What if the biological parent lives in Georgia but I live in another state?
GeorgiaYou file where YOU and the child live — not where the biological parent lives. If you live in another state but the biological parent is in Georgia, the adoption is filed in YOUR state, not Georgia.
However, if you and the child live in Georgia:
- You file in Georgia Superior Court
- The biological parent can be served anywhere — in Georgia or in another state
- The adoption follows Georgia law regardless of where the other parent lives
- 6 months residency required (O.C.G.A. § 19-8-3)
If the biological parent lives in Georgia and you live elsewhere:
- You file in YOUR state's court
- The biological parent is served at their Georgia address
- Georgia's laws do not govern — your state's laws do
- Contact us and we'll prepare documents for your state
Cross-state service of process:
- A sheriff or process server in Georgia can serve the biological parent
- If the parent is cooperative, they can sign consent and have it notarized in Georgia
- If the parent's location in Georgia is unknown, service by publication may be used
Cost: $349 regardless of which state | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss your multi-state situation.
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