Step-Parent Adoption in Alabama
Stepparent 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 legal parent who has failed to maintain a parental relationship, for a significant period of time, 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 stepparent adoption in Alabama.
The fear of “poking the bear” often keeps families form taking the step to legally finalize their families adoption journey. To those families I would say, there is also a risk in delay. We would love to speak with you today and help you evaluate if the time is right to bring your family together through adoption.
A Note for Foster Parents on Termination of Parental Rights in Alabama: Z.P. v. Mobile County DHR.
