If your child was adopted internationally, it is critical that he/she has proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a Certificate of Citizenship (COC) or a valid U.S. Passport. One client recently recounted an encounter with the DMV when her child went to apply for her learner's license only to be turned away because the child could not "prove" she was a U.S. Citizen. It was upsetting to the …
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made some exciting changes in the last year. Previously, it was very difficult to change a child’s social security number after adoption, leaving the child at risk for identity fraud. While the name on the card was changed after adoption to reflect the child's new name, the number typically remained the same. Now, however, it's just a matter of …
In my practice I represent a large number of stepparents who wish to adopt his/her stepchild. Other than the custodial parent, the stepparent is often the only other parent the child has known. A stepparent may have a close relationship to the child, although no biological relationship. Legal guidance is often sought out of concern over what might happen to the child upon the death of the …
Does an offender commit intentional physical harm to a child when he touches a child in a sexual manner but does not cause physical pain or injury to the child? In a recent decision, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled no injury, no harm, resulting in the removal of a convicted child molester from the state’s sex offender registry. In 1993, Blake Randle pled guilty to one count of child …
As a Guardian Ad Litem, I see a wide range of parenting time schedules. Under some schedules, a child may bounce from household to household every two to three days (often referred to as a "suitcase child"); under others, a child may not see the other parent for two weeks. It is very important in creating a parenting time schedule that the parents consider the developmental needs of the child and …
Welcome to Family Law Matters, a blog by Debra M. Finch, a Georgia attorney, who will share her thoughts on issues involving family, child advocacy, and adoption law. …
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As an adoptive parent, I have experienced the myriad of emotions adoptive parents often go through as they work to expand their family through adoption. I know first hand how important it is to have someone on your team who is not only accessible and able to provide sound legal advice, but who also cares about you and your children.
email: debbie@debrafinch.com
phone: (706) 353-1533
fax: (706) 850-6550