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Family Law Attorney
Hildebrand Law Office PC
102 W Lafayette Square #205, Lafayette, GA 30728
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About Hildebrand Law Office PC

Providing prompt, personalized, and quality service in a compassionate, yet effective manner.

For over 18 years, the attorneys and legal professionals at Hildebrand Law Office PC have made their name by providing highly effective legal services focused on family law to clients throughout northwestern Georgia. Whether you're in the process of adopting a child or need help drawing up a will and testament, you can be certain this accomplished team will help you achieve your legal goals.

As an office that focuses heavily on family law, Hildebrand Law Office PC offers the specialized skills needed for these types of situations. For example, you can rely on them to represent you in cases involving:

  • Domestic Adoption
  • Child Custody
  • Uncontested Divorce

These adoption lawyers stay up to date on the latest laws, regulations, and policies to properly file paperwork. You can count on this legal team to thoroughly explain the process so you know what to expect, and they will also represent you during any necessary proceedings.

Hildebrand Law Office PC's staff knows how important family law cases can be. They're committed to helping resolve your issues as easily as possible, with as little stress as the situation allows. You can trust them to take the time to fully understand your situation and priorities to provide effective solutions that all involved parties can agree upon.

To schedule a consultation with one of the La Fayette area's most respected family law attorneys, call Hildebrand Law Office PC at (706) 638-6009 today. Visit their website to learn more about their long list of quality legal services.

86 Articles, Events, and Offers by Hildebrand Law Office PC

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4 Characteristics That Every Adoptive Parent Should Have

Lafayette, GA|August 11, 2022
Adoption is an exciting process that allows you to welcome a little one into the home and raise them as one of your own. It can also feel slightly unnerving, depending on the age of the child and their challenges in going through the transition. Fortunately, there are several factors that increase a parent’s chances for success.Children tend to be completely reliant on their parents, which means you must demonstrate a level of dedication before beginning the process. This includes keeping up with appointments during the adoption process and following through with update letters and pictures. It proves to the birth parents that you’re willing to do what it takes to provide the required care. Every parent should have a support system. It allows them to maintain a quality state of life without completely burning out. These could be direct relatives or a collection of close friends. As long as they’re willing to supply short-term child care or run a few errands, it’s likely you’ll have better success in raising your child. Knowing the level of interaction you want to have with the birth parents is key when entering into an adoptive relationship. For example, they might want regular communication to see how things are going. Others could prefer to remain distant and only agree to contact if the child starts asking questions. Establishing clear goals from the start will reduce the risk of surprises and ensure the child continues to live their best life. Children thrive under a routine. It ensures they get plenty of rest and alleviates any concern about what might be coming up next. This is especially useful for those who come into a family after undergoing the adoption process. The consistency will help them adjust to the new environment and recognize it for what it’s supposed to be: home.  If you’re considering adoption, reach out to Hildebrand Law Office P.C. in LaFayette, GA. They have more than 25 years of experience and work closely with their Northwest Georgia clients to ensure a smooth transition. As adoption lawyers, they understand the intricacies of the process and will supply insight and guidance at every step. Call (706) 638-6009 to schedule a consultation, or visit their website for additional information on their domestic adoption services. 
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4 FAQ About Stepparent Adoption in Georgia

Lafayette, GA|July 25, 2022
Many people never expect to adopt a child during their lifetime, but sometimes you marry into a family and know that adopting your stepchildren is the right thing to do. If you find yourself in this position, you may need to gather a lot of information before you can proceed. To help you through the process, here are a few common questions stepparents have.In many families, a stepparent plays all the roles of a biological parent, and there is little social distinction between one or the other. Stepparents and stepchildren may love and cherish one another, and adoption is a way to celebrate and legalize the relationship they have developed. Once adoption is finalized, a stepparent will be legally responsible for the child and may make legal decisions concerning the child, such as choices regarding medical care and education.It's always important that a child's desires and wishes are represented in family matters, and adoption is no exception. If you're adopting a child who is 14 years of age or older, you must acquire written consent for the adoption. Absent this consent, the process cannot advance. In order to adopt a stepchild in Georgia, you must first meet all the state's basic requirements to adopt a child. These include Georgia residency; proof of cohabitation with your spouse; and the ability to care for the child physically, mentally, and financially. Additionally, you must be at least 10 years older than the child you are adopting. Unfortunately, a child in Georgia may only legally have two parents, which often means that in order to adopt a stepchild with two living parents, the absent parent must give up their legal status as parent to the child. This can happen voluntarily, or the state can revoke this status through the courts. These rights include visitation, child support, and the ability to make legal decisions regarding the child. These rights must be terminated before you can complete the adoption process. In the case that one of the child's parents is deceased, no such measures are necessary. When you're preparing to adopt your stepchild, reach out to Hildebrand Law Office PC in Lafayette, GA. For over 20 years, these legal professionals have helped bring families together, whether or not everyone is biologically related. Learn more about their services online, and call (706) 638-6009 for a consultation. 
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What to Know About Relative Adoptions in Georgia

Lafayette, GA|July 05, 2022
When a child’s biological parents are absent or unable to properly care for them, other family members often step in to provide a safe and loving home. While this might begin as a temporary situation, the parties involved may wish to make it more permanent. In these cases, relative adoption could offer a solution. Here's a closer look at the key aspects involved in this family option. Relative adoptions form a legal parent-child relationship between the child and a close family member. This will allow medical and educational decisions to be made on the child’s behalf and entitle them to inheritance and insurance benefits.Georgia family law requires that the adoptive parent be related to the child either by blood or marriage and fall into the category of grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, uncle, great aunt, great uncle, or sibling. There are several circumstances that can lead to a relative adoption, such as deceased parents, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, child abuse, abandonment, or incarceration. When there’s a willing and capable family member available, being adopted is typically in the child’s best interest. Having a bond that’s already been established can help make the transition more seamless and provide a greater sense of security and stability. Additionally, children who live with extended family are given the opportunity to maintain a connection to their heritage. Although the process for adopting a relative tends to be more streamlined than other types, it’s still a legal proceeding with specific rules and regulations. The first step is terminating the birth parents’ rights. Living parents can provide written consent volunteering to give up their rights. However, if they refuse, adoptive parents must show grounds to proceed. Next, the court may order a preplacement investigation to assess the home environment. Once the relative is legally free to adopt, an adoption petition must be filed. This will need to include a criminal background and a home evaluation. As long as the court doesn’t have any concerns, the case will be finalized with a hearing.  If you’re interested in adopting a relative, turn to Hildebrand Law Office P.C. for expert legal guidance in Northwest Georgia. This locally owned and operated practice focuses on resolving family law matters as smoothly as possible by providing high-quality, personalized representation. Attorney Jennifer E. Hildebrand is a trusted lawyer who has helped a wide range of clients throughout Walker County, GA, achieve their adoption goals. Call (706) 638-6009 to schedule a consultation, or visit her website to learn more about the firm's services.
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4 FAQs About Divorce in Georgia

Lafayette, GA|June 03, 2022
Divorce is always a difficult emotional experience, and the legal process can feel overwhelming as well. Couples whose marriages have come to an end often find themselves intimidated by a daunting legal system, even if they’re willing to file an uncontested divorce. Fortunately, getting the answers to some common questions in your state of residence will help you take the first step toward a new chapter of life. Georgia law requires at least one spouse to have been a resident in the state for at least six months before granting a divorce petition. Petitioners who are residents of another state can file for divorce in Georgia if their spouse meets the residency requirement.While you may cite your spouse’s behavior in the divorce petition, filing for a no-fault divorce is almost always faster, less expensive, and less stressful. In Georgia, you must simply state that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and neither spouse can repair the relationship. The court won’t ask you for any proof or evidence that the marriage can’t be saved.In Georgia, property obtained by either party during the marriage is divided according to the principle of equitable distribution. The court will strive to ensure each party receives a share of the assets that seems fair, depending on their earning potential and their contributions to the relationship. Bear in mind that this won’t necessarily result in a 50/50 split of the assets.If you’re filing an uncontested divorce, the court will review your separation agreement to confirm that each spouse’s rights are protected. Consulting with an attorney will help make sure you receive your fair share of the marital assets and keep your petition from being rejected.An uncontested divorce allows you to avoid the stress and expense of a courtroom trial. However, you will have to attend at least one hearing before a judge, who will review your documents and potentially ask questions about your separation agreement. In most cases, the court will issue the divorce decree at the end of the hearing. Even if you’re filing an uncontested divorce, an attorney’s advice is essential for streamlining the process and ensuring a fair division of assets. For over 20 years, Hildebrand Law Office P.C. has been providing detailed legal advice to clients throughout Northwest Georgia and will help guide you through every step of the process. Visit their website for more on their divorce law services or call the LaFayette, GA, office at (706) 638-6009 to schedule a consultation.
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FREE ADOPTION

Lafayette, GA|May 21, 2022
Do you want to adopt but don't have a clue how you're going to pay for it?  In this terrible economy, you may want to adopt a child, or children, but don't think you can afford it, think again!The federal government has money set aside to pay for your adoption.  This money is not just for foster parents, but also for people who want to adopt without going through DFCS.  Whether you are single or married, whether you're related to the child or not, if you want to adopt a child the government pays for your adoption if:You have had custody of the child for two years or longerYou are adopting a sibling groupYou are adopting a special needs childIf you fit into one or more of these categories, the federal government, administered through DFCS, will pay for your adoption.We at Hildebrand Law Office have been getting families free adoptions for over 20 years. We know how and where to apply for adoption assistance so that we can get your adoption completed with no cost to you. Visit our website to learn more about our full scope of adoption services, or call (706) 638-6009 to schedule a free consultation, or just to ask questions!
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4 FAQ About the Adoption Process

Lafayette, GA|May 05, 2022
Adoption allows you to grow your family and give a child in need a loving home. While this major life decision can bring you a lot of joy, the process itself can be complicated. It's useful to educate yourself about the steps needed to adopt before diving in. Here's a closer look at the questions hopeful parents often ask.You can adopt locally or internationally. There are four types of adoption in Georgia; DFCS (Department of Family and Children Services), step-parent, relative and non-relative.  In a DFCS adoption, the child is placed by the state, while in a private adoption, placement is made by a nongovernmental agency. In an independent situation, a personal liaison between the adopted and birth parents—such as a church leader, lawyer, or doctor—coordinates matters.Adoption can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $50,000. Certain types of adoption are more costly. For instance, it might be necessary to fly internationally to meet the child and bring them to the United States, which can quickly add up to thousands of dollars of airline costs.Whether governmental or private, adoption agencies want to ensure you are fit to parent. This means demonstrating financial, physical, and emotional capacity to care for a little one. The procedure usually involves background checks, verifying employment or financial status, in-person interviews, reference checks, and home visits. There are also age requirements. For example, in Georgia, you must be at least ten years older than the child you want to adopt.Start by determining what kind of adoption is right for you. For example, if money is a concern, you probably don't want a more costly international process. Next, decide what agency you'll work with. You can then start preparing your profile to make yourself a strong candidate, such as gathering references and creating a child-friendly home. An attorney can walk you through these steps and ensure all the necessary paperwork is filed correctly and punctually. Adopting a child is complicated, so it's good to have a skilled lawyer by your side. For help in Northwest Georgia, trust Hildebrand Law Office, P.C. This law firm focuses on fast, hassle-free adoptions, providing hands-on guidance at every step. Their attorneys even accompany clients to the Department of Family and Children's Services for faster processing. They have been in business since 2001. Visit their website or call the LaFayette, GA, office at (706) 638-6009 to schedule an appointment and start the process.
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