Adoptions
Adoption can be a complex legal process; while our office is unable to provide legal advice, or discuss these sensitive sealed cases, our mission is to accurately keep the records for the court. It’s our honor to assist with the finalization of adoptions.
Clerk of Superior Court
Adoptions Division
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Fees
We accept cash, money orders, attorney's checks (with business name and bar#) and in some cases, business checks made payable to the Clerk of Superior Court.
| Adoption Filing: | $215.00 |
| Sheriff Service Fee: | $50.00 |
| Total: | $265.00 |
| Certificate of Adoption Form 3927: | $45.00 |
Note: The Certificate of Adoption Form 3927 is to Change the Birth Certificate. The Check or money order must be made payable to Georgia Vital Records.
I am interested in adopting a child can you tell me where to start?
You can contact your local Department of Family and Child Services or call the adoption hotline 1-877-210-KIDS. There are also private agencies; however, the Clerk of Court cannot recommend one.
I am remarried, and I would like my spouse to adopt my biological child. What do I need to know?
Adoptions are an involved legal process which may require the assistance of an attorney. The Clerk of Court is unable to provide fill-in-the-blank forms for filing. You will file your petition in the county where you reside.
I have adopted a child overseas and need to domesticate the decree in Georgia; what do I do?
You will file the petition to domesticate your foreign decree in the county where you currently reside. The Clerk of Court is unable to provide fill-in-the-blank forms for filing.
How many copies of the petition or subsequent pleadings are needed?
Please provide an original and one conformed copy to be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court, O.C.G.A 19-8-13(a). It is recommended you provide one more additional copy, for a total of one original and two copies, to be filed and returned for your records. When the petition or subsequent pleadings are filed, they are sealed records of the court and copies cannot be obtained after filed, without a court order.
How much does it cost for a legal advertisement?
If your case requires a legal advertising, you will need to make a check payable to Gwinnett Daily Post. Effective January 1, 2024, the Publisher's fees have increased as below. An addtional $25.00 fee is to be added for the Publisher's affidavit.
| Publication | Legal Ads | With Affidavit |
| 3 Weeks | $135.00 | $160.00 |
| 4 Weeks | $180.00 | $205.00 |
Can you refer an attorney?
No, please refer to your local bar association.
I do not want to retain an attorney; do I have other options?
If you choose to represent yourself as a pro se party, you will have the same responsibilities as an attorney. You would have to research, prepare, and file your paperwork correctly with the Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court cannot assist in preparing the paperwork and we are unable to provide fill-in-the-blank forms.
I need to have my documents notarized. Does the Clerk of Court have a notary?
No, your forms must be notarized prior to filing with the Clerk of Court.
Will I receive a court date at the time of filing my petition?
No, after the Judge’s office reviews your petition, you will receive your court date through the mail. Typically, but not in all circumstances, an adoption hearing is scheduled within 120 days of filing the petition (19-8-14(a)). If you need a court date sooner, a written request is required.
How long does it take to finalize my adoption?
Typically, but not in all circumstances, an adoption hearing is scheduled within 120 days of filing the petition (19-8-14(a)). If you need a court date sooner, a written request is required.
I am over 18, may I get a copy of my adoption record?
No, adoptions are sealed records. You may obtain a certificate of adoption (OCGA 19-8-20(b)). This certificate does not provide your name before the adoption or biological parents’ names. To obtain this certificate, you are required to provide Identification and the adoption case number. If a copy of the entire record is needed, a petition must be filed, under seal, for the Judge to review. You may also contact the State Adoption Unit by filing a written request to:
State Adoption Unit
Department of Human Services
2 Peachtree St NW 19th Floor
Atlanta GA 30303
Who can obtain a copy of the final order?
In Gwinnett County, a standing order allows the release of a copy of the final order only, to adoptive parents with Identification. If other documents are needed, a petition must be filed, under seal, for the Judge’s review.
I am adopted and want to find out about my birth parents; where do I start?
You can contact the Georgia Adoption Union Registry
678-824-7408
https://www.ga-adoptionreunion.com/
I am the biological parent of an adopted child. I would like information about the child; what do I do?
You can contact the State Adoption Unit with the Department of Human Services.