Adoptions

Adoption is the legal procedure through which a minor (18 years or younger) is recognized by law as becoming the son or daughter of the adopting adult(s), and as having all of the rights and duties of such relationship, including the right of inheritance. There are several different types of adoptions, which include related, unrelated, agency-placed, or private-placement. The adoptee must have lived with the petitioner for at least one year. Through adoption, the adoptive parent(s) have the same rights, duties and responsibilities of a natural parent. In all cases, the adoptive parent needs to contact an attorney to file the Petition for Adoption, all necessary consents and all other relevant documents in the county where the minor resides.

The Alabama Adoption Code (§20-10) changed January 2024.  You will need an attorney to help you navigate through the changes. 

The Probate Office does not supply forms, nor can we give you legal advice.


WHAT IS AN ADOPTION?

WHO MAY ADOPT?

WHO CAN BE ADOPTED?

WHAT STEPS ARE USUALLY INVOLVED IN AN ADOPTION?

WHAT IS A PRE-PLACEMENT INVESTIGATION?

IS IT ALWAYS NECESSARY TO HAVE A PRE-PLACEMENT INVESTIGATION?

WHOSE CONSENT TO THE ADOPTION IS REQUIRED?

CAN A MINOR CONSENT TO THE ADOPTION OF HIS OR HER CHILD?

CAN A PERSON REVOKE A CONSENT TO ADOPTION EXECUTED BY HIM OR HER DUE TO THE FACT THAT AT THE TIME CONSENT WAS GIVEN THAT PERSON WAS A MINOR?

WHEN, WHERE AND IN WHAT FORM MUST A CONSENT OR RELINQUISHMENT FOR ADOPTION BE GIVEN?

WHEN MAY A CONSENT OR RELINQUISHMENT BE WITHDRAWN?

WHERE IS A PETITION FOR ADOPTION FILED?

WHEN IS A PETITION FOR ADOPTION FILED?

CAN I PAY THE PARENT OF A MINOR OR UNBORN CHILD FOR THE CHILD?

WHAT EXPENSES CAN I PAY?

HOW CONFIDENTIAL IS AN ADOPTION?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ADOPTION BY A STEPPARENT OR A CLOSE FAMILY MEMBER AND OTHER ADOPTIONS?

CAN GRANDPARENTS OBTAIN VISITATION RIGHTS TO SEE THE ADOPTEE AFTER THE ADOPTION?