Adoption Law Services

Who may adopt a child in the State of Alabama? Any adult person (19 years of age or older) or husband and wife jointly who are adults may petition the court to adopt a minor. You will need an adoption attorney in the State of Alabama to perform legal steps for adoptions. Let our experienced adoption lawyer help you with this important decision. 

How long does it take? Typically a relative adoption takes on average about 75 days to complete. A home study is required for all minor adoptions (person under 19 years old) which can add an additional 45-60 days to this timeframe.

Who may be adopted in the State of Alabama? Persons who may be adopted in Alabama are:

• A minor child may be adopted by a stepparent, a grandparent, an uncle or aunt, by a sibling or by a non-relative
• An adult may be adopted under any one of the following conditions:
  1. He or she is totally and permanently disabled.
  2. He or she is determined to be mentally retarded.
  3. He or she consents in writing to be adopted and is related in any degree of kinship, as defined by the intestacy laws of Alabama, or is a stepchild by marriage.
  4. He or she consents in writing to be adopted by an adult man and woman who are husband and wife.

Stepparent adoptions. Any person may adopt his or her spouse's child except that:

• Before the final judgment of adoption is entered, the adoptee must have resided for a period of one year with the stepparent.
• A limited home study is required unless the child is older than 19 years old.

Relative adoptions. A person may adopt their grandchild, brother, half-brother, sister, half-sister, nephew, niece, great-grandchild, a great niece or a great nephew, except that:

• Before the final judgment of adoption is entered, the adoptee must have resided for a period of one year with the relative.
• A limited home study is required unless the adoptee is older than 19 years old.

Non-relative minor adoptions.  A minor may be adopted by an unmarried individual or by a married couple.

• Before the final judgment of adoption is entered, the adoptee must have resided for a period of one year with the non-relative.
• A full home study is required.