Table of Contents
The Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form, officially known as the Certificate of Adoption (Form 3927), serves a crucial role in the adult adoption process within the state. This form must be completed by the petitioner, the petitioner's attorney, or a representative from a child placing agency, depending on the circumstances. It is essential to file this certificate alongside the adoption petition or decree. Upon the court's final order of adoption, the clerk of court is responsible for completing a specific section of the form, which includes certification information and the court's seal. This finalized document is then forwarded to the State Office of Vital Records in Atlanta, where it facilitates the issuance of a new birth certificate reflecting the adopted individual's new legal name and the names of the adoptive parents. To access birth records from January 1919 to the present, individuals must pay a non-refundable search fee of $25, which covers the cost of a certified copy if the record is found. Additional fees apply for processing and extra copies. Notably, the form requires careful attention to detail, as it includes sections for information both before and after the adoption, detailing the names and birth details of the child and the adoptive parents. Proper completion of the form is vital, as it ensures the legal recognition of the adoption and the updating of vital records.
Sample - Georgia Adult Adoption Petition Form
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
Example: |
1 Processing Fee |
$10.00 |
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1 Search Fee |
$25.00 |
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+2 Additional Copies |
$10.00 |
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$45.00 |
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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.,
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 |
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SEX OF CHILD |
DATE OF BIRTH (MONTH, DAY, & YEAR) |
PLACE OF BIRTH (CITY, COUNTY, & STATE) |
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MOTHERS NAME AT BIRTH (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST) |
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FATHERS NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, & LAST) |
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Section 2: AFTER ADOPTION (INFORMATION FOR NEW BIRTH CERTIFICATE)
FIRST NAME OF CHILD |
MIDDLE NAME OF CHILD |
LAST NAME OF CHILD |
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CURRENT LEGAL NAME: FIRST NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1 |
MIDDLE NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1 |
LAST NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1 |
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FULL NAME AT BIRTH: FIRST NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1 |
MIDDLE NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT/ 1 |
LAST NAME OF MOTHER/PARENT 1 |
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CURRENT LEGAL NAME: FIRST NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2 |
MIDDLE NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2 |
LAST NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2 |
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FULL NAME AT BIRTH: FIRST NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2 |
MIDDLE NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2 |
LAST NAME OF FATHER/PARENT 2 |
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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
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CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION FORM 3927 (REVISED 02/2018) |
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MOTHER/PARENT 1 DATE OF BIRTH (MONTH, DAY, YEAR) |
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FATHER/PARENT 2 DATE OF BIRTH (MONTH, DAY, YEAR) |
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MOTHER/PARENT 1 PLACE OF BIRTH (CITY, COUNTY, STATE,OR COUNTRY) |
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FATHER/PARENT 2 PLACE OF BIRTH (CITY, COUNTY, STATE, OR COUNTRY) |
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MOTHER/PARENT 1 (PLEASE CHECK ONE) |
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FATHER/PARENT 2 (PLEASE CHECK ONE) |
Adoptive Parent |
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Adoptive Parent |
Natural Parent |
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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 |
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TYPE OR PRINT THE ATTORNEY’S NAME |
TYPE OR PRINT THE ATTORNEY’S ADDRESS (STREET, CITY, STATE, & ZIP CODE) |
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Section 3: CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
DATE DECREE WAS ENTERED (MONTH, DAY, & YEAR) |
COURT FILE NUMBER |
COUNTY OF COURT |
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PLACE OF BIRTH AS INDICATED ON THE FINAL DECREE OF ADOPTION (CITY, COUNTY) |
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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 Specs
| Fact Name | Details |
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| Governing Law | GA Code Ann., 31-10 governs adoption and vital records in Georgia. |
| Form Title | The official title of the form is "Certificate of Adoption - Form 3927". |
| Revision Date | This form was last revised in February 2018. |
| Completion Responsibility | Sections 1 and 2 must be completed by the petitioner, attorney, or child placing agency representative. |
| Final Order Certification | The clerk of court completes Section 3 after the final adoption order is issued. |
| Submission Address | Send the completed form to the State Office of Vital Records at 1680 Phoenix Blvd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349. |
| Search Fee | A non-refundable search fee of $25.00 is required for vital record searches. |
| Processing Fees | Each additional copy costs $5.00, and a processing fee may apply. |
| Identification Requirement | A valid photo ID must accompany the request when mailed. |
| Eligibility for Copies | Certified copies of birth certificates are issued only to registrants or those with a direct interest. |
Georgia Adult Adoption Petition - Usage Guidelines
After gathering the necessary information, you can begin filling out the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form. Ensure all details are accurate and legible. Once completed, this form will be submitted to the appropriate authorities for processing.
- Obtain the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form.
- Fill out Section 1: BEFORE ADOPTION with the following details:
- 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)
- Mother's Name at Birth (First, Middle, Last)
- Father's Name (First, Middle, Last)
- Complete Section 2: AFTER ADOPTION with the following information:
- First Name of Child
- Middle Name of Child
- Last Name of Child
- Current Legal Name of Mother/Parent 1 (First, Middle, Last)
- Full Name at Birth of Mother/Parent 1 (First, Middle, Last)
- Current Legal Name of Father/Parent 2 (First, Middle, Last)
- Full Name at Birth of Father/Parent 2 (First, Middle, Last)
- Date of Birth of Mother/Parent 1 (Month, Day, Year)
- Date of Birth of Father/Parent 2 (Month, Day, Year)
- Place of Birth of Mother/Parent 1 (City, County, State, or Country)
- Place of Birth of Father/Parent 2 (City, County, State, or Country)
- Check the appropriate box for Mother/Parent 1 and Father/Parent 2 (Adoptive Parent or 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)
- Decide whether to prepare a new birth certificate in the adopted child’s new name and check the appropriate box if not.
- Provide the Signature of Informant and their Title.
- Type or print the Attorney’s Name and Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code).
- Complete Section 3: CERTIFICATION INFORMATION with the following details:
- 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
- Make sure to affix the court seal over the clerk's signature.
- Submit the completed form along with any required fees to the State Office of Vital Records.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the purpose of the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form?
The Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form is used to initiate the legal process of adopting an adult. This form serves as a formal request to the court to recognize the adoption, allowing the adoptive parent(s) to establish a legal relationship with the adult being adopted. Once the adoption is finalized, the new legal relationship can affect various aspects, including inheritance rights and the ability to make medical decisions on behalf of the adopted individual.
What fees are associated with filing the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition?
Filing the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition involves several fees. A non-refundable vital record search fee of $25.00 is required, which covers the cost of obtaining a certified copy of the birth record if it is found. Additionally, there is a processing fee of $10.00 for each order. If you request additional copies at the same time, each copy costs an extra $5.00. For example, if you were to file a request that includes the search fee, processing fee, and two additional copies, the total would amount to $45.00.
Who is eligible to file the Adult Adoption Petition?
Any adult may file the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition, provided they meet certain criteria. The petitioner must be at least 18 years old and must have a direct and tangible interest in the adoption process. This typically includes individuals who wish to adopt a partner, stepchild, or another adult with whom they have a close relationship. It's important to note that the adult being adopted must also consent to the adoption for the process to proceed.
What steps should I take after my Adult Adoption Petition is approved?
Once your Adult Adoption Petition is approved, the next step involves obtaining a new birth certificate for the adopted individual. The court clerk will complete the necessary certification information and forward it to the State Office of Vital Records. This new birth certificate will reflect the adopted person's new name and the names of the adoptive parents. If you wish to decline the issuance of a new certificate, you must indicate this on the form. Always ensure that you keep copies of all documents for your records.
Common mistakes
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Inaccurate Personal Information: One common mistake is providing incorrect details about the child or parents. This includes names, dates of birth, or places of birth. Ensuring that all information matches official documents is crucial to avoid delays.
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Illegible Handwriting: The form must be filled out clearly. Many individuals fail to print or type their information legibly. Illegible handwriting can lead to misunderstandings and may require resubmission of the form.
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Missing Signatures: Another frequent error is neglecting to sign the petition. All required signatures, including those of the adoptive parents and the informant, must be included. A missing signature can halt the process entirely.
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Incorrect Fees: Applicants often miscalculate the necessary fees associated with the petition. Failing to include the correct amount can result in the rejection of the application. It is essential to double-check the fee structure provided in the instructions.
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Omitting Required Documentation: Lastly, some individuals forget to attach essential documents, such as a valid photo ID or previous adoption records. Submitting the form without these documents can delay the processing of the adoption.
Documents used along the form
The Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form is a crucial document in the process of adult adoption. Along with this petition, several other forms and documents are often required to ensure that the adoption process is completed correctly. Below is a list of these additional documents, each described briefly.
- Consent to Adoption: This document is signed by the adult being adopted, indicating their agreement to the adoption. It ensures that the adult is aware of the legal implications of the adoption.
- Notice of Hearing: This form informs all relevant parties about the scheduled hearing for the adoption. It provides details such as the date, time, and location of the hearing.
- Affidavit of Adoption: This sworn statement outlines the circumstances surrounding the adoption. It may include information about the relationship between the parties and the reasons for the adoption.
- Background Check Authorization: This document allows the court or relevant authorities to conduct background checks on the adoptive parent(s). It is often required to ensure the safety and well-being of the adult being adopted.
- Financial Disclosure Statement: This form provides information about the financial status of the adoptive parent(s). It may be used to assess their ability to support the adopted individual.
- Petitioner's Identification: A valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport, is often required to verify the identity of the petitioner.
- Final Decree of Adoption: This document is issued by the court once the adoption is finalized. It legally establishes the new relationship between the adoptive parent(s) and the adopted adult.
- Birth Certificate of the Adult Being Adopted: A copy of the birth certificate may be required to verify the identity and birth details of the individual being adopted.
- Legal Representation Documentation: If an attorney is representing the petitioner, documentation confirming their representation may be needed.
- Post-Adoption Contact Agreement: This optional document outlines any agreements regarding ongoing contact between the adoptive family and the adopted individual, if applicable.
Each of these documents plays a significant role in the adult adoption process in Georgia. Properly completing and submitting these forms can help facilitate a smoother transition into the new legal relationship.
Similar forms
The Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form shares similarities with the Birth Certificate Application. Both documents require detailed personal information about the individual involved. The Birth Certificate Application collects data such as the individual’s name, date of birth, and place of birth. Similarly, the Adult Adoption Petition requires information about the person being adopted and their biological parents. Both forms also involve a verification process, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and legitimate.
Another related document is the Petition for Name Change. This petition allows individuals to legally change their name, similar to how an adult adoption may result in a name change for the adopted individual. Both documents necessitate the submission of personal details and may require a court appearance. The purpose of both is to formalize a change in identity, either through adoption or name alteration.
The Consent to Adoption form is also comparable. This document is essential in the adoption process, as it signifies that the biological parents agree to the adoption. Like the Adult Adoption Petition, it requires signatures and personal information. Both forms aim to protect the rights of all parties involved and ensure a smooth transition during the adoption process.
The Affidavit of Parentage is another document that shares characteristics with the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition. This affidavit establishes a legal relationship between a parent and child, similar to how adoption creates a new legal relationship. Both documents require sworn statements and may involve court proceedings to finalize the legal relationship between the parties.
The Child Placement Agreement is also relevant. This agreement outlines the terms under which a child is placed for adoption. Like the Adult Adoption Petition, it involves consent from biological parents and requires detailed information about the child. Both documents serve to facilitate the legal process of establishing a new familial relationship.
The Final Adoption Decree is closely related as well. This document finalizes the adoption process and legally recognizes the new relationship between the adoptive parents and the adopted individual. Similar to the Adult Adoption Petition, it requires a court’s approval and includes vital information about the individuals involved. Both documents serve as critical steps in the legal adoption process.
The Post-Adoption Contact Agreement is another similar document. This agreement outlines the terms of contact between the adopted individual and their biological family after the adoption. Like the Adult Adoption Petition, it seeks to clarify relationships and expectations. Both documents aim to ensure that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities following the adoption.
The Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate is also comparable. This application allows individuals to obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate, which may be necessary for the adoption process. Both documents require personal information and serve as official records that validate identity. The importance of accurate information is paramount in both cases.
Lastly, the Court Order for Adoption is similar. This order is issued by a judge to finalize the adoption process, much like the Adult Adoption Petition initiates it. Both documents involve court proceedings and require the submission of detailed personal information. They are integral to ensuring that the adoption is legally recognized and that all parties are aware of their new legal standing.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form, there are several important things to keep in mind. Here’s a list of what to do and what to avoid:
- Do ensure all information is accurate. Double-check names, dates, and other details to avoid delays.
- Do print or type legibly. Clear handwriting or typed information helps prevent misunderstandings.
- Do include a valid photo ID. This is required to accompany your request.
- Do follow payment instructions carefully. Use a U.S. Money Order or certified check, and do not send cash.
- Do keep a copy of the completed form. This serves as your record of submission.
- Don't leave any required fields blank. Incomplete forms can lead to processing delays.
- Don't use abbreviations. Write out names and places fully to avoid confusion.
- Don't forget to sign the form. An unsigned form will not be accepted.
- Don't mail the form without checking the fees. Ensure you include the correct amount for processing.
- Don't ignore the instructions for the new birth certificate. Make your preferences clear to avoid issues later.
Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions surrounding the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form. Understanding these can help clarify the process and requirements. Here are eight common misunderstandings:
- Only minors can be adopted. Many people believe that adoption is only for children. In Georgia, adults can also be adopted, which allows for legal recognition of relationships between adults.
- The process is the same as for child adoption. Some think that adult adoption follows the same steps as child adoption. While there are similarities, the requirements and procedures can differ significantly.
- Adoption severes all ties with the biological family. Many believe that adult adoption completely cuts off ties with biological families. In reality, adult adoption does not necessarily terminate those relationships unless specifically stated.
- A lawyer is required for the process. Some assume that hiring a lawyer is mandatory for adult adoption. While having legal assistance can be beneficial, it is not a legal requirement.
- All adult adoptions require a home study. It is a common belief that a home study is needed for every adult adoption. However, this requirement typically applies only to child adoptions.
- The adult being adopted must be a resident of Georgia. Some think that the adult must reside in Georgia for the adoption to take place. In fact, the adoption can be initiated in Georgia even if the adult lives elsewhere.
- Adoption is only for family members. Many believe that only family members can adopt adults. In truth, any adult can petition to adopt another adult, regardless of their relationship.
- The petition must be filed in person. Some think that the adoption petition must be filed in person at the courthouse. However, it is possible to submit the petition by mail, depending on the court's rules.
Key takeaways
Filling out the Georgia Adult Adoption Petition form is a significant step in the adoption process. Here are key takeaways to ensure a smooth experience:
- Complete Sections 1 and 2: The petitioner, their attorney, or a child placing agency representative must fill out these sections accurately before submitting the form.
- File with the Court: After completing the petition, file it with the appropriate court. Ensure all required information is provided to avoid delays.
- Final Order Certification: Once the adoption is finalized, the clerk of court will complete Section 3 and certify the adoption.
- Address to Vital Records: Send the completed certificate to the State Office of Vital Records at the specified address in Atlanta.
- Fees: A non-refundable search fee of $25 is required, along with processing fees for additional copies. Make payments via U.S. Money Order or certified check.
- Photo ID Requirement: Include a valid copy of your photo ID with your request to obtain the birth records.
- Legible Information: Ensure all information is printed or typed clearly to prevent errors in processing.
- Eligibility for Copies: Only registrants or those with a direct interest, such as parents or legal representatives, can request certified copies of birth certificates.
- New Birth Certificate: A new birth certificate reflecting the adopted child's new name and adoptive parents will be issued unless you request otherwise.
Understanding these points will help you navigate the adult adoption process in Georgia with confidence.