How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in Georgia?

You deserve honest answers—and a clear path—to becoming a parent. When you work with a trusted, licensed adoption agency like us, the average adoption timeline is around average of 12 months. That means in just one year, you could be holding your baby in your arms.

But how long the adoption process takes in Georgia depends on the choices you make. From your preferences to the professional you work with, every step can move you closer—or further—from your goal of becoming a parent.

In this article, you’ll learn what determines how long adoption takes, what a typical timeline looks like, and how you can speed up the process by working with the right agency.

How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in Georgia?

The average wait time for domestic infant adoption when working with us is approximately average of 12 months. Here’s what that journey typically looks like:

Step 1: Complete Your Home Study (1–3 Months)

The adoption home study is the first official step—and often the most time-consuming. Completing this early can make a huge difference in your adoption timeline.

Step 2: Create Your Adoptive Family Profile (1 Month)

This is how expectant mothers learn about your family. We’ll help you create a compelling profile with photos, videos, and a letter.

Step 3: Wait for a Match (12 Months on Average)

The average wait time for adoption varies depending on your preferences and flexibility. Some families are chosen within weeks; others may wait longer. National marketing and a larger pool of expectant mothers help reduce this wait.

Step 4: Placement and Finalization (1–6 Months)

Once a match is made and the baby is born, placement happens shortly after birth. Georgia law requires a waiting period before consent is finalized, and finalization happens in court.

How Does an Agency Impact the Adoption Timeline in Georgia?

The adoption agency you choose can dramatically influence how long your adoption takes. Here’s why:

The more an agency invests in marketing, the more visible your family will be to expectant mothers. Agencies with large advertising budgets can reach a wider audience through online ads, print campaigns, social media, and more. This leads to more opportunities—and often, shorter wait times.

Some agencies work with hundreds of waiting families at a time, which can make it harder for you to stand out. We maintain a 1:1 ratio, meaning we only accept as many adoptive families as we have active prospective birth mothers. That way, every family gets the visibility and opportunity they deserve.

Local agencies may only be licensed to operate within Georgia, limiting your exposure to a smaller pool of expectant mothers. A national agency with licensing in Georgia, like ours, can connect you with prospective birth mothers across the country—vastly increasing your chances of a quicker match. Choosing the right agency can be the difference between waiting months… or years.

How to Adopt a Newborn Baby Quickly in Georgia

If you’re asking how to adopt a newborn baby quickly in Georgia, here are three ways to shorten your wait:

Start Your Home Study Immediately: The sooner your home study is complete, the sooner you’re eligible for matching.
Be Flexible With Your Preferences: Race, gender, medical history, and birth parent contact can all influence your wait. More openness = more opportunities.
Work With a National, Full-Service Agency: Agencies with a national presence and full licensing in Georgia ensure you have more match opportunities and less waiting.

Get the Support You Deserve

You’ve waited long enough to grow your family. You deserve an adoption process that works—with honest timelines, financial protection, and real results.

Start your adoption journey today. Our experienced Georgia adoption specialists are ready to walk with you every step of the way.

Fill out our online contact form to speak with a local adoption professional.

How Long Does the Adoption Process Take in Georgia? [FAQ]

How long does it take to adopt a baby in Georgia?

It typically takes around 12 months to adopt a baby in Georgia when working with a licensed, full-service agency. Factors like your preferences, home study completion, and agency marketing can shorten or lengthen your wait.

What are the adoption rules in Georgia?

Georgia requires prospective adoptive parents to:

Be at least 25 years old (or married and living with their spouse)
Pass a background check
Complete a state-approved home study
Finalize the adoption through a Georgia court

How many children in Georgia are waiting to be adopted?

Hundreds of children in Georgia are currently waiting for adoptive families—especially older children and those in foster care. For families seeking domestic infant adoption, wait times depend on match preferences and professional support.

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