What is the difference between guardianship and adoption?

The difference between guardianship and adoption in Georgia is significant. Guardianship is a legal relationship between an adult and a minor child where the adult, known as the guardian, has the authority and responsibility to make decisions for the minor child concerning health, education, and other matters. The guardian does not have the same rights and responsibilities as a parent, and the minor child remains the legal ward of the court. Adoption is a legal process that permanently transfers the rights and responsibilities of parents to another adult, known as the adoptive parent. This process creates a legal and social relationship between the adoptive parents and the minor child that is equal to that of a birth parent and their child. In Georgia, the adoptive parents enjoy the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities of parenthood as a natural parent. In summary, the difference between guardianship and adoption in Georgia is that guardianship creates a temporary legal relationship between an adult and a minor child, while adoption creates a permanent legal relationship between the adoptive parent and the minor child.

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