O.C.G.A. § 19-8-23 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 8 / Section 19-8-23
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-8-23
Status: in_force

(a)(1) The original petition for adoption, all amendments, attachments, and exhibits thereto, all motions, documents, affidavits, records, and testimony filed in connection therewith, and all decrees or orders of any kind whatsoever, except the original investigation report and background information referred to in Code Section 19-8-20 , shall be recorded in a book kept for such purpose and properly indexed; and such book shall be part of the records of the court in each county which has jurisdiction over matters of adoption in that county. All of such court records, including the docket book, that relate in any manner to the adoption shall be kept sealed and locked. The department shall keep its records that relate in any manner to an adoption sealed and locked. (2) The court records and department records may be examined by the parties at interest in the adoption and their attorneys when, after written petition, which shall be filed under seal, has been presented to the court having jurisdiction and after the department and the appropriate child-placing agency or out-of-state licensed agency, if any, have received at least 30 days' prior written notice of the filing of such petition, the matter has come on before the court in chambers and the court has entered an order permitting such examination. (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the adoptee who is the subject of the records sought to be examined is less than 18 years of age at the time the petition for examination is filed and such petitioner is someone other than one of the adoptive parents of the adoptee, then the department shall provide written notice of such proceedings to the adoptive parents by certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery at the last address the department has for such adoptive parents, and the court shall continue any hearing on such petition until not less than 60 days after the date the notice to the adoptive parents was sent. Each such adoptive parent shall have the right to appear in person or through counsel and show cause why such records should not be examined. Adoptive parents may provide the department with their current address for purposes of receiving notice under this subsection by mailing that address to: State Adoption Unit Department of Human Services Atlanta, Georgia 30303

(a)(1) The original petition for adoption, all amendments, attachments, and exhibits thereto, all motions, documents, affidavits, records, and testimony filed in connection therewith, and all decrees or orders of any kind whatsoever, except the original investigation report and background information referred to in Code Section 19-8-20 , shall be recorded in a book kept for such purpose and properly indexed; and such book shall be part of the records of the court in each county which has jurisdiction over matters of adoption in that county. All of such court records, including the docket book, that relate in any manner to the adoption shall be kept sealed and locked. The department shall keep its records that relate in any manner to an adoption sealed and locked.

(a)(1) The original petition for adoption, all amendments, attachments, and exhibits thereto, all motions, documents, affidavits, records, and testimony filed in connection therewith, and all decrees or orders of any kind whatsoever, except the original investigation report and background information referred to in Code Section 19-8-20 , shall be recorded in a book kept for such purpose and properly indexed; and such book shall be part of the records of the court in each county which has jurisdiction over matters of adoption in that county. All of such court records, including the docket book, that relate in any manner to the adoption shall be kept sealed and locked. The department shall keep its records that relate in any manner to an adoption sealed and locked.

(2) The court records and department records may be examined by the parties at interest in the adoption and their attorneys when, after written petition, which shall be filed under seal, has been presented to the court having jurisdiction and after the department and the appropriate child-placing agency or out-of-state licensed agency, if any, have received at least 30 days' prior written notice of the filing of such petition, the matter has come on before the court in chambers and the court has entered an order permitting such examination.

(2) The court records and department records may be examined by the parties at interest in the adoption and their attorneys when, after written petition, which shall be filed under seal, has been presented to the court having jurisdiction and after the department and the appropriate child-placing agency or out-of-state licensed agency, if any, have received at least 30 days' prior written notice of the filing of such petition, the matter has come on before the court in chambers and the court has entered an order permitting such examination.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the adoptee who is the subject of the records sought to be examined is less than 18 years of age at the time the petition for examination is filed and such petitioner is someone other than one of the adoptive parents of the adoptee, then the department shall provide written notice of such proceedings to the adoptive parents by certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery at the last address the department has for such adoptive parents, and the court shall continue any hearing on such petition until not less than 60 days after the date the notice to the adoptive parents was sent. Each such adoptive parent shall have the right to appear in person or through counsel and show cause why such records should not be examined. Adoptive parents may provide the department with their current address for purposes of receiving notice under this subsection by mailing that address to:

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the adoptee who is the subject of the records sought to be examined is less than 18 years of age at the time the petition for examination is filed and such petitioner is someone other than one of the adoptive parents of the adoptee, then the department shall provide written notice of such proceedings to the adoptive parents by certified mail, return receipt requested, or statutory overnight delivery at the last address the department has for such adoptive parents, and the court shall continue any hearing on such petition until not less than 60 days after the date the notice to the adoptive parents was sent. Each such adoptive parent shall have the right to appear in person or through counsel and show cause why such records should not be examined. Adoptive parents may provide the department with their current address for purposes of receiving notice under this subsection by mailing that address to:

State Adoption Unit

Department of Human Services

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

(b) The department or child-placing agency may, in its sole discretion, make use of any information contained in the records of the respective department or child-placing agency relating to the adoptive parents in connection with a subsequent adoption matter involving the same adoptive parents or to provide notice when required by subsection (a) of this Code section.

(b) The department or child-placing agency may, in its sole discretion, make use of any information contained in the records of the respective department or child-placing agency relating to the adoptive parents in connection with a subsequent adoption matter involving the same adoptive parents or to provide notice when required by subsection (a) of this Code section.

(b.1) The department may, in its sole discretion, make use of any information contained in the records of the department concerning an adopted child and the adopted child's biological parents in connection with the placement of another child in the home of the adoptive parents of the child or in connection with the investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect made concerning the adopted child's biological parents.

(b.1) The department may, in its sole discretion, make use of any information contained in the records of the department concerning an adopted child and the adopted child's biological parents in connection with the placement of another child in the home of the adoptive parents of the child or in connection with the investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect made concerning the adopted child's biological parents.

(b.2)(1) As used in this paragraph, the term: (A) “ Director ” means the director of the Division of Family and Children Services of the department. (B) “Near fatality” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 49-5-40 . (2) Upon the approval of the director, or his or her designee, any information concerning an adopted child, such child's biological parents, and such child's adoptive parents may be used solely by the department when, after the adoption, such child dies, suffers a near fatality, or is an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect; provided, however, that the department may provide such information to the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children. Such information shall not otherwise be subject to disclosure or release under Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50.

(b.2)(1) As used in this paragraph, the term: (A) “ Director ” means the director of the Division of Family and Children Services of the department. (B) “Near fatality” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 49-5-40 .

(b.2)(1) As used in this paragraph, the term:

(A) “ Director ” means the director of the Division of Family and Children Services of the department.

(A) “ Director ” means the director of the Division of Family and Children Services of the department.

(B) “Near fatality” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 49-5-40 .

(B) “Near fatality” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 49-5-40 .

(2) Upon the approval of the director, or his or her designee, any information concerning an adopted child, such child's biological parents, and such child's adoptive parents may be used solely by the department when, after the adoption, such child dies, suffers a near fatality, or is an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect; provided, however, that the department may provide such information to the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children. Such information shall not otherwise be subject to disclosure or release under Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50.

(2) Upon the approval of the director, or his or her designee, any information concerning an adopted child, such child's biological parents, and such child's adoptive parents may be used solely by the department when, after the adoption, such child dies, suffers a near fatality, or is an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect; provided, however, that the department may provide such information to the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children. Such information shall not otherwise be subject to disclosure or release under Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50.

(c) The department or child-placing agency may, in its sole discretion, make use of any information contained in its records on a child when an adoption disrupts after finalization and when such records are required for the permanent placement of such child, or when the information is required by federal law.

(c) The department or child-placing agency may, in its sole discretion, make use of any information contained in its records on a child when an adoption disrupts after finalization and when such records are required for the permanent placement of such child, or when the information is required by federal law.

(d)(1) Upon the request of a party at interest in the adoption, a child, legal guardian, health care agent, or mental health care agent of an adopted individual or a provider of medical services to such a party, child, legal guardian, health care agent, or mental health care agent when certain information would assist in the provision of medical care, a medical emergency, or medical diagnosis or treatment, the department or child-placing agency shall access its own records on finalized adoptions for the purpose of adding subsequently obtained medical information or releasing nonidentifying medical and health history information contained in its records pertaining to an adopted individual or the biological parents or relatives of the biological parents of the adopted individual. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “ health care agent ” shall have the meaning provided by Code Section 31-32-2 and the term “ mental health care agent ” shall have the meaning provided by Code Section 37-11-3 . (2) Upon receipt by the State Adoption Unit of the department or by a child-placing agency of documented medical information relevant to an adoptee, the department or child-placing agency shall use reasonable efforts to contact the adoptive parents of the adoptee if the adoptee is under 18 years of age or the adoptee if he or she is 18 years of age or older and provide such documented medical information to the adoptive parents or the adult adoptee. The department or child-placing agency shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable costs for postage and photocopying incurred in the delivery of such documented medical information to the adoptive parents or adult adoptee.

(d)(1) Upon the request of a party at interest in the adoption, a child, legal guardian, health care agent, or mental health care agent of an adopted individual or a provider of medical services to such a party, child, legal guardian, health care agent, or mental health care agent when certain information would assist in the provision of medical care, a medical emergency, or medical diagnosis or treatment, the department or child-placing agency shall access its own records on finalized adoptions for the purpose of adding subsequently obtained medical information or releasing nonidentifying medical and health history information contained in its records pertaining to an adopted individual or the biological parents or relatives of the biological parents of the adopted individual. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “ health care agent ” shall have the meaning provided by Code Section 31-32-2 and the term “ mental health care agent ” shall have the meaning provided by Code Section 37-11-3 .

(d)(1) Upon the request of a party at interest in the adoption, a child, legal guardian, health care agent, or mental health care agent of an adopted individual or a provider of medical services to such a party, child, legal guardian, health care agent, or mental health care agent when certain information would assist in the provision of medical care, a medical emergency, or medical diagnosis or treatment, the department or child-placing agency shall access its own records on finalized adoptions for the purpose of adding subsequently obtained medical information or releasing nonidentifying medical and health history information contained in its records pertaining to an adopted individual or the biological parents or relatives of the biological parents of the adopted individual. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “ health care agent ” shall have the meaning provided by Code Section 31-32-2 and the term “ mental health care agent ” shall have the meaning provided by Code Section 37-11-3 .

(2) Upon receipt by the State Adoption Unit of the department or by a child-placing agency of documented medical information relevant to an adoptee, the department or child-placing agency shall use reasonable efforts to contact the adoptive parents of the adoptee if the adoptee is under 18 years of age or the adoptee if he or she is 18 years of age or older and provide such documented medical information to the adoptive parents or the adult adoptee. The department or child-placing agency shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable costs for postage and photocopying incurred in the delivery of such documented medical information to the adoptive parents or adult adoptee.

(2) Upon receipt by the State Adoption Unit of the department or by a child-placing agency of documented medical information relevant to an adoptee, the department or child-placing agency shall use reasonable efforts to contact the adoptive parents of the adoptee if the adoptee is under 18 years of age or the adoptee if he or she is 18 years of age or older and provide such documented medical information to the adoptive parents or the adult adoptee. The department or child-placing agency shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable costs for postage and photocopying incurred in the delivery of such documented medical information to the adoptive parents or adult adoptee.

(e) Records relating in any manner to adoption shall not be open to the general public for inspection.

(e) Records relating in any manner to adoption shall not be open to the general public for inspection.

(f)(1) Notwithstanding Code Section 19-8-1 , for purposes of this subsection, the term: (A) “ Biological parent ” means the biological mother or biological father who surrendered such individual's rights or had such rights terminated by court order giving rise to the adoption of the child. (B) “ Commissioner ” means the commissioner of human services or his or her designee. (C) “ Department ” means the Department of Human Services or, when the Department of Human Services so designates, the county division of family and children services which placed for adoption the individual seeking, or on whose behalf is sought, information under this subsection. (D) “ Placement agency ” means the child-placing agency, as defined in paragraph (5) of Code Section 19-8-1 , which placed for adoption the individual seeking, or on whose behalf is sought, information under this subsection. (2) The department or a placement agency, upon the written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or upon the written request of an adoptive parent on behalf of that parent's adopted child, shall release to such adopted individual or to the adoptive parent on the child's behalf nonidentifying information regarding such adopted individual's biological parents and information regarding such adopted individual's birth. Such information may include the date and place of birth of the adopted individual and the genetic, social, and health history of the biological parents. No information released pursuant to this paragraph shall include the name or address of either biological parent or the name or address of any relative by birth or marriage of either biological parent. (3)(A) The department or a placement agency, upon the written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, shall release to such adopted individual the name of such individual's biological parent, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, if: (i) A biological parent whose name is to be released has submitted unrevoked written permission to the department or placement agency for the release of that parent's name to the adopted individual; (ii) The identity of a biological parent submitting permission for the release of that parent's name has been verified by the department or placement agency; and (iii) The department or placement agency has records pertaining to the finalized adoption and to the identity of a biological parent whose name is to be released. (B) If the adopted individual is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching 18 years of age, may seek the name and other identifying information concerning his or her grandparents in the same manner as the deceased adopted individual and subject to the same procedures contained in this Code section. (4)(A) If a biological parent has not filed written unrevoked permission for the release of that parent's name to the adopted child, the department or placement agency, within six months of receipt of the written request of the adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, shall make diligent effort to notify each living biological parent identified in the original adoption proceedings or in other records of the department or placement agency relative to the adopted individual. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ notify ” means a personal and confidential contact with each biological parent of the adopted individual. The contact shall be by an employee or agent of the placement agency which processed the pertinent adoption or by other agents or employees of the department. The contact shall be evidenced by the individual who notified each biological parent, certifying to the department or placement agency that each biological parent was given the following information: (i) The nature of the information requested by the adopted individual; (ii) The date of the request of the adopted individual; (iii) The right of each biological parent to file an affidavit with the placement agency or the department stating that such parent's identity should not be disclosed; (iv) The right of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure with the placement agency or the department; and (v) The effect of a failure of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure or an affidavit stating that the information in the sealed adoption file should not be disclosed. (B) If a biological parent files an unrevoked consent to the disclosure of that parent's identity, such parent's name, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, shall be released to the adopted individual who has requested such information as authorized by this paragraph. (C) If, within 60 days of being notified by the department or placement agency pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, a biological parent has filed with the department or placement agency an affidavit objecting to such release, information regarding the identity of that biological parent shall not be released. (D)(i) If six months after receipt of the adopted individual's written request the placement agency or the department has been unable to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record or has been able to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent, then the identity of a biological parent may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph. (ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the identity of each of his or her biological parents from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate each biological parent pursuant to this subparagraph without success or upon locating a biological parent has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent and that failure to release the identity of each biological parent would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the adopted individual. (iii) If it is verified that a biological parent of the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased biological parent, if known, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, to the adopted individual seeking such information without the necessity of obtaining a court order. (5)(A) Upon written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall attempt to identify and notify the siblings of the requesting party, if such siblings are at least 18 years of age. Upon locating the requesting party's sibling, the department or placement agency shall notify the sibling of the inquiry. Upon the written consent of a sibling so notified, the department or placement agency shall forward the requesting party's name and address to the sibling and, upon further written consent of the sibling, shall divulge to the requesting party the present name and address of the sibling. If a sibling cannot be identified or located, the department or placement agency shall notify the requesting party of such circumstances but shall not disclose any names or other information which would tend to identify the sibling. If a sibling is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased sibling, if known, to the requesting party without the necessity of obtaining a court order. (B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify one or more of the siblings of the requesting party or has been able to notify a sibling of the requesting party but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified sibling, then the identity of the siblings may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph. (ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of each of the siblings of the petitioning sibling, who are at least 18 years of age, from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such siblings pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating one or more of the siblings has not obtained a consent to disclosure from all the notified siblings and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said siblings would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning sibling. (C) If the adopted individual is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching 18 years of age, may obtain the name and other identifying information concerning the siblings of his or her deceased parent in the same manner that the deceased adopted individual would be entitled to obtain such information pursuant to the procedures contained in this Code section. (6)(A) Upon written request of a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency shall attempt to identify and notify the adopted individual. Upon locating the adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall notify the adopted individual of the inquiry. Upon the written consent of the adopted individual so notified, the department or placement agency shall forward such biological parent's name and address to the adopted individual, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, and, upon further written consent of the adopted individual, shall divulge to such requesting biological parent the present name and address of the adopted individual. If the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased adopted individual, if known, to such requesting biological parent without the necessity of obtaining a court order. (B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify the adopted individual or has been able to notify the adopted individual but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified adopted individual, then the identity of the adopted individual may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph. (ii) A biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of the adopted individual from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such adopted individual pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating the adopted individual has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the adopted individual and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said adopted individual would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning biological parent. (C) If a biological parent is deceased, a parent or sibling of the deceased biological parent, or both, may obtain the name and other identifying information concerning the adopted individual in the same manner that the deceased biological parent would be entitled to obtain such information pursuant to the procedures contained in this Code section. (7) If an adoptive parent or the sibling of an adopted individual notifies the department or placement agency of the death of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall add information regarding the date and circumstances of the death to its records so as to enable it to share such information with a biological parent or sibling of the adopted individual if they make an inquiry pursuant to this Code section. (8) If a biological parent or his or her parent or sibling notifies the department or placement agency of the death of a biological parent or a sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall add information regarding the date and circumstances of the death to its records so as to enable it to share such information with an adopted individual or sibling of the adopted individual if they make an inquiry pursuant to this Code section. (9) The State Adoption Unit within the department shall maintain a registry for the recording of requests by adopted individuals for the name of any biological parent, for the recording of the written consent or the written objections of any biological parent to the release of that parent's identity to an adopted individual upon the adopted individual's request, and for nonidentifying information regarding any biological parent which may be released pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection. The department and any placement agency which receives such requests, consents, or objections shall file a copy thereof with the State Adoption Unit. (10) The department or placement agency may charge a reasonable fee to be determined by the department for the cost of conducting any search pursuant to this subsection. (11) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the department or placement agency to disclose to any party at interest, including but not limited to an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, any information which is not kept by the department or placement agency in its normal course of operations relating to adoption. (12) Any department employee or employee of any placement agency who releases information or makes authorized contacts in good faith and in compliance with this subsection shall be immune from civil liability or criminal responsibility for such release of information or authorized contacts. (13) Information authorized to be released pursuant to this subsection may be released under the conditions specified in this subsection, notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary. (14) A placement agency which demonstrates to the department by clear and convincing evidence that the requirement that such agency search for or notify any biological parent, sibling, or adopted individual under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (4), (5), or (6) of this subsection will impose an undue hardship upon that agency shall be relieved from that responsibility, and the department shall assume that responsibility upon such finding by the department of undue hardship. The department's determination under this subsection shall be a contested case within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.” (15) Whenever this subsection authorizes both the department and a placement agency to perform any function or requires the placement agency to perform any function which the department is also required to perform, the department or agency may designate an agent to perform that function and in so performing it the agent shall have the same authority, powers, duties, and immunities as an employee of the department or placement agency has with respect to performing that function.

(f)(1) Notwithstanding Code Section 19-8-1 , for purposes of this subsection, the term: (A) “ Biological parent ” means the biological mother or biological father who surrendered such individual's rights or had such rights terminated by court order giving rise to the adoption of the child. (B) “ Commissioner ” means the commissioner of human services or his or her designee. (C) “ Department ” means the Department of Human Services or, when the Department of Human Services so designates, the county division of family and children services which placed for adoption the individual seeking, or on whose behalf is sought, information under this subsection. (D) “ Placement agency ” means the child-placing agency, as defined in paragraph (5) of Code Section 19-8-1 , which placed for adoption the individual seeking, or on whose behalf is sought, information under this subsection.

(f)(1) Notwithstanding Code Section 19-8-1 , for purposes of this subsection, the term:

(A) “ Biological parent ” means the biological mother or biological father who surrendered such individual's rights or had such rights terminated by court order giving rise to the adoption of the child.

(A) “ Biological parent ” means the biological mother or biological father who surrendered such individual's rights or had such rights terminated by court order giving rise to the adoption of the child.

(B) “ Commissioner ” means the commissioner of human services or his or her designee.

(B) “ Commissioner ” means the commissioner of human services or his or her designee.

(C) “ Department ” means the Department of Human Services or, when the Department of Human Services so designates, the county division of family and children services which placed for adoption the individual seeking, or on whose behalf is sought, information under this subsection.

(C) “ Department ” means the Department of Human Services or, when the Department of Human Services so designates, the county division of family and children services which placed for adoption the individual seeking, or on whose behalf is sought, information under this subsection.

(D) “ Placement agency ” means the child-placing agency, as defined in paragraph (5) of Code Section 19-8-1 , which placed for adoption the individual seeking, or on whose behalf is sought, information under this subsection.

(D) “ Placement agency ” means the child-placing agency, as defined in paragraph (5) of Code Section 19-8-1 , which placed for adoption the individual seeking, or on whose behalf is sought, information under this subsection.

(2) The department or a placement agency, upon the written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or upon the written request of an adoptive parent on behalf of that parent's adopted child, shall release to such adopted individual or to the adoptive parent on the child's behalf nonidentifying information regarding such adopted individual's biological parents and information regarding such adopted individual's birth. Such information may include the date and place of birth of the adopted individual and the genetic, social, and health history of the biological parents. No information released pursuant to this paragraph shall include the name or address of either biological parent or the name or address of any relative by birth or marriage of either biological parent.

(2) The department or a placement agency, upon the written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or upon the written request of an adoptive parent on behalf of that parent's adopted child, shall release to such adopted individual or to the adoptive parent on the child's behalf nonidentifying information regarding such adopted individual's biological parents and information regarding such adopted individual's birth. Such information may include the date and place of birth of the adopted individual and the genetic, social, and health history of the biological parents. No information released pursuant to this paragraph shall include the name or address of either biological parent or the name or address of any relative by birth or marriage of either biological parent.

(3)(A) The department or a placement agency, upon the written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, shall release to such adopted individual the name of such individual's biological parent, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, if: (i) A biological parent whose name is to be released has submitted unrevoked written permission to the department or placement agency for the release of that parent's name to the adopted individual; (ii) The identity of a biological parent submitting permission for the release of that parent's name has been verified by the department or placement agency; and (iii) The department or placement agency has records pertaining to the finalized adoption and to the identity of a biological parent whose name is to be released. (B) If the adopted individual is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching 18 years of age, may seek the name and other identifying information concerning his or her grandparents in the same manner as the deceased adopted individual and subject to the same procedures contained in this Code section.

(3)(A) The department or a placement agency, upon the written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, shall release to such adopted individual the name of such individual's biological parent, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, if: (i) A biological parent whose name is to be released has submitted unrevoked written permission to the department or placement agency for the release of that parent's name to the adopted individual; (ii) The identity of a biological parent submitting permission for the release of that parent's name has been verified by the department or placement agency; and (iii) The department or placement agency has records pertaining to the finalized adoption and to the identity of a biological parent whose name is to be released.

(3)(A) The department or a placement agency, upon the written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, shall release to such adopted individual the name of such individual's biological parent, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, if:

(i) A biological parent whose name is to be released has submitted unrevoked written permission to the department or placement agency for the release of that parent's name to the adopted individual;

(i) A biological parent whose name is to be released has submitted unrevoked written permission to the department or placement agency for the release of that parent's name to the adopted individual;

(ii) The identity of a biological parent submitting permission for the release of that parent's name has been verified by the department or placement agency; and

(ii) The identity of a biological parent submitting permission for the release of that parent's name has been verified by the department or placement agency; and

(iii) The department or placement agency has records pertaining to the finalized adoption and to the identity of a biological parent whose name is to be released.

(iii) The department or placement agency has records pertaining to the finalized adoption and to the identity of a biological parent whose name is to be released.

(B) If the adopted individual is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching 18 years of age, may seek the name and other identifying information concerning his or her grandparents in the same manner as the deceased adopted individual and subject to the same procedures contained in this Code section.

(B) If the adopted individual is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching 18 years of age, may seek the name and other identifying information concerning his or her grandparents in the same manner as the deceased adopted individual and subject to the same procedures contained in this Code section.

(4)(A) If a biological parent has not filed written unrevoked permission for the release of that parent's name to the adopted child, the department or placement agency, within six months of receipt of the written request of the adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, shall make diligent effort to notify each living biological parent identified in the original adoption proceedings or in other records of the department or placement agency relative to the adopted individual. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ notify ” means a personal and confidential contact with each biological parent of the adopted individual. The contact shall be by an employee or agent of the placement agency which processed the pertinent adoption or by other agents or employees of the department. The contact shall be evidenced by the individual who notified each biological parent, certifying to the department or placement agency that each biological parent was given the following information: (i) The nature of the information requested by the adopted individual; (ii) The date of the request of the adopted individual; (iii) The right of each biological parent to file an affidavit with the placement agency or the department stating that such parent's identity should not be disclosed; (iv) The right of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure with the placement agency or the department; and (v) The effect of a failure of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure or an affidavit stating that the information in the sealed adoption file should not be disclosed. (B) If a biological parent files an unrevoked consent to the disclosure of that parent's identity, such parent's name, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, shall be released to the adopted individual who has requested such information as authorized by this paragraph. (C) If, within 60 days of being notified by the department or placement agency pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, a biological parent has filed with the department or placement agency an affidavit objecting to such release, information regarding the identity of that biological parent shall not be released. (D)(i) If six months after receipt of the adopted individual's written request the placement agency or the department has been unable to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record or has been able to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent, then the identity of a biological parent may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph. (ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the identity of each of his or her biological parents from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate each biological parent pursuant to this subparagraph without success or upon locating a biological parent has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent and that failure to release the identity of each biological parent would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the adopted individual. (iii) If it is verified that a biological parent of the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased biological parent, if known, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, to the adopted individual seeking such information without the necessity of obtaining a court order.

(4)(A) If a biological parent has not filed written unrevoked permission for the release of that parent's name to the adopted child, the department or placement agency, within six months of receipt of the written request of the adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, shall make diligent effort to notify each living biological parent identified in the original adoption proceedings or in other records of the department or placement agency relative to the adopted individual. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ notify ” means a personal and confidential contact with each biological parent of the adopted individual. The contact shall be by an employee or agent of the placement agency which processed the pertinent adoption or by other agents or employees of the department. The contact shall be evidenced by the individual who notified each biological parent, certifying to the department or placement agency that each biological parent was given the following information: (i) The nature of the information requested by the adopted individual; (ii) The date of the request of the adopted individual; (iii) The right of each biological parent to file an affidavit with the placement agency or the department stating that such parent's identity should not be disclosed; (iv) The right of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure with the placement agency or the department; and (v) The effect of a failure of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure or an affidavit stating that the information in the sealed adoption file should not be disclosed.

(4)(A) If a biological parent has not filed written unrevoked permission for the release of that parent's name to the adopted child, the department or placement agency, within six months of receipt of the written request of the adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, shall make diligent effort to notify each living biological parent identified in the original adoption proceedings or in other records of the department or placement agency relative to the adopted individual. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “ notify ” means a personal and confidential contact with each biological parent of the adopted individual. The contact shall be by an employee or agent of the placement agency which processed the pertinent adoption or by other agents or employees of the department. The contact shall be evidenced by the individual who notified each biological parent, certifying to the department or placement agency that each biological parent was given the following information:

(i) The nature of the information requested by the adopted individual;

(i) The nature of the information requested by the adopted individual;

(ii) The date of the request of the adopted individual;

(ii) The date of the request of the adopted individual;

(iii) The right of each biological parent to file an affidavit with the placement agency or the department stating that such parent's identity should not be disclosed;

(iii) The right of each biological parent to file an affidavit with the placement agency or the department stating that such parent's identity should not be disclosed;

(iv) The right of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure with the placement agency or the department; and

(iv) The right of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure with the placement agency or the department; and

(v) The effect of a failure of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure or an affidavit stating that the information in the sealed adoption file should not be disclosed.

(v) The effect of a failure of each biological parent to file a consent to disclosure or an affidavit stating that the information in the sealed adoption file should not be disclosed.

(B) If a biological parent files an unrevoked consent to the disclosure of that parent's identity, such parent's name, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, shall be released to the adopted individual who has requested such information as authorized by this paragraph.

(B) If a biological parent files an unrevoked consent to the disclosure of that parent's identity, such parent's name, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, shall be released to the adopted individual who has requested such information as authorized by this paragraph.

(C) If, within 60 days of being notified by the department or placement agency pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, a biological parent has filed with the department or placement agency an affidavit objecting to such release, information regarding the identity of that biological parent shall not be released.

(C) If, within 60 days of being notified by the department or placement agency pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, a biological parent has filed with the department or placement agency an affidavit objecting to such release, information regarding the identity of that biological parent shall not be released.

(D)(i) If six months after receipt of the adopted individual's written request the placement agency or the department has been unable to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record or has been able to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent, then the identity of a biological parent may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph. (ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the identity of each of his or her biological parents from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate each biological parent pursuant to this subparagraph without success or upon locating a biological parent has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent and that failure to release the identity of each biological parent would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the adopted individual. (iii) If it is verified that a biological parent of the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased biological parent, if known, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, to the adopted individual seeking such information without the necessity of obtaining a court order.

(D)(i) If six months after receipt of the adopted individual's written request the placement agency or the department has been unable to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record or has been able to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent, then the identity of a biological parent may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph.

(D)(i) If six months after receipt of the adopted individual's written request the placement agency or the department has been unable to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record or has been able to notify a biological parent identified in the original adoption record but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent, then the identity of a biological parent may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph.

(ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the identity of each of his or her biological parents from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate each biological parent pursuant to this subparagraph without success or upon locating a biological parent has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent and that failure to release the identity of each biological parent would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the adopted individual.

(ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the identity of each of his or her biological parents from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate each biological parent pursuant to this subparagraph without success or upon locating a biological parent has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified biological parent and that failure to release the identity of each biological parent would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the adopted individual.

(iii) If it is verified that a biological parent of the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased biological parent, if known, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, to the adopted individual seeking such information without the necessity of obtaining a court order.

(iii) If it is verified that a biological parent of the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased biological parent, if known, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, to the adopted individual seeking such information without the necessity of obtaining a court order.

(5)(A) Upon written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall attempt to identify and notify the siblings of the requesting party, if such siblings are at least 18 years of age. Upon locating the requesting party's sibling, the department or placement agency shall notify the sibling of the inquiry. Upon the written consent of a sibling so notified, the department or placement agency shall forward the requesting party's name and address to the sibling and, upon further written consent of the sibling, shall divulge to the requesting party the present name and address of the sibling. If a sibling cannot be identified or located, the department or placement agency shall notify the requesting party of such circumstances but shall not disclose any names or other information which would tend to identify the sibling. If a sibling is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased sibling, if known, to the requesting party without the necessity of obtaining a court order. (B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify one or more of the siblings of the requesting party or has been able to notify a sibling of the requesting party but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified sibling, then the identity of the siblings may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph. (ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of each of the siblings of the petitioning sibling, who are at least 18 years of age, from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such siblings pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating one or more of the siblings has not obtained a consent to disclosure from all the notified siblings and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said siblings would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning sibling. (C) If the adopted individual is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching 18 years of age, may obtain the name and other identifying information concerning the siblings of his or her deceased parent in the same manner that the deceased adopted individual would be entitled to obtain such information pursuant to the procedures contained in this Code section.

(5)(A) Upon written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall attempt to identify and notify the siblings of the requesting party, if such siblings are at least 18 years of age. Upon locating the requesting party's sibling, the department or placement agency shall notify the sibling of the inquiry. Upon the written consent of a sibling so notified, the department or placement agency shall forward the requesting party's name and address to the sibling and, upon further written consent of the sibling, shall divulge to the requesting party the present name and address of the sibling. If a sibling cannot be identified or located, the department or placement agency shall notify the requesting party of such circumstances but shall not disclose any names or other information which would tend to identify the sibling. If a sibling is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased sibling, if known, to the requesting party without the necessity of obtaining a court order.

(5)(A) Upon written request of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall attempt to identify and notify the siblings of the requesting party, if such siblings are at least 18 years of age. Upon locating the requesting party's sibling, the department or placement agency shall notify the sibling of the inquiry. Upon the written consent of a sibling so notified, the department or placement agency shall forward the requesting party's name and address to the sibling and, upon further written consent of the sibling, shall divulge to the requesting party the present name and address of the sibling. If a sibling cannot be identified or located, the department or placement agency shall notify the requesting party of such circumstances but shall not disclose any names or other information which would tend to identify the sibling. If a sibling is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased sibling, if known, to the requesting party without the necessity of obtaining a court order.

(B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify one or more of the siblings of the requesting party or has been able to notify a sibling of the requesting party but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified sibling, then the identity of the siblings may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph. (ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of each of the siblings of the petitioning sibling, who are at least 18 years of age, from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such siblings pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating one or more of the siblings has not obtained a consent to disclosure from all the notified siblings and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said siblings would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning sibling.

(B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify one or more of the siblings of the requesting party or has been able to notify a sibling of the requesting party but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified sibling, then the identity of the siblings may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

(B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify one or more of the siblings of the requesting party or has been able to notify a sibling of the requesting party but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified sibling, then the identity of the siblings may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

(ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of each of the siblings of the petitioning sibling, who are at least 18 years of age, from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such siblings pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating one or more of the siblings has not obtained a consent to disclosure from all the notified siblings and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said siblings would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning sibling.

(ii) The adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age or an individual who has reached 18 years of age and who is the sibling of an adopted individual may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of each of the siblings of the petitioning sibling, who are at least 18 years of age, from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such siblings pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating one or more of the siblings has not obtained a consent to disclosure from all the notified siblings and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said siblings would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning sibling.

(C) If the adopted individual is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching 18 years of age, may obtain the name and other identifying information concerning the siblings of his or her deceased parent in the same manner that the deceased adopted individual would be entitled to obtain such information pursuant to the procedures contained in this Code section.

(C) If the adopted individual is deceased and leaves a child, such child, upon reaching 18 years of age, may obtain the name and other identifying information concerning the siblings of his or her deceased parent in the same manner that the deceased adopted individual would be entitled to obtain such information pursuant to the procedures contained in this Code section.

(6)(A) Upon written request of a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency shall attempt to identify and notify the adopted individual. Upon locating the adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall notify the adopted individual of the inquiry. Upon the written consent of the adopted individual so notified, the department or placement agency shall forward such biological parent's name and address to the adopted individual, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, and, upon further written consent of the adopted individual, shall divulge to such requesting biological parent the present name and address of the adopted individual. If the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased adopted individual, if known, to such requesting biological parent without the necessity of obtaining a court order. (B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify the adopted individual or has been able to notify the adopted individual but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified adopted individual, then the identity of the adopted individual may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph. (ii) A biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of the adopted individual from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such adopted individual pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating the adopted individual has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the adopted individual and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said adopted individual would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning biological parent. (C) If a biological parent is deceased, a parent or sibling of the deceased biological parent, or both, may obtain the name and other identifying information concerning the adopted individual in the same manner that the deceased biological parent would be entitled to obtain such information pursuant to the procedures contained in this Code section.

(6)(A) Upon written request of a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency shall attempt to identify and notify the adopted individual. Upon locating the adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall notify the adopted individual of the inquiry. Upon the written consent of the adopted individual so notified, the department or placement agency shall forward such biological parent's name and address to the adopted individual, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, and, upon further written consent of the adopted individual, shall divulge to such requesting biological parent the present name and address of the adopted individual. If the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased adopted individual, if known, to such requesting biological parent without the necessity of obtaining a court order.

(6)(A) Upon written request of a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency shall attempt to identify and notify the adopted individual. Upon locating the adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall notify the adopted individual of the inquiry. Upon the written consent of the adopted individual so notified, the department or placement agency shall forward such biological parent's name and address to the adopted individual, together with a detailed summary of all information the department or placement agency has concerning the adoptee's birth, foster care, placement for adoption, and finalization of his or her adoption, and, upon further written consent of the adopted individual, shall divulge to such requesting biological parent the present name and address of the adopted individual. If the adopted individual is deceased, the department or placement agency shall be authorized to disclose the name and place of burial of the deceased adopted individual, if known, to such requesting biological parent without the necessity of obtaining a court order.

(B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify the adopted individual or has been able to notify the adopted individual but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified adopted individual, then the identity of the adopted individual may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph. (ii) A biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of the adopted individual from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such adopted individual pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating the adopted individual has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the adopted individual and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said adopted individual would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning biological parent.

(B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify the adopted individual or has been able to notify the adopted individual but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified adopted individual, then the identity of the adopted individual may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

(B)(i) If six months after receipt of the written request from a biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, the department or placement agency has been unable to notify the adopted individual or has been able to notify the adopted individual but has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the notified adopted individual, then the identity of the adopted individual may only be disclosed as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph.

(ii) A biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of the adopted individual from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such adopted individual pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating the adopted individual has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the adopted individual and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said adopted individual would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning biological parent.

(ii) A biological parent of an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age may petition the Superior Court of Fulton County to seek the release of the last known name and address of the adopted individual from the department or placement agency. The court shall grant the petition if the court finds that the department or placement agency has made diligent efforts to locate such adopted individual pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph without success or upon locating the adopted individual has not obtained a consent to disclosure from the adopted individual and that failure to release the identity and last known address of said adopted individual would have an adverse impact upon the physical, mental, or emotional health of the petitioning biological parent.

(C) If a biological parent is deceased, a parent or sibling of the deceased biological parent, or both, may obtain the name and other identifying information concerning the adopted individual in the same manner that the deceased biological parent would be entitled to obtain such information pursuant to the procedures contained in this Code section.

(C) If a biological parent is deceased, a parent or sibling of the deceased biological parent, or both, may obtain the name and other identifying information concerning the adopted individual in the same manner that the deceased biological parent would be entitled to obtain such information pursuant to the procedures contained in this Code section.

(7) If an adoptive parent or the sibling of an adopted individual notifies the department or placement agency of the death of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall add information regarding the date and circumstances of the death to its records so as to enable it to share such information with a biological parent or sibling of the adopted individual if they make an inquiry pursuant to this Code section.

(7) If an adoptive parent or the sibling of an adopted individual notifies the department or placement agency of the death of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall add information regarding the date and circumstances of the death to its records so as to enable it to share such information with a biological parent or sibling of the adopted individual if they make an inquiry pursuant to this Code section.

(8) If a biological parent or his or her parent or sibling notifies the department or placement agency of the death of a biological parent or a sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall add information regarding the date and circumstances of the death to its records so as to enable it to share such information with an adopted individual or sibling of the adopted individual if they make an inquiry pursuant to this Code section.

(8) If a biological parent or his or her parent or sibling notifies the department or placement agency of the death of a biological parent or a sibling of an adopted individual, the department or placement agency shall add information regarding the date and circumstances of the death to its records so as to enable it to share such information with an adopted individual or sibling of the adopted individual if they make an inquiry pursuant to this Code section.

(9) The State Adoption Unit within the department shall maintain a registry for the recording of requests by adopted individuals for the name of any biological parent, for the recording of the written consent or the written objections of any biological parent to the release of that parent's identity to an adopted individual upon the adopted individual's request, and for nonidentifying information regarding any biological parent which may be released pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection. The department and any placement agency which receives such requests, consents, or objections shall file a copy thereof with the State Adoption Unit.

(9) The State Adoption Unit within the department shall maintain a registry for the recording of requests by adopted individuals for the name of any biological parent, for the recording of the written consent or the written objections of any biological parent to the release of that parent's identity to an adopted individual upon the adopted individual's request, and for nonidentifying information regarding any biological parent which may be released pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection. The department and any placement agency which receives such requests, consents, or objections shall file a copy thereof with the State Adoption Unit.

(10) The department or placement agency may charge a reasonable fee to be determined by the department for the cost of conducting any search pursuant to this subsection.

(10) The department or placement agency may charge a reasonable fee to be determined by the department for the cost of conducting any search pursuant to this subsection.

(11) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the department or placement agency to disclose to any party at interest, including but not limited to an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, any information which is not kept by the department or placement agency in its normal course of operations relating to adoption.

(11) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the department or placement agency to disclose to any party at interest, including but not limited to an adopted individual who has reached 18 years of age, any information which is not kept by the department or placement agency in its normal course of operations relating to adoption.

(12) Any department employee or employee of any placement agency who releases information or makes authorized contacts in good faith and in compliance with this subsection shall be immune from civil liability or criminal responsibility for such release of information or authorized contacts.

(12) Any department employee or employee of any placement agency who releases information or makes authorized contacts in good faith and in compliance with this subsection shall be immune from civil liability or criminal responsibility for such release of information or authorized contacts.

(13) Information authorized to be released pursuant to this subsection may be released under the conditions specified in this subsection, notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary.

(13) Information authorized to be released pursuant to this subsection may be released under the conditions specified in this subsection, notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary.

(14) A placement agency which demonstrates to the department by clear and convincing evidence that the requirement that such agency search for or notify any biological parent, sibling, or adopted individual under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (4), (5), or (6) of this subsection will impose an undue hardship upon that agency shall be relieved from that responsibility, and the department shall assume that responsibility upon such finding by the department of undue hardship. The department's determination under this subsection shall be a contested case within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.”

(14) A placement agency which demonstrates to the department by clear and convincing evidence that the requirement that such agency search for or notify any biological parent, sibling, or adopted individual under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (4), (5), or (6) of this subsection will impose an undue hardship upon that agency shall be relieved from that responsibility, and the department shall assume that responsibility upon such finding by the department of undue hardship. The department's determination under this subsection shall be a contested case within the meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.”

(15) Whenever this subsection authorizes both the department and a placement agency to perform any function or requires the placement agency to perform any function which the department is also required to perform, the department or agency may designate an agent to perform that function and in so performing it the agent shall have the same authority, powers, duties, and immunities as an employee of the department or placement agency has with respect to performing that function.

(15) Whenever this subsection authorizes both the department and a placement agency to perform any function or requires the placement agency to perform any function which the department is also required to perform, the department or agency may designate an agent to perform that function and in so performing it the agent shall have the same authority, powers, duties, and immunities as an employee of the department or placement agency has with respect to performing that function.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-185 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-185
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-185
Status: in_force

(a) For purposes of this part, the term “ governor ” includes an individual performing the functions of governor or the executive authority of a state covered by this article.

(a) For purposes of this part, the term “ governor ” includes an individual performing the functions of governor or the executive authority of a state covered by this article.

(b) The Governor of this state may: (1) Demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual found in the other state who is charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee; or (2) On the demand of the governor of another state, surrender an individual found in this state who is charged criminally in the other state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee.

(b) The Governor of this state may:

(1) Demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual found in the other state who is charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee; or

(1) Demand that the governor of another state surrender an individual found in the other state who is charged criminally in this state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee; or

(2) On the demand of the governor of another state, surrender an individual found in this state who is charged criminally in the other state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee.

(2) On the demand of the governor of another state, surrender an individual found in this state who is charged criminally in the other state with having failed to provide for the support of an obligee.

(c) A provision for extradition of individuals not inconsistent with this article applies to the demand even if the individual whose surrender is demanded was not in the demanding state when the crime was allegedly committed and has not fled therefrom.

(c) A provision for extradition of individuals not inconsistent with this article applies to the demand even if the individual whose surrender is demanded was not in the demanding state when the crime was allegedly committed and has not fled therefrom.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-27 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-27
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-27
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever a party to a court order who is required to maintain accident and sickness insurance fails to provide such coverage as ordered, or allows such coverage to lapse, the department, the Department of Community Health, or the other party may compel the medical insurance obligor to obtain insurance coverage as provided in this Code section. The remedies provided in this Code section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other remedies available to the department, the Department of Community Health, or the other party.

(a) Whenever a party to a court order who is required to maintain accident and sickness insurance fails to provide such coverage as ordered, or allows such coverage to lapse, the department, the Department of Community Health, or the other party may compel the medical insurance obligor to obtain insurance coverage as provided in this Code section. The remedies provided in this Code section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other remedies available to the department, the Department of Community Health, or the other party.

(b) The National Medical Support Notice as prescribed under 42 U.S.C. Section 666(a)(19) shall be issued, when appropriate, by the child support enforcement agency to notify employers and health insurers of an order entered or being enforced by the child support enforcement agency pursuant to Code Section 19-11-8 and to enforce the accident and sickness coverage provisions of such order. The child support enforcement agency is not required to issue the National Medical Support Notice in cases where the court or administrative order stipulates alternative accident and sickness coverage that is not employer based.

(b) The National Medical Support Notice as prescribed under 42 U.S.C. Section 666(a)(19) shall be issued, when appropriate, by the child support enforcement agency to notify employers and health insurers of an order entered or being enforced by the child support enforcement agency pursuant to Code Section 19-11-8 and to enforce the accident and sickness coverage provisions of such order. The child support enforcement agency is not required to issue the National Medical Support Notice in cases where the court or administrative order stipulates alternative accident and sickness coverage that is not employer based.

(c) Upon failure of a medical insurance obligor to obtain accident and sickness insurance coverage as ordered, or upon the lapse of coverage required to be provided, the department, the Department of Community Health, or the other party may issue and send a notice of enrollment or National Medical Support Notice by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested, to the person or entity providing access to such coverage on behalf of the medical insurance obligor. The notice shall include a certified copy of the latest order requiring health insurance coverage and the return address of the sender.

(c) Upon failure of a medical insurance obligor to obtain accident and sickness insurance coverage as ordered, or upon the lapse of coverage required to be provided, the department, the Department of Community Health, or the other party may issue and send a notice of enrollment or National Medical Support Notice by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested, to the person or entity providing access to such coverage on behalf of the medical insurance obligor. The notice shall include a certified copy of the latest order requiring health insurance coverage and the return address of the sender.

(d) In all IV-D cases, the child support enforcement agency shall notify the medical insurance obligor in writing that the National Medical Support Notice has been sent to the medical insurance obligor's employer or union, and the written notification shall include the medical insurance obligor's rights and duties under the National Medical Support Notice. The medical insurance obligor has the right to contest the withholding required by the National Medical Support Notice based on a mistake of fact. To contest, the medical insurance obligor must file a written notice of contest with the child support enforcement agency within 15 business days from the date of the National Medical Support Notice. Filing with the child support enforcement agency shall be deemed complete when the notice is received by the person designated by the child support enforcement agency in the written notification. Upon the timely filing of a notice of contest, the child support enforcement agency shall, within five business days, schedule an informal conference with the medical insurance obligor to discuss the medical insurance obligor's factual dispute. If the informal conference resolves the dispute to the medical insurance obligor's satisfaction, or if the medical insurance obligor fails to attend the informal conference, the notice of contest shall be deemed withdrawn. If the informal conference does not resolve the dispute, the medical insurance obligor has the right to request an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge pursuant to Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act,” within five business days after being notified of the results of the review by the child support enforcement agency. However, neither a request for informal review nor the filing of a notice of contest for an administrative hearing by the medical insurance obligor shall delay the withholding of premium payments by the union, employer, or health plan administrator. The union, employer, or health plan administrator must implement the withholding as directed by the National Medical Support Notice unless notified by the child support enforcement agency, court, or the Office of State Administrative Hearings that the National Medical Support Notice is terminated.

(d) In all IV-D cases, the child support enforcement agency shall notify the medical insurance obligor in writing that the National Medical Support Notice has been sent to the medical insurance obligor's employer or union, and the written notification shall include the medical insurance obligor's rights and duties under the National Medical Support Notice. The medical insurance obligor has the right to contest the withholding required by the National Medical Support Notice based on a mistake of fact. To contest, the medical insurance obligor must file a written notice of contest with the child support enforcement agency within 15 business days from the date of the National Medical Support Notice. Filing with the child support enforcement agency shall be deemed complete when the notice is received by the person designated by the child support enforcement agency in the written notification. Upon the timely filing of a notice of contest, the child support enforcement agency shall, within five business days, schedule an informal conference with the medical insurance obligor to discuss the medical insurance obligor's factual dispute. If the informal conference resolves the dispute to the medical insurance obligor's satisfaction, or if the medical insurance obligor fails to attend the informal conference, the notice of contest shall be deemed withdrawn. If the informal conference does not resolve the dispute, the medical insurance obligor has the right to request an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge pursuant to Chapter 13 of Title 50, the “Georgia Administrative Procedure Act,” within five business days after being notified of the results of the review by the child support enforcement agency. However, neither a request for informal review nor the filing of a notice of contest for an administrative hearing by the medical insurance obligor shall delay the withholding of premium payments by the union, employer, or health plan administrator. The union, employer, or health plan administrator must implement the withholding as directed by the National Medical Support Notice unless notified by the child support enforcement agency, court, or the Office of State Administrative Hearings that the National Medical Support Notice is terminated.

(e) Any person or entity providing access to accident and sickness insurance coverage on behalf of the medical insurance obligor pursuant to a notice of enrollment or National Medical Support Notice shall withhold from the medical insurance obligor's income the amount necessary to pay the premium for the insurance coverage, provided that the amount deducted does not exceed the limitations of Section 303(b) of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, 1 as amended.

(e) Any person or entity providing access to accident and sickness insurance coverage on behalf of the medical insurance obligor pursuant to a notice of enrollment or National Medical Support Notice shall withhold from the medical insurance obligor's income the amount necessary to pay the premium for the insurance coverage, provided that the amount deducted does not exceed the limitations of Section 303(b) of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, 1 as amended.

(f) The department is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to implement the child support enforcement provisions of this Code section that affect IV-D cases.

(f) The department is authorized to adopt rules and regulations to implement the child support enforcement provisions of this Code section that affect IV-D cases.

(g) Upon receipt of a notice of enrollment or National Medical Support Notice: (1) The employer and plan administrator shall comply with the provisions in the notice; (2) The employer and plan administrator shall treat the notice as an application for health coverage for the dependent by the person or entity sending the notice to the extent such application is required by the plan; (3) If the medical insurance obligor named in the notice is not an employee of the employer or if a health benefit plan is not offered or available to the employee, the employer shall notify the person or entity sending the notice, as provided in the notice, within 20 business days after the date of the notice; (4) If a health benefit plan is offered or available to the employee, the employer shall send the plan administrator's portion of the notice to each appropriate plan administrator within 20 business days after the date of the notice; (5) Upon notification from the plan administrator that the dependent is enrolled, the employer shall either withhold and transfer the premiums to the plan or notify the person or entity sending the notice that enrollment cannot be completed because of prioritization or limits on withholding as provided in subsection (e) of this Code section or as provided in the notice; (6) Upon notification from the plan administrator that the medical insurance obligor is subject to a waiting period that expires more than 90 days from the date of receipt of the notice by the plan administrator, or whose duration is determined by a measure other than the passage of time, the employer shall notify the plan administrator when the medical insurance obligor is eligible to enroll in the plan and that this notice requires enrollment of the dependent named in the notice in the plan; (7) The plan administrator shall enroll the dependent and if necessary the medical insurance obligor in the plan selected under this paragraph. The plan administrator shall enroll the medical insurance obligor if enrollment of the medical insurance obligor is necessary to enroll the dependent. All the following shall apply in the selection of the plan: (A) If the medical insurance obligor is enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, the dependent shall be enrolled in the plan in which the medical insurance obligor is enrolled; (B) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if only one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, that plan shall be selected; (C) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, and if the notice is issued by the child support enforcement agency, all of the following shall apply: (i) If only one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, that plan shall be selected. If none of the plans with dependent coverage is accessible to the dependent, the child support enforcement agency shall amend or terminate the notice; (ii) If more than one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, the plan selected shall be the plan for basic coverage for which the employee's share of the premium is lowest; (iii) If more than one of those plans is accessible to the dependent, but none of the accessible plans is for basic coverage, the plan selected shall be an accessible plan for which the employee's share of the premium is the lowest; and (iv) If the employee's shares of the premiums are the same, the child support enforcement agency shall consult the medical insurance obligee and select a plan. If the medical insurance obligee does not respond within ten days, the child support enforcement agency shall select a plan which shall be the plan's default option, if any, or the plan with the lowest deductibles and copayment requirements; and (D) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, and if the notice is issued by a IV-D child support enforcement agency of another state, that agency shall select the plan as provided in paragraph (8) of this subsection; and (8) Within 40 business days after the date of the notice, the plan administrator shall do all of the following as directed in the notice: (A) Complete the appropriate portion of the notice and return to the person or entity sending the notice; (B) If the dependent is enrolled or is to be enrolled, notify the medical insurance obligor, the medical insurance obligee, and the child and furnish the medical insurance obligee with necessary information including any necessary claim forms or enrollment membership cards necessary to obtain benefits and provide the person or entity sending the notice with the type of health benefit plan under which the dependent has been enrolled, including whether dental, optical, office visits, and prescription drugs are covered services, and with a brief description of the applicable deductibles, coinsurance, waiting period for preexisting medical conditions, and other significant terms or conditions which materially affect the coverage; (C) If more than one plan is available to the medical insurance obligor and the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled, forward plan descriptions and documents to the person or entity sending the notice and enroll the dependent, and if necessary the medical insurance obligor, in the plan selected by the person or entity sending the notice or any default option if the plan administrator has not received a selection from the person or entity sending the notice within 20 business days of the date the plan administrator returned the National Medical Support Notice response to the person or entity sending the notice; (D) If the medical insurance obligor is subject to a waiting period that expires more than 90 days from the date the plan administrator received the notice or has not completed a waiting period whose duration is determined by a measure other than the passage of time, notify the employer, the person or entity sending the notice, the medical insurance obligor, and the medical insurance obligee; and upon satisfaction of the period or requirement, complete the enrollment; (E) Upon completion of the enrollment, notify the employer for a determination of whether the necessary employee share of the premium is available; and (F) If the plan administrator is subject to the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as codified in 29 U.S.C. Section 1169 , and the plan administrator determines the notice does not constitute a qualified medical child support order, complete and send the response to the person or entity sending the notice and notify the medical insurance obligor, the medical insurance obligee, and the child of the specific reason for the determination.

(g) Upon receipt of a notice of enrollment or National Medical Support Notice:

(1) The employer and plan administrator shall comply with the provisions in the notice;

(1) The employer and plan administrator shall comply with the provisions in the notice;

(2) The employer and plan administrator shall treat the notice as an application for health coverage for the dependent by the person or entity sending the notice to the extent such application is required by the plan;

(2) The employer and plan administrator shall treat the notice as an application for health coverage for the dependent by the person or entity sending the notice to the extent such application is required by the plan;

(3) If the medical insurance obligor named in the notice is not an employee of the employer or if a health benefit plan is not offered or available to the employee, the employer shall notify the person or entity sending the notice, as provided in the notice, within 20 business days after the date of the notice;

(3) If the medical insurance obligor named in the notice is not an employee of the employer or if a health benefit plan is not offered or available to the employee, the employer shall notify the person or entity sending the notice, as provided in the notice, within 20 business days after the date of the notice;

(4) If a health benefit plan is offered or available to the employee, the employer shall send the plan administrator's portion of the notice to each appropriate plan administrator within 20 business days after the date of the notice;

(4) If a health benefit plan is offered or available to the employee, the employer shall send the plan administrator's portion of the notice to each appropriate plan administrator within 20 business days after the date of the notice;

(5) Upon notification from the plan administrator that the dependent is enrolled, the employer shall either withhold and transfer the premiums to the plan or notify the person or entity sending the notice that enrollment cannot be completed because of prioritization or limits on withholding as provided in subsection (e) of this Code section or as provided in the notice;

(5) Upon notification from the plan administrator that the dependent is enrolled, the employer shall either withhold and transfer the premiums to the plan or notify the person or entity sending the notice that enrollment cannot be completed because of prioritization or limits on withholding as provided in subsection (e) of this Code section or as provided in the notice;

(6) Upon notification from the plan administrator that the medical insurance obligor is subject to a waiting period that expires more than 90 days from the date of receipt of the notice by the plan administrator, or whose duration is determined by a measure other than the passage of time, the employer shall notify the plan administrator when the medical insurance obligor is eligible to enroll in the plan and that this notice requires enrollment of the dependent named in the notice in the plan;

(6) Upon notification from the plan administrator that the medical insurance obligor is subject to a waiting period that expires more than 90 days from the date of receipt of the notice by the plan administrator, or whose duration is determined by a measure other than the passage of time, the employer shall notify the plan administrator when the medical insurance obligor is eligible to enroll in the plan and that this notice requires enrollment of the dependent named in the notice in the plan;

(7) The plan administrator shall enroll the dependent and if necessary the medical insurance obligor in the plan selected under this paragraph. The plan administrator shall enroll the medical insurance obligor if enrollment of the medical insurance obligor is necessary to enroll the dependent. All the following shall apply in the selection of the plan: (A) If the medical insurance obligor is enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, the dependent shall be enrolled in the plan in which the medical insurance obligor is enrolled; (B) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if only one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, that plan shall be selected; (C) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, and if the notice is issued by the child support enforcement agency, all of the following shall apply: (i) If only one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, that plan shall be selected. If none of the plans with dependent coverage is accessible to the dependent, the child support enforcement agency shall amend or terminate the notice; (ii) If more than one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, the plan selected shall be the plan for basic coverage for which the employee's share of the premium is lowest; (iii) If more than one of those plans is accessible to the dependent, but none of the accessible plans is for basic coverage, the plan selected shall be an accessible plan for which the employee's share of the premium is the lowest; and (iv) If the employee's shares of the premiums are the same, the child support enforcement agency shall consult the medical insurance obligee and select a plan. If the medical insurance obligee does not respond within ten days, the child support enforcement agency shall select a plan which shall be the plan's default option, if any, or the plan with the lowest deductibles and copayment requirements; and (D) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, and if the notice is issued by a IV-D child support enforcement agency of another state, that agency shall select the plan as provided in paragraph (8) of this subsection; and

(7) The plan administrator shall enroll the dependent and if necessary the medical insurance obligor in the plan selected under this paragraph. The plan administrator shall enroll the medical insurance obligor if enrollment of the medical insurance obligor is necessary to enroll the dependent. All the following shall apply in the selection of the plan:

(A) If the medical insurance obligor is enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, the dependent shall be enrolled in the plan in which the medical insurance obligor is enrolled;

(A) If the medical insurance obligor is enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, the dependent shall be enrolled in the plan in which the medical insurance obligor is enrolled;

(B) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if only one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, that plan shall be selected;

(B) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if only one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, that plan shall be selected;

(C) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, and if the notice is issued by the child support enforcement agency, all of the following shall apply: (i) If only one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, that plan shall be selected. If none of the plans with dependent coverage is accessible to the dependent, the child support enforcement agency shall amend or terminate the notice; (ii) If more than one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, the plan selected shall be the plan for basic coverage for which the employee's share of the premium is lowest; (iii) If more than one of those plans is accessible to the dependent, but none of the accessible plans is for basic coverage, the plan selected shall be an accessible plan for which the employee's share of the premium is the lowest; and (iv) If the employee's shares of the premiums are the same, the child support enforcement agency shall consult the medical insurance obligee and select a plan. If the medical insurance obligee does not respond within ten days, the child support enforcement agency shall select a plan which shall be the plan's default option, if any, or the plan with the lowest deductibles and copayment requirements; and

(C) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a health benefit plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, and if the notice is issued by the child support enforcement agency, all of the following shall apply:

(i) If only one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, that plan shall be selected. If none of the plans with dependent coverage is accessible to the dependent, the child support enforcement agency shall amend or terminate the notice;

(i) If only one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, that plan shall be selected. If none of the plans with dependent coverage is accessible to the dependent, the child support enforcement agency shall amend or terminate the notice;

(ii) If more than one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, the plan selected shall be the plan for basic coverage for which the employee's share of the premium is lowest;

(ii) If more than one of the plans is accessible to the dependent, the plan selected shall be the plan for basic coverage for which the employee's share of the premium is lowest;

(iii) If more than one of those plans is accessible to the dependent, but none of the accessible plans is for basic coverage, the plan selected shall be an accessible plan for which the employee's share of the premium is the lowest; and

(iii) If more than one of those plans is accessible to the dependent, but none of the accessible plans is for basic coverage, the plan selected shall be an accessible plan for which the employee's share of the premium is the lowest; and

(iv) If the employee's shares of the premiums are the same, the child support enforcement agency shall consult the medical insurance obligee and select a plan. If the medical insurance obligee does not respond within ten days, the child support enforcement agency shall select a plan which shall be the plan's default option, if any, or the plan with the lowest deductibles and copayment requirements; and

(iv) If the employee's shares of the premiums are the same, the child support enforcement agency shall consult the medical insurance obligee and select a plan. If the medical insurance obligee does not respond within ten days, the child support enforcement agency shall select a plan which shall be the plan's default option, if any, or the plan with the lowest deductibles and copayment requirements; and

(D) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, and if the notice is issued by a IV-D child support enforcement agency of another state, that agency shall select the plan as provided in paragraph (8) of this subsection; and

(D) If the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled in a plan or is not enrolled in a plan that offers dependent coverage, and if more than one plan with dependent coverage is offered by the employer, and if the notice is issued by a IV-D child support enforcement agency of another state, that agency shall select the plan as provided in paragraph (8) of this subsection; and

(8) Within 40 business days after the date of the notice, the plan administrator shall do all of the following as directed in the notice: (A) Complete the appropriate portion of the notice and return to the person or entity sending the notice; (B) If the dependent is enrolled or is to be enrolled, notify the medical insurance obligor, the medical insurance obligee, and the child and furnish the medical insurance obligee with necessary information including any necessary claim forms or enrollment membership cards necessary to obtain benefits and provide the person or entity sending the notice with the type of health benefit plan under which the dependent has been enrolled, including whether dental, optical, office visits, and prescription drugs are covered services, and with a brief description of the applicable deductibles, coinsurance, waiting period for preexisting medical conditions, and other significant terms or conditions which materially affect the coverage; (C) If more than one plan is available to the medical insurance obligor and the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled, forward plan descriptions and documents to the person or entity sending the notice and enroll the dependent, and if necessary the medical insurance obligor, in the plan selected by the person or entity sending the notice or any default option if the plan administrator has not received a selection from the person or entity sending the notice within 20 business days of the date the plan administrator returned the National Medical Support Notice response to the person or entity sending the notice; (D) If the medical insurance obligor is subject to a waiting period that expires more than 90 days from the date the plan administrator received the notice or has not completed a waiting period whose duration is determined by a measure other than the passage of time, notify the employer, the person or entity sending the notice, the medical insurance obligor, and the medical insurance obligee; and upon satisfaction of the period or requirement, complete the enrollment; (E) Upon completion of the enrollment, notify the employer for a determination of whether the necessary employee share of the premium is available; and (F) If the plan administrator is subject to the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as codified in 29 U.S.C. Section 1169 , and the plan administrator determines the notice does not constitute a qualified medical child support order, complete and send the response to the person or entity sending the notice and notify the medical insurance obligor, the medical insurance obligee, and the child of the specific reason for the determination.

(8) Within 40 business days after the date of the notice, the plan administrator shall do all of the following as directed in the notice:

(A) Complete the appropriate portion of the notice and return to the person or entity sending the notice;

(A) Complete the appropriate portion of the notice and return to the person or entity sending the notice;

(B) If the dependent is enrolled or is to be enrolled, notify the medical insurance obligor, the medical insurance obligee, and the child and furnish the medical insurance obligee with necessary information including any necessary claim forms or enrollment membership cards necessary to obtain benefits and provide the person or entity sending the notice with the type of health benefit plan under which the dependent has been enrolled, including whether dental, optical, office visits, and prescription drugs are covered services, and with a brief description of the applicable deductibles, coinsurance, waiting period for preexisting medical conditions, and other significant terms or conditions which materially affect the coverage;

(B) If the dependent is enrolled or is to be enrolled, notify the medical insurance obligor, the medical insurance obligee, and the child and furnish the medical insurance obligee with necessary information including any necessary claim forms or enrollment membership cards necessary to obtain benefits and provide the person or entity sending the notice with the type of health benefit plan under which the dependent has been enrolled, including whether dental, optical, office visits, and prescription drugs are covered services, and with a brief description of the applicable deductibles, coinsurance, waiting period for preexisting medical conditions, and other significant terms or conditions which materially affect the coverage;

(C) If more than one plan is available to the medical insurance obligor and the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled, forward plan descriptions and documents to the person or entity sending the notice and enroll the dependent, and if necessary the medical insurance obligor, in the plan selected by the person or entity sending the notice or any default option if the plan administrator has not received a selection from the person or entity sending the notice within 20 business days of the date the plan administrator returned the National Medical Support Notice response to the person or entity sending the notice;

(C) If more than one plan is available to the medical insurance obligor and the medical insurance obligor is not enrolled, forward plan descriptions and documents to the person or entity sending the notice and enroll the dependent, and if necessary the medical insurance obligor, in the plan selected by the person or entity sending the notice or any default option if the plan administrator has not received a selection from the person or entity sending the notice within 20 business days of the date the plan administrator returned the National Medical Support Notice response to the person or entity sending the notice;

(D) If the medical insurance obligor is subject to a waiting period that expires more than 90 days from the date the plan administrator received the notice or has not completed a waiting period whose duration is determined by a measure other than the passage of time, notify the employer, the person or entity sending the notice, the medical insurance obligor, and the medical insurance obligee; and upon satisfaction of the period or requirement, complete the enrollment;

(D) If the medical insurance obligor is subject to a waiting period that expires more than 90 days from the date the plan administrator received the notice or has not completed a waiting period whose duration is determined by a measure other than the passage of time, notify the employer, the person or entity sending the notice, the medical insurance obligor, and the medical insurance obligee; and upon satisfaction of the period or requirement, complete the enrollment;

(E) Upon completion of the enrollment, notify the employer for a determination of whether the necessary employee share of the premium is available; and

(E) Upon completion of the enrollment, notify the employer for a determination of whether the necessary employee share of the premium is available; and

(F) If the plan administrator is subject to the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as codified in 29 U.S.C. Section 1169 , and the plan administrator determines the notice does not constitute a qualified medical child support order, complete and send the response to the person or entity sending the notice and notify the medical insurance obligor, the medical insurance obligee, and the child of the specific reason for the determination.

(F) If the plan administrator is subject to the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as codified in 29 U.S.C. Section 1169 , and the plan administrator determines the notice does not constitute a qualified medical child support order, complete and send the response to the person or entity sending the notice and notify the medical insurance obligor, the medical insurance obligee, and the child of the specific reason for the determination.

1 15 U.S.C.A. § 1673(b).
O.C.G.A. § 19-7-27 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 7 / Section 19-7-27
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-7-27
Status: in_force

(a) Except in the event of a medical emergency, prior to the birth of a child to an unmarried woman in a public or private hospital, the hospital that provides labor and delivery services shall provide to the mother and alleged father: (1) Written materials about administratively establishing paternity; (2) The forms necessary to voluntarily acknowledge paternity; (3) A written description of the rights and responsibilities of voluntarily acknowledging paternity, the differences between paternity and legitimation, and the duty to support a child upon acknowledgment of paternity; and (4) The opportunity, prior to discharge from the hospital, to speak with staff, either by telephone or in person, who are trained to clarify information and answer questions about administratively establishing paternity and the availability of judicial determinations of paternity.

(a) Except in the event of a medical emergency, prior to the birth of a child to an unmarried woman in a public or private hospital, the hospital that provides labor and delivery services shall provide to the mother and alleged father:

(1) Written materials about administratively establishing paternity;

(1) Written materials about administratively establishing paternity;

(2) The forms necessary to voluntarily acknowledge paternity;

(2) The forms necessary to voluntarily acknowledge paternity;

(3) A written description of the rights and responsibilities of voluntarily acknowledging paternity, the differences between paternity and legitimation, and the duty to support a child upon acknowledgment of paternity; and

(3) A written description of the rights and responsibilities of voluntarily acknowledging paternity, the differences between paternity and legitimation, and the duty to support a child upon acknowledgment of paternity; and

(4) The opportunity, prior to discharge from the hospital, to speak with staff, either by telephone or in person, who are trained to clarify information and answer questions about administratively establishing paternity and the availability of judicial determinations of paternity.

(4) The opportunity, prior to discharge from the hospital, to speak with staff, either by telephone or in person, who are trained to clarify information and answer questions about administratively establishing paternity and the availability of judicial determinations of paternity.

(b) Providing the written materials describing rights and responsibilities shall not constitute the unlawful practice of law.

(b) Providing the written materials describing rights and responsibilities shall not constitute the unlawful practice of law.

(c) After the birth of a child to an unmarried woman in a public or private hospital, the hospital that provides labor and delivery services shall: (1) Provide the child's mother and alleged father if he is present at the hospital the opportunity to execute a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity if a notary public is available at such hospital; (2) File the signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity with the State Office of Vital Records within 30 days of its execution, provided that such acknowledgment is signed at the hospital on or before the mother is discharged; and (3) Provide to the child's mother and alleged father copies of the signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.

(c) After the birth of a child to an unmarried woman in a public or private hospital, the hospital that provides labor and delivery services shall:

(1) Provide the child's mother and alleged father if he is present at the hospital the opportunity to execute a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity if a notary public is available at such hospital;

(1) Provide the child's mother and alleged father if he is present at the hospital the opportunity to execute a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity if a notary public is available at such hospital;

(2) File the signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity with the State Office of Vital Records within 30 days of its execution, provided that such acknowledgment is signed at the hospital on or before the mother is discharged; and

(2) File the signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity with the State Office of Vital Records within 30 days of its execution, provided that such acknowledgment is signed at the hospital on or before the mother is discharged; and

(3) Provide to the child's mother and alleged father copies of the signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.

(3) Provide to the child's mother and alleged father copies of the signed voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.
O.C.G.A. § 19-11-9 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 11 / Section 19-11-9
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-11-9
Status: in_force

(a) The department shall attempt to locate absent parents.

(a) The department shall attempt to locate absent parents.

(b) The department is to serve as a registry for the receipt of information which directly relates to the identity or location of absent parents, to assist any governmental agency or department in locating an absent parent, to answer interstate inquiries concerning deserting parents, to coordinate and supervise any activity on a state level in search for an absent parent, and to develop guidelines for coordinating activities of any governmental department, board, commission, bureau, or agency in providing information necessary for location of absent parents and is to process all requests received from an initiating county or an initiating state which has adopted the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act or a law substantially similar to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, or the Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act.

(b) The department is to serve as a registry for the receipt of information which directly relates to the identity or location of absent parents, to assist any governmental agency or department in locating an absent parent, to answer interstate inquiries concerning deserting parents, to coordinate and supervise any activity on a state level in search for an absent parent, and to develop guidelines for coordinating activities of any governmental department, board, commission, bureau, or agency in providing information necessary for location of absent parents and is to process all requests received from an initiating county or an initiating state which has adopted the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act or a law substantially similar to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act, or the Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act.

(c) In order to carry out the responsibilities imposed under this article, the department may request information and assistance from any governmental department, board, commission, bureau, or agency in locating the absent parents of children for whom the department has assignment of child support rights. The commissioner of human services or his duly authorized representative shall be entitled to have access to all pertinent information which is within the custody of any governmental department, board, commission, bureau, or agency, including, but not limited to, income tax information contained in any report or return required under Articles 1 through 6 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 by the Department of Revenue, including information from federal income tax returns required to be included as a part of any state report or return, which information but for this Code section would not be subject to disclosure pursuant to Code Section 48-7-60 and which is relative to such parents' location, income, or property, provided that any tax information secured from the federal government by the Department of Revenue, pursuant to the express provisions of Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code , may not be disclosed by that department pursuant to this subsection. Any person receiving any tax information or tax returns under the authority granted in this subsection shall be considered either an officer or employee as those terms are used in subsection (a) of Code Section 48-7-60 ; and, as such an officer or employee, any person receiving any tax information or returns under the authority of this Code section shall be subject to Code Section 48-7-61 , relating to the sanctions to be imposed for the unauthorized disclosure of confidential material.

(c) In order to carry out the responsibilities imposed under this article, the department may request information and assistance from any governmental department, board, commission, bureau, or agency in locating the absent parents of children for whom the department has assignment of child support rights. The commissioner of human services or his duly authorized representative shall be entitled to have access to all pertinent information which is within the custody of any governmental department, board, commission, bureau, or agency, including, but not limited to, income tax information contained in any report or return required under Articles 1 through 6 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 by the Department of Revenue, including information from federal income tax returns required to be included as a part of any state report or return, which information but for this Code section would not be subject to disclosure pursuant to Code Section 48-7-60 and which is relative to such parents' location, income, or property, provided that any tax information secured from the federal government by the Department of Revenue, pursuant to the express provisions of Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code , may not be disclosed by that department pursuant to this subsection. Any person receiving any tax information or tax returns under the authority granted in this subsection shall be considered either an officer or employee as those terms are used in subsection (a) of Code Section 48-7-60 ; and, as such an officer or employee, any person receiving any tax information or returns under the authority of this Code section shall be subject to Code Section 48-7-61 , relating to the sanctions to be imposed for the unauthorized disclosure of confidential material.

(d)(1) There is established within the department a putative father registry. For purposes of this subsection, “biological father” and “legal father” shall have the meanings set out in Code Section 19-8-1 . The putative father registry shall record the name, address, and social security number of any person who claims to be the biological father but not the legal father of a child, and the date of entry of such information. Placement on the putative father registry shall not be used as an admission of guilt to any crime under Georgia law or used as evidence in any criminal prosecution under Georgia law. (2) The putative father registry shall include two types of registrations: (A) Persons who acknowledge paternity of a child or children before or after birth in a signed writing; and (B) Persons who register to indicate the possibility of paternity without acknowledging paternity. (3) Registrants shall be informed that this registration may be used to establish an obligation to support the child or children and that this registration shall be used to provide notice of adoption proceedings or proceedings to terminate the rights of a biological father who is not a legal father but that registration without further action does not enable the registrant to prevent an adoption or termination of his rights by objecting. All registrants shall be asked to provide information regarding changes in their addresses. (4) A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity may be rescinded pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 19-7-46.1 . (5) The department shall publicize the existence and availability of the putative father registry to the public, including but not limited to providing information disseminated in connection with certificates of live birth and through county boards of health. The department is authorized to prescribe the notices, forms, and educational materials to be used for entities that may offer voluntary paternity establishment services. (6) The department shall keep the putative father registry as current as feasible, adding entries or information to the registry often enough that new registrations or new information regarding registrants, mothers, or children shall be added to the registry no later than two business days following receipt of the information from the registrant.

(d)(1) There is established within the department a putative father registry. For purposes of this subsection, “biological father” and “legal father” shall have the meanings set out in Code Section 19-8-1 . The putative father registry shall record the name, address, and social security number of any person who claims to be the biological father but not the legal father of a child, and the date of entry of such information. Placement on the putative father registry shall not be used as an admission of guilt to any crime under Georgia law or used as evidence in any criminal prosecution under Georgia law.

(d)(1) There is established within the department a putative father registry. For purposes of this subsection, “biological father” and “legal father” shall have the meanings set out in Code Section 19-8-1 . The putative father registry shall record the name, address, and social security number of any person who claims to be the biological father but not the legal father of a child, and the date of entry of such information. Placement on the putative father registry shall not be used as an admission of guilt to any crime under Georgia law or used as evidence in any criminal prosecution under Georgia law.

(2) The putative father registry shall include two types of registrations: (A) Persons who acknowledge paternity of a child or children before or after birth in a signed writing; and (B) Persons who register to indicate the possibility of paternity without acknowledging paternity.

(2) The putative father registry shall include two types of registrations:

(A) Persons who acknowledge paternity of a child or children before or after birth in a signed writing; and

(A) Persons who acknowledge paternity of a child or children before or after birth in a signed writing; and

(B) Persons who register to indicate the possibility of paternity without acknowledging paternity.

(B) Persons who register to indicate the possibility of paternity without acknowledging paternity.

(3) Registrants shall be informed that this registration may be used to establish an obligation to support the child or children and that this registration shall be used to provide notice of adoption proceedings or proceedings to terminate the rights of a biological father who is not a legal father but that registration without further action does not enable the registrant to prevent an adoption or termination of his rights by objecting. All registrants shall be asked to provide information regarding changes in their addresses.

(3) Registrants shall be informed that this registration may be used to establish an obligation to support the child or children and that this registration shall be used to provide notice of adoption proceedings or proceedings to terminate the rights of a biological father who is not a legal father but that registration without further action does not enable the registrant to prevent an adoption or termination of his rights by objecting. All registrants shall be asked to provide information regarding changes in their addresses.

(4) A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity may be rescinded pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 19-7-46.1 .

(4) A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity may be rescinded pursuant to the provisions of Code Section 19-7-46.1 .

(5) The department shall publicize the existence and availability of the putative father registry to the public, including but not limited to providing information disseminated in connection with certificates of live birth and through county boards of health. The department is authorized to prescribe the notices, forms, and educational materials to be used for entities that may offer voluntary paternity establishment services.

(5) The department shall publicize the existence and availability of the putative father registry to the public, including but not limited to providing information disseminated in connection with certificates of live birth and through county boards of health. The department is authorized to prescribe the notices, forms, and educational materials to be used for entities that may offer voluntary paternity establishment services.

(6) The department shall keep the putative father registry as current as feasible, adding entries or information to the registry often enough that new registrations or new information regarding registrants, mothers, or children shall be added to the registry no later than two business days following receipt of the information from the registrant.

(6) The department shall keep the putative father registry as current as feasible, adding entries or information to the registry often enough that new registrations or new information regarding registrants, mothers, or children shall be added to the registry no later than two business days following receipt of the information from the registrant.

(e) The information which is obtained by the department shall only be available to: (1) A governmental department, board, commission, bureau, agency, or political subdivision of any state for purposes of locating an absent parent or putative father to establish or to enforce his obligation of support, of enforcing a child custody determination, or of enforcing any state or federal law with respect to the unlawful taking or restraint of a child; or (2) The department, a licensed child-placing agency, or a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia in response to a request for information for purposes of locating a biological father who is not the legal father to provide notice of adoption proceedings or a proceeding to terminate the rights of a biological father who is not a legal father. The request for information shall include, to the extent the information is known to the department, agency, or attorney, the name, address, and social security number of the mother of the child and of the alleged biological father who is not the legal father of the child and the child's name, sex, and date of birth. The department shall within two business days of its receipt of such a request for information issue a written certificate documenting its response.

(e) The information which is obtained by the department shall only be available to:

(1) A governmental department, board, commission, bureau, agency, or political subdivision of any state for purposes of locating an absent parent or putative father to establish or to enforce his obligation of support, of enforcing a child custody determination, or of enforcing any state or federal law with respect to the unlawful taking or restraint of a child; or

(1) A governmental department, board, commission, bureau, agency, or political subdivision of any state for purposes of locating an absent parent or putative father to establish or to enforce his obligation of support, of enforcing a child custody determination, or of enforcing any state or federal law with respect to the unlawful taking or restraint of a child; or

(2) The department, a licensed child-placing agency, or a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia in response to a request for information for purposes of locating a biological father who is not the legal father to provide notice of adoption proceedings or a proceeding to terminate the rights of a biological father who is not a legal father. The request for information shall include, to the extent the information is known to the department, agency, or attorney, the name, address, and social security number of the mother of the child and of the alleged biological father who is not the legal father of the child and the child's name, sex, and date of birth. The department shall within two business days of its receipt of such a request for information issue a written certificate documenting its response.

(2) The department, a licensed child-placing agency, or a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia in response to a request for information for purposes of locating a biological father who is not the legal father to provide notice of adoption proceedings or a proceeding to terminate the rights of a biological father who is not a legal father. The request for information shall include, to the extent the information is known to the department, agency, or attorney, the name, address, and social security number of the mother of the child and of the alleged biological father who is not the legal father of the child and the child's name, sex, and date of birth. The department shall within two business days of its receipt of such a request for information issue a written certificate documenting its response.

(f) The department shall charge a fee of $10.00 for each certification regarding entries on the putative father registry or other information provided pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of this Code section. The department shall waive the fee provided for in this subsection upon presentation of an affidavit of the petitioner's indigency. The department shall transmit the fees received pursuant to this subsection to the Office of the State Treasurer for deposit in the treasury of the state and shall provide an annual accounting of such fees to the Governor and the General Assembly.

(f) The department shall charge a fee of $10.00 for each certification regarding entries on the putative father registry or other information provided pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of this Code section. The department shall waive the fee provided for in this subsection upon presentation of an affidavit of the petitioner's indigency. The department shall transmit the fees received pursuant to this subsection to the Office of the State Treasurer for deposit in the treasury of the state and shall provide an annual accounting of such fees to the Governor and the General Assembly.
O.C.G.A. § 19-9-62 — GA Code / Title 19 / Chapter 9 / Section 19-9-62
Georgia Code Title 19. Domestic Relations § 19-9-62
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-9-64 , a court of this state which has made a child custody determination consistent with Code Section 19-9-61 or 19-9-63 has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until: (1) A court of this state determines that neither the child nor the child's parents or any person acting as a parent has a significant connection with this state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships; or (2) A court of this state or a court of another state determines that neither the child nor the child's parents or any person acting as a parent presently resides in this state.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 19-9-64 , a court of this state which has made a child custody determination consistent with Code Section 19-9-61 or 19-9-63 has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until:

(1) A court of this state determines that neither the child nor the child's parents or any person acting as a parent has a significant connection with this state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships; or

(1) A court of this state determines that neither the child nor the child's parents or any person acting as a parent has a significant connection with this state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships; or

(2) A court of this state or a court of another state determines that neither the child nor the child's parents or any person acting as a parent presently resides in this state.

(2) A court of this state or a court of another state determines that neither the child nor the child's parents or any person acting as a parent presently resides in this state.

(b) A court of this state which has made a child custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this Code section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under Code Section 19-9-61 .

(b) A court of this state which has made a child custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this Code section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under Code Section 19-9-61 .