BASICS OF ALABAMA ADOPTION LAW: NON-RELATED ADOPTION
The Steps of a Non-related Adoption
If you are considering adopting an unrelated child in Alabama the following is a summary checklist of what the process will look like. [1]
WHAT STEPS ARE USUALLY INVOLVED IN AN UNRELATED ADOPTION?
a. Pre-placement investigation (may petition the Court or go to Department of Human Resources or a Licensed Child Placing Agency).
b. All necessary consents and/or relinquishments concerning the adoption are obtained.
c. Guardian ad litem is appointed when either natural parent of the adoptee is a minor or in case of a contested hearing.
d. Petition court for authority to pay fees or expenses.
e. Placement of child with petitioners.
f. File petition for adoption within 30 days after placement.
g. Serve notice or obtain waiver of notice on or from all parties entitled to notice of the adoption.
h. Post-placement investigation,
i. Hearings.
j. Affidavits of non-payment,
k. Accounting of disbursements.
For help navigating the complex legal system of unrelated adoption contact Sam McLure and The Adoption Law Firm for help.
Article by Corey Colbert
Photo by libertygrace0.
Corey Colbert is a third-year law student at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. Corey is a member of Fannin Road Baptist Church, where he is currently serving as the temporary Music Director. Corey lives in Montgomery.
[1]Information provided by the Alabama Law Institute for Alabama Probate Judges’ Association and Reese McKinney, Jr. Judge of Probate Montgomery County, Alabama.
