On January 7, 2022, the Court of Civil Appeals released K.C.B. and D.E.B. v. B.D.C., (2200740), authored by Presiding Judge Thompson. The overarching issue before the Court concerned the trial court's denial of an "offer of proof." However, Presiding …
Navigating a Step-Parent Adoption: The Gift of Belonging
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 …
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Due Process and International Visitation Rights: A.B. v. A.A. and L.D.A.
In A.B. v. A.A. and L.D.A. the mother of a minor child, A.B., appealed an order by the Russell Juvenile Court awarding custody to the child’s aunt, A.A., and uncle, L.D.A. On December 4th of 2019 the aunt and uncle filed a dependency petition seeking …
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Determining Fathers in Termination of Parental Rights
J.R.C. v. Mobile County Department of Human Resources, No. 2190975, slip op. (Ala. Civ. App. June 18, 2021). The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals recently considered a juvenile court’s jurisdiction to terminate the parental rights of an alleged …
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Attorney Sarah Copeland Finalizes First Adoption with Talladega Forever Family
Attorney Sarah Copeland graduated from Liberty University School of Law in May of 2021. After taking the Alabama Bar, Attorney Copeland immediately went to work helping families navigate the complex waters of adoption. Just two days after receiving …
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International and Domestic Adoption Thrive in South Alabama
Most folks in the Southeast know Highway 231 as a long series of pit-stops on the way to the beach. Some folks might even delight in seeing the occasional mom-and-pop fruit stand. Still few people know it as a thriving community for International …
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Termination of Parental Rights and Unknown Fathers
What can be done to terminate parental rights when the identity of the father is uncertain? According to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, the identity of the father should be determined first, before a trial court moves forward with …
How a Decision by DHR can be Appealed
If an administrative agency has made a decision that adversely affects you, you have options. Here’s one path to take. What can you do if an Alabama administrative agency issues a decision that you feel is wrong and affects you negatively? For …
Finding Relief in Legal Matters with State Agencies
State agencies often have broad authority, but persons adversely affected by agency decisions may seek go to the courts, who then are free to decide the issue in accord with their own judgment of the law. In Ex parte Alabama Medicaid Agency, No. …
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