The Gift of Belonging: Navigating a Step-Parent Adoption
Step-Parent Adoption … even the thought of “poking the bear” can be terrifying. Most folks are simply glad for the oasis of normalcy and stability of just being under the same roof.
When a natural parent has abandoned their child, Alabama Adoption Law makes creating permanency for the child of a blended family … streamlined to say the least.
Why?
The first thing to keep in mind is we aren’t dealing with the Family Court system. Adoption happens in the Probate Court. It’s an entirely different ball game.
Second, Alabama’s Implied Consent mechanism gives the Probate Court the power to determine that a natural parent who has failed to maintain a significant parental relationship, for a period of 6 months, has effectively consented to the adoption.
That means that going to the Family Court for Termination of Parental Rights is not – I repeat … is not – a necessary precursor to adoption.
Due Process and International Visitation Rights: A.B. v. A.A. and L.D.A.
