Cauthorn have more than 70 years of experience with divorce and family law. Call 770-528-0150 to learn how our team can help.