Without much of an option, the state of Georgia, the nation and world has been forced to slow down as a result of the pandemic, known as COVID-19. Our new reality has us exercising social distancing, and stocking up on food and household supplies. Also, many parents are now participating with home schooling their children, as a result of school closures.
As we are receiving updates from television and social media regarding the corona virus, many remain very concerned and focused on their family's needs and safety. The most natural step is to just slow down and put life on a pause until the corona virus pandemic passes. However, if you have a blended family, or are raising a child within your home that is not your biological child, I challenge you to not pause your adoption.
It’s important that you continue moving forward with your adoption process. Now is the time to protect and secure your family via adoption. If you are a blended family or a relative caring for a child, there are many reasons that you should press through COVID-19 now more than ever. Below are a few important reasons to move forward with your adoption now:
Reasons To Move Forward With A Stepparent Adoption:
A stepparent adoption provides security and support for your blended family;
If the custodial parent should die, become ill or incapacitated, or even divorce, a stepparent that has not adopted their stepchild would have no legal rights to the child; and
If the stepparent does not have legal rights to the child, in the event that something happens to the custodial parent, the child could be removed from the home and placed with a relative that perhaps the child doesn’t even know.
Reasons To Move Forward With A Relative Adoption:
A Relative adoption provides a permanent home with a relative for the child;
It prevents the child from being placed into foster care;
It allows the adopting relative to provide financial benefits, as well as, health insurance for the child; and
It allows the adopting relative to enroll the child in school and make medical decisions for the child.
Overall, permanency and security for a child is irreplaceable.
For more questions, contact attorney Christina E. Campbell, who has the experience and training to help you navigate the adoption process at (404) 981-5257.