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The process of adoption in Georgia, especially for adults, involves several important steps, one of which includes the completion and filing of the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form, officially known as Certificate of Adoption Form 3927 (Revised 02/2018). This crucial document serves as a formal request to the state to recognize the adoption legally. It is meticulously designed to gather comprehensive information before and after adoption, capturing details such as the child's name at birth, the date and place of birth, and the biological parents' information. Furthermore, the form collects data post-adoption, including the child's new name and the adoptive parents' names, ensuring that a new birth certificate can be prepared to reflect these changes, unless otherwise indicated. The form must be filled out by the petitioner, their attorney, or a representative from the child placing agency, and filed alongside the petition or decree. Upon granting the final order of adoption, the court clerk finalizes the certification section and forwards the certificate to the State Office of Vital Records in Atlanta, Georgia. This process not only involves a non-refundable search fee but also additional charges for processing and extra copies, if required. Strict guidelines dictate that certified copies of birth certificates post-adoption are only issued to individuals or entities with a direct and tangible interest in the adopted person's records.

Form Sample

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION  FORM 3927 (REVISED 02/2018)

NOTE: Sections 1 and 2 of this certificate are to be completed by the petitioner, attorney for the petitioner, or the child placing agency representative (as applicable) and filed along with the petition or decree. When the final order of adoption has been decreed, the clerk of court shall complete the certification information below in section 3. The clerk shall affix the seal of the court, sign the certification and forward this certificate to: The State Office of Vital Records, 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349.

At the State Office, birth records are available from January 1919 to present. A non-refundable vital record search fee has been established in accordance with GA Code Ann., 31-10 of the Official Code of Georgia in the amount of $25.00. This fee includes a certified copy, if the record is found on file. In addition to the search fee, there is a processing fee for each order. Each additional copy, purchased at the same time, is $5.00.

Example:

1 Processing Fee

$10.00

 

 

1 Search Fee

$25.00

 

 

+2 Additional Copies

$10.00

 

 

 

$45.00

 

If this request is being mailed, please forward this completed form with a U.S. Money Order or certified check for the correct amount made payable to the State Office of Vital Records. A valid copy of your Photo ID must accompany this request. Please do not send cash by mail.

GA Code Ann., 31-10-26 states that certified copies of birth certificates be issued only to registrants (i.e. the person whose birth certificate is being requested) or any applicant having a direct and tangible interest such as a parent, guardian, or legal representative.

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE ALL INFORMATION LEGIBLY AND CORRECTLY BELOW.

Section 1: BEFORE ADOPTION

STATE FILE NUMBER

FIRST NAME OF CHILD AT BIRTH

MIDDLE NAME OF CHILD

LAST NAME OF CHILD

 

 

 

 

SEX OF CHILD

DATE OF BIRTH (MONTH, DAY, & YEAR)

PLACE OF BIRTH (CITY, COUNTY, & STATE)

 

 

 

 

MOTHERS NAME AT BIRTH (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST)

 

FATHERS NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, & LAST)

 

 

 

 

Section 2: AFTER ADOPTION (INFORMATION FOR NEW BIRTH CERTIFICATE)

FIRST NAME OF CHILD

MIDDLE NAME OF CHILD

LAST NAME OF CHILD

 

 

 

CURRENT LEGAL NAME: FIRST NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1

MIDDLE NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1

LAST NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1

 

 

 

FULL NAME AT BIRTH: FIRST NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1

MIDDLE NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT/ 1

LAST NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1

 

 

 

CURRENT LEGAL NAME: FIRST NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2

MIDDLE NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2

LAST NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2

 

 

 

FULL NAME AT BIRTH: FIRST NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2

MIDDLE NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2

LAST NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2

 

 

 

Page 1 of 2

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADDRESS BELOW.

STATE OFFICE OF VITAL RECORDS1680 PHOENIX BLVD. SUITE 100, ATLANTA, GA 30349 PHONE 404.679.4702

 

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION  FORM 3927 (REVISED 02/2018)

 

 

 

MOTHER/PARENT 1 DATE OF BIRTH (MONTH, DAY, YEAR)

 

FATHER/PARENT 2 DATE OF BIRTH (MONTH, DAY, YEAR)

 

 

 

MOTHER/PARENT 1 PLACE OF BIRTH (CITY, COUNTY, STATE,OR COUNTRY)

 

FATHER/PARENT 2 PLACE OF BIRTH (CITY, COUNTY, STATE, OR COUNTRY)

 

 

 

MOTHER/PARENT 1 (PLEASE CHECK ONE)

 

FATHER/PARENT 2 (PLEASE CHECK ONE)

Adoptive Parent

 

Adoptive Parent

Natural Parent

 

Natural Parent

ADDRESS OF MOTHER/PARENT 1 AT TIME OF BIRTH (STREET, CITY, TOWN, STATE, & ZIP CODE)

CURRENT ADDRESS OF ADOPTIVE PARENTS (STREET, CITY, TOWN, STATE, & ZIP CODE)

PLEASE NOTE: A NEW BIRTH CERTIFICATE IN THE ADOPTED CHILD’S NEW NAME WHICH SHOWS THE ADOPTIVE PARENTS NAMES WILL BE PREPARED UNLESS THE BOX BELOW IS CHECKED.

Do not prepare a new certificate in the adopted child’s new name which shows the adoptive parents name.

SIGNATURE OF INFORMANT

TITLE OF INFORMANT

 

 

TYPE OR PRINT THE ATTORNEY’S NAME

TYPE OR PRINT THE ATTORNEY’S ADDRESS (STREET, CITY, STATE, & ZIP CODE)

 

 

Section 3: CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

DATE DECREE WAS ENTERED (MONTH, DAY, & YEAR)

COURT FILE NUMBER

COUNTY OF COURT

 

 

 

PLACE OF BIRTH AS INDICATED ON THE FINAL DECREE OF ADOPTION (CITY, COUNTY)

 

SIGNATURE OF CLERK

____________________________________________________________________________

I hereby certify that the final decree of adoption concerning the persons named above was entered in this court. Please place seal over signature.

Page 2 of 2

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO THE ADDRESS BELOW.

STATE OFFICE OF VITAL RECORDS1680 PHOENIX BLVD. SUITE 100, ATLANTA, GA 30349 PHONE 404.679.4702

File Overview

Fact Number Fact Detail
1 The Certificate of Adoption form should include pre- and post-adoption details about the child.
2 The form is utilized to amend the birth record of an adopted child at the State Office of Vital Records in Atlanta, Georgia.
3 A non-refundable search fee for the birth record, as per Georgia Code Ann., 31-10, is set at $25.00, with an additional processing fee.
4 Applicants must send a U.S. Money Order or certified check along with a valid copy of their Photo ID when mailing this request.
5 Certified copies of birth certificates are issued strictly to registrants or applicants with a direct and tangible interest, in accordance with GA Code Ann., 31-10-26.
6 Information required includes both pre-adoption and post-adoption names and particulars of the child and adoptive parents.
7 The final adoption decree details and certification by the clerk of court are necessary components of the form completion.

Guide to Using Georgia Adult Adoption Petition

After deciding to take the heartfelt step of adopting an adult in Georgia, one essential piece of paperwork is the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form, also known as Form 3927. This form serves as a formal request to alter the official records to reflect the adoption. It is also crucial in updating the adult adoptee's birth certificate to show the name(s) of the new parent(s) and, if chosen, to change the adoptee's name. Once filled out correctly, the form should be filed with the relevant court and forwarded to the State Office of Vital Records. Here’s a straightforward guide to filling it out:

  1. Before filling out the form, gather all necessary information about the adoptee's original birth details and the details post-adoption.
  2. In Section 1, input the adoptee’s details before the adoption:
    • State file number (if known)
    • First, middle, and last name of the child at birth
    • Sex of the child
    • Date of birth
    • Place of birth (city, county, and state)
    • Mother’s name at birth (first, middle, and last)
    • Father’s name (first, middle, and last)
  3. In Section 2, provide details after the adoption to update the birth certificate:
    • New first, middle, and last name of the child, if changed
    • Current legal names and full names at birth of the adoptive parent(s)
    • Date and place of birth of both adoptive parents
    • Address of the mother/parent 1 at the time of adoptee's birth
    • Current address of adoptive parents
    • Check the appropriate box to indicate identity as adoptive or natural parents
    • If you do not wish for a new certificate in the adopted child’s new name to be prepared, check the corresponding box
  4. Ensure the signature of the informant is included - this could be the adoptive parent, attorney, or agency representative, along with their title and printed name and address.
  5. Section 3 is for court use only, where the clerk of court will complete the certification information post-adoption decree.
  6. Attach a U.S. Money Order or certified check for the required amount along with a valid copy of your Photo ID when sending this form by mail to the State Office of Vital Records.

Once submitted, the adoption process takes a significant step forward towards completion. The State Office of Vital Records will use the information provided to update or create a new birth record for the adoptee, ensuring the legal relationship with their adoptive parent(s) is recognized at all government levels. Remember, accurate and legible completion of this form is crucial for a successful update of the adoptee's birth records.

Obtain Clarifications on Georgia Adult Adoption Petition

  1. What is the purpose of the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form?

    The Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form, also known as Certificate of Adoption Form 3927, is used in the process of adult adoption in Georgia. It serves to legally document the adoption of an adult, altering the adoptee's birth certificate to reflect the new legal relationship with the adoptive parent(s). The form is a key step in finalizing the adoption through the court and subsequently updating the adoptee's birth records.

  2. Who needs to complete the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form?

    Sections 1 and 2 of the Certificate of Adoption need to be completed by the petitioner, which could be the adoptive parent(s), their attorney, or a representative from the child placing agency, if applicable. After the adoption is finalized, the clerk of the court completes Section 3 to certify the adoption and inform the State Office of Vital Records.

  3. What information is required in the before and after adoption sections?

    In the section labeled "Before Adoption," details about the adoptee's original birth certificate are needed, including their name at birth, date and place of birth, and biological parents' names. The "After Adoption" section requires the new name of the child and details of the adoptive parent(s), which will be used to prepare the new birth certificate.

  4. Where should the completed Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form be sent?

    Once filled out, the form should be forwarded to the State Office of Vital Records, located at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. This is the final step for ensuring the adoption is officially recorded, and the adoptee's birth records are updated accordingly.

  5. Is there a fee associated with filing this form?

    Yes, a non-refundable vital record search fee of $25.00 is established in accordance with GA Code Ann., 31-10 of the Official Code of Georgia. This fee includes the search and a certified copy of the record if found. Additional copies can be purchased for $5.00 each. A processing fee of $10.00 is also applied to each order.

  6. What payment methods are accepted for the fees?

    Payment should be made by U.S. Money Order or certified check for the correct amount. These should be made payable to the State Office of Vital Records. It is important not to send cash by mail when submitting this form and the associated fees.

  7. Is a copy of my Photo ID required when submitting this form?

    Yes, a valid copy of your Photo ID must accompany the request. This requirement helps to ensure that certified copies of birth certificates are issued only to individuals having a direct and tangible interest in the record, such as the adoptee, adoptive parent, guardian, or legal representative.

  8. Can a new birth certificate be withheld from showing the adoptive parent’s name?

    If desired, there is an option on the form to indicate that a new certificate in the adopted child’s new name should not show the name of the adoptive parent. This is selected by checking the appropriate box in Section 2 under the adoptive parent’s information.

  9. Who can request certified copies of the birth certificate once the adoption is finalized?

    Certified copies of birth certificates post-adoption can be issued to the registrant (adoptee) or any applicant having a direct and tangible interest, including a parent, guardian, or legal representative, in accordance with GA Code Ann., 31-10-26.

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to clearly print or type all information, which can lead to misinterpretation or processing delays. The form instructions emphasize the importance of legibility and accuracy, noting that all information should be clearly printed or typed. Misunderstandings or delays can occur if the text is difficult to read or if information is entered incorrectly.

  2. Not providing accurate names before and after adoption for consistency in legal documents. The form requires entering both the child’s name before adoption and the desired name after adoption. This ensures the new birth certificate accurately reflects the child’s legal identity and relationship to the adoptive parents.

  3. Omitting or incorrectly filling the birth information for the adoptive parents. This includes their names, dates of birth, places of birth, and full names at birth. Accurate and complete information is crucial for the State Office of Vital Records to process the new birth certificate and other related documents efficiently.

  4. Forgetting to check the box to request a new birth certificate in the adopted child’s new name. This oversight can prevent the issuance of a new certificate, which is essential for legal identificationpurposes and to confirm the adoptive parents' names.

  5. Incorrectly calculating or submitting the fees for document processing and additional copies. The form outlines specific fees for searching the vital records, processing the order, and obtaining additional copies of the new birth certificate. Accurate calculations and the correct payment format are essential for the timely processing of the request.

  6. Neglecting to include a valid copy of a photo ID with the mailed request. This requirement helps verify the identity of the requester and is a crucial step to ensure the security and privacy of the adoption process and the issuance of vital records.

  7. Overlooking the need to sign the form as the informant or to include the attorney’s name and address if applicable. These signatures and information validate the authenticity of the form submission and are necessary for the proper filing and processing of the adoption paperwork.

Documents used along the form

When completing an adult adoption in Georgia, additional forms and documents are often required alongside the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form to ensure that the process conforms to state laws and regulations. These supporting documents help create a clear and legal record of the adoption, making the transition smoother for all parties involved.

  • Consent Form: This document is crucial as it provides proof of the adoptee's consent to the adoption process. For adult adoptions, the individual being adopted must agree to the adoption, ensuring that all parties are willing participants.
  • Notice of Petition to Adopt and Notice of Hearing: This form notifies interested parties about the adoption process and when the court will hear the adoption petition. It's essential for ensuring that the adoption process is transparent and that all parties have an opportunity to be heard.
  • Final Decree of Adoption: After the court approves the adoption, this document is the legal record that the adoption has been completed. It confirms the new legal relationship between the adoptee and the adoptive parent(s).
  • Post-Adoption Contact Agreement (if applicable): While more common in open adoptions involving minors, this document outlines any agreed-upon communication or contact between the adoptee and their biological family members, if applicable and desired by the parties involved in the adult adoption.

Each of these documents plays a significant role in the adult adoption process in Georgia. Together with the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form, they help protect the interests of all involved, ensuring the adoption is carried out legally and with due process. Whether you are the adoptee or the adoptive parent, understanding the importance of each document and ensuring their accurate completion can help facilitate a smooth transition into this new chapter of life.

Similar forms

  • The Marriage Certificate Application Form is similar to the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form. Both require detailed personal information, such as full names before and after the legal change, places of birth, and current addresses. They also necessitate verification by a state office to validate the change in status, whether it be marital or parental.

  • The Name Change Petition Form shares similarities, as both involve formal requests for recognizing a new legal status or identity. Each requires the petitioner's current legal name and the desired new name, alongside personal identifying information that must be submitted to a court or vital records office.

  • A Birth Certificate Request Form also mirrors the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form in aspects such as necessitating personal identification information and involving the state’s vital records office. Both forms function to ensure that filed records accurately reflect significant life events and legal changes.

  • The Passport Application Form is similar because it requires thorough personal information, parental information, and legal documentation of identity changes, much like the adoption form which includes details on the adoptive and biological parents.

  • Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children shares similarities too, involving the legal acknowledgment of a guardian or parent's responsibilities and rights, requiring detailed identification information for all parties, and necessitating court approval.

  • Driver’s License Application Form, while primarily for obtaining a license, requires proof of identity, birthplace, and current address—similar to the adult adoption form which requires extensive identification information to be filed with state authorities.

  • The Application for Social Security Card parallels the adoption petition by necessitating personal information, legal documentation for changes in identity (such as through adoption), and interfacing with government records for official acknowledgment.

  • Immigrant Visa Application Forms resemble the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form as both involve detailed personal identification, legal documentation of personal status changes, and require government approval for formal recognition.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form, it is essential to follow best practices to ensure the process proceeds smoothly. Here are things you should and shouldn't do:

Things You Should Do:

  • Print or Type Legibly: Ensure all information is clearly printed or typed to avoid misunderstandings or processing delays.
  • Provide Accurate Information: Fill out the form with accurate details as per the birth and adoption records to ensure consistency and legality in the documentation.
  • Include a Valid Photo ID: Attach a valid copy of your photo ID along with the request. This is required to verify your identity and your relationship to the subject of the adoption.
  • Use the Correct Fees: Include the correct amount for the non-refundable vital record search fee and any additional copies you need, ensuring payment is made via U.S. Money Order or certified check to the State Office of Vital Records.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

  • Leave Sections Incomplete: Avoid leaving any sections of the form blank. Incomplete forms may result in processing delays or outright rejection of the application.
  • Send Cash by Mail: For your security and to adhere to the guidelines, do not send cash by mail for the fee payment.
  • Forget the Signatures: Make sure the signature of the informant and the clerk, along with the court seal over the clerk's signature, are included in the form to authenticate the document.
  • Ignore the Checklist: Each section comes with specific instructions and required information. Overlooking these details can cause unnecessary delays in the adoption process.

Misconceptions

Adopting an adult in Georgia is a process that is often misunderstood due to the complexities of legal procedures and the specific requirements involved. Here, we address four common misconceptions about the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form to help clarify the process.

  • Only minors can be adopted: A common misconception is that adoption is limited to minors under the age of 18. In Georgia, adults can also be adopted, with the process facilitated by the adult adoption petition form. This allows for legal recognition of parental relationships regardless of the adoptee's age.

  • The process is identical to minor adoption: While there are similarities, adult adoption procedures differ significantly from those involving minors. Adults can consent to their adoption, eliminating the need for the extensive background checks, home studies, and court-appointed guardian ad litems required in minor adoptions. This simplifies the process, though legal protocols must still be observed.

  • A new birth certificate is automatically issued: Another misunderstanding involves the issuance of a new birth certificate following adoption. While the form allows for creating a new birth certificate with the adoptee's new name and the adoptive parents' names, this is not automatic. The box stating that a new certificate should not be prepared must remain unchecked for a new certificate to be issued.

  • Any attorney can handle adult adoptions: While it’s true that many attorneys are capable of handling adult adoptions, it’s essential to seek out a legal representative with specific experience in this area. The form calls for precise completion and legal knowledge of Georgia’s adoption laws, underscoring the importance of working with an attorney well-versed in such matters.

Understanding these intricacies can significantly impact the process's smoothness and success. As adult adoptions become more common for various reasons, including formalizing longstanding relationships or inheritance purposes, familiarity with the legal framework ensures all parties are well-prepared for the journey ahead.

Key takeaways

When proceeding with adult adoption in Georgia, here are several key takeaways about filling out and using the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form to ensure a smooth and compliant process:

  • Sections 1 and 2 of the Certificate of Adoption, Form 3927 (Revised 02/2018), need to be completed by the petitioner, the attorney for the petitioner, or the child placing agency representative, as applicable. This form is critical and must be filed along with the adoption petition or decree.
  • Once the final order of adoption has been decreed, the responsibility shifts to the clerk of court to complete section 3 of the form. This includes the certification information which is pivotal in the adoption process.
  • The clerk of court must also affix the seal of the court, sign the certification, and then forward this certificate to the State Office of Vital Records located at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349.
  • A non-refundable vital record search fee is required as per GA Code Ann., 31-10 of the Official Code of Georgia. The fee stands at $25.00, which includes a certified copy if the record is found on file. This fee structure is imperative for petitioners to understand as it affects the overall cost of the adoption process.
  • An additional processing fee for each order and costs for any additional copies purchased at the same time must be considered. For example, the overall fee could sum up to $45.00, inclusive of the processing fee, search fee, and two additional copies.
  • The form mandates a U.S. Money Order or certified check for the correct amount made payable to the State Office of Vital Records. Applicants must also include a valid copy of their Photo ID with the request to ensure proper identification and processing. It is vital to note that cash should not be sent by mail.
  • According to GA Code Ann., 31-10-26, certified copies of birth certificates can only be issued to registrants or applicants with a direct and tangible interest, such as a parent, guardian, or legal representative. This legal requirement is essential for protecting the privacy and rights of individuals involved in the adoption process.
  • Applicants must print or type all information legibly and correctly in the specified sections of the form, ensuring accuracy in the details provided for the adoption to be successfully processed.

By adhering to these key points, individuals seeking to proceed with an adult adoption in Georgia can navigate the process more effectively, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and the adoption process is accomplished smoothly.

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