2019 Georgia Code
Title 19 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 8 - Adoption
Article 1 - General Provisions
§ 19-8-2. Jurisdiction and venue of adoption proceedings
(a) The superior courts of the several counties shall have exclusive jurisdiction in all matters of adoption.
(b) All petitions for adoption under this article shall be filed in the county in which any petitioner resides, except that:
(1) Upon good cause being shown, the court may, in its discretion, allow such petition to be filed in the court of the county:
(A) Of the child's domicile;
(B) In which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child;
(C) Where the child was born if such petition is filed within one year of the child's birth; or
(D) In which is located the office of the department having legal custody of the child;
(2) Any individual who is a resident of any United States army post or military reservation within this state may file such petition in any county adjacent to the United States army post or military reservation; and
(3) When a child has been placed for adoption with an individual who is a resident of another state in compliance with Chapter 4 of Title 39, relating to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, such petition shall be filed in:
(A) The court of the county where the child was born;
(B) The court of the county in which is located any child-placing agency having legal custody of the child; or
(C) Superior Court of Fulton County.
Code 1981, § 19-8-2, enacted by Ga. L. 1990, p. 1572, § 5; Ga. L. 2018, p. 19, § 1-1/HB 159.
