Bill Text: GA SB247 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Adoption; allow court to consider living arrangements; prospective adoptive single parent; petition for adoption

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-10 - Senate Read and Referred [SB247 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-SB247-Introduced.html

---

11 LC 29 4711

Senate Bill 247

By: Senators Stone of the 23rd and Davis of the 22nd

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Code Section 19-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to who may adopt a child, so as to allow a court to consider the living arrangements of the prospective adoptive single parent in rendering a decision on a petition for adoption; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Code Section 19-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to who may adopt a child, is amended by revising subsection (a) as follows:

"(a) Any adult person may petition to adopt a child if the person:

(1)(A) Is at least 25 years of age or is married and living with his or her spouse; or

(B) Is at least 25 years of age; provided, however, that a court may consider whether such person is living with another adult who may be a consistent presence in the child's life, the nature of the relationship, and whether the presence of the other adult or relationship will be harmful or beneficial to the child as a factor in considering an application for adoption;

(2) Is at least ten years older than the child;

(3) Has been a bona fide resident of this state for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of the petition; and

(4) Is financially, physically, and mentally able to have permanent custody of the child."

SECTION 2.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.