Stepparent and Adult Adoption in Alabama: Your Comprehensive DIY Guide

Alabama stepparent adoption

Becoming the legal parent of a stepchild or adopting an adult in Alabama is a joyous milestone for many families. Whether you’re looking to solidify the bond you already share with a stepchild or wishing to formalize a parent-child relationship with an adult, the adoption process in Alabama can be remarkably straightforward—especially when you have the right guidance and resources at your fingertips. Best of all, you can complete your adoption without spending thousands of dollars on attorney fees.

At StepparentAdoptionForms, we’ve dedicated decades to helping families finalize their adoptions easily and affordably. This article will provide an in-depth overview of the adoption process in Alabama, referencing the relevant statutes, and explaining how you can handle everything yourself.


1. Understanding Alabama Adoption Laws

Alabama’s adoption statutes are outlined in Title 26, Chapter 10A of the Alabama Code, sometimes referred to as the Alabama Adoption Code. This legal framework details every step of the adoption process, including who can adopt, how consent is handled, and what requirements must be met.

Key points from the Alabama Adoption Code include:

  • Eligibility to Adopt (Ala. Code § 26-10A-5): Any adult (age 19 or older) who is a resident of Alabama, or who has a legitimate interest in adopting a child (including stepparents), may petition to adopt.
  • Consent and Relinquishment (Ala. Code § 26-10A-7, 26-10A-8): In a stepparent adoption, the biological parent not residing with the child must either consent to the adoption or have their parental rights terminated for legal reasons (such as abandonment or failure to maintain a relationship).
  • Adult Adoptions (Ala. Code § 26-10A-6): Individuals 19 years and older may be adopted with their consent. This process is often simpler since it doesn’t involve terminating any existing parental rights.

Understanding these foundational concepts will help you feel more confident as you begin your adoption journey.


2. The Stepparent Adoption Process in Alabama

For a stepparent, adopting a child legally confirms the emotional bond you’ve already established. The process ensures you gain all the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent, and it gives the child the security and stability of two fully recognized parents in their household. Here’s an overview of the steps:

A. Filing the Petition to Adopt

You’ll start by filing an Original Petition for Adoption in the appropriate Alabama court (usually the Probate Court in the county where you and the child reside). This document formally notifies the court of your intent to adopt your stepchild and sets the legal adoption process into motion.

How We Help: At StepparentAdoptionForms, our legal team prepares all the necessary documents specific to your county and situation. This means you can file with confidence, knowing your paperwork meets Alabama’s requirements.

B. Obtaining or Waiving Consent

In Alabama, you typically need the consent of:

  • The child’s other biological parent (unless that parent’s rights are already terminated or qualify for termination).
  • If the child is 14 years of age or older, the child’s consent is also required (Ala. Code § 26-10A-7).

Terminating Parental Rights
If the other parent refuses consent or is out of contact, you may petition the court to terminate that parent’s rights based on grounds such as abandonment or failure to support. Our documents include everything you need to either secure consent or request termination.

C. Service on the Other Parent

If the other parent’s whereabouts are known, they must be formally served with notice of the adoption petition. If you cannot locate them, Alabama law allows for service by publication, which involves posting notice in a local newspaper or other appropriate venue.

Our Support: We provide detailed instructions on how to serve or publish notice correctly, ensuring you fulfill this step according to Alabama rules.

D. Background Check and Home Study

While some adoptions in Alabama require a home study or investigation, the court may waive this requirement in a stepparent adoption (Ala. Code § 26-10A-19). However, a background check is often still necessary to confirm the petitioner (the stepparent) has no disqualifying criminal history.

We Provide:

  • The correct forms to request a waiver of a home study.
  • Guidance on completing any background check requirements.

E. Final Hearing

After the legal requirements—consent or termination of rights, service, background check, etc.—are fulfilled, a final hearing will be scheduled. At this hearing:

  1. The court reviews all documentation and determines whether the adoption is in the child’s best interests.
  2. If approved, the court will issue a Final Decree of Adoption, simultaneously terminating the other parent’s rights (if necessary) and granting you all parental rights.

F. New Birth Certificate

Once the adoption is finalized, Alabama’s Office of Vital Statistics will issue a new birth certificate listing you as the child’s legal parent. This ensures the child’s official records reflect the new family structure.


3. Completing an Adult Adoption in Alabama

Adult adoptions in Alabama are typically far simpler and faster than stepparent adoptions involving minors. This is because there’s no need to terminate anyone’s parental rights, and you won’t require a home study or other invasive investigations.

  • Consent: The adult being adopted must give their written consent.
  • Petition: You’ll file a petition with the Probate Court in the county where you or the adult adoptee resides.
  • Final Hearing: Once all documents are filed, the court will schedule a brief hearing. If all parties agree, the judge will finalize the adoption and order a new birth certificate to be issued.

Just like with stepparent adoptions, StepparentAdoptionForms prepares all the necessary legal documents and provides step-by-step instructions for a hassle-free adult adoption.


4. Why Choose the DIY Route with StepparentAdoptionForms?

A. Huge Cost Savings

Attorneys in Alabama may charge thousands of dollars in legal fees. Our service costs only $325, a flat fee that includes:

  • All the necessary legal forms tailored to your unique situation.
  • Detailed instructions guiding you through each step.
  • Unlimited phone and email support from our experienced team.

Most families will still need to budget for court fees, which typically range from $400 to $600 depending on your county. Even so, the total cost remains significantly lower than traditional legal representation.

B. Expert Guidance with Decades of Experience

We have been assisting families with stepparent and adult adoptions for over two decades, and during that time, we have completed over 20,000 successful adoptions nationwide. This experience means we know exactly what your local Alabama court will expect.

C. Streamlined Process with Clear Instructions

One of the biggest hurdles in a DIY adoption is the paperwork. Our platform streamlines the entire process, from gathering initial information via our online questionnaire to helping you with court filing, serving documents, and preparing for the final hearing.

D. Ongoing Support Until Finalization

Have questions along the way? Our friendly support department is just a phone call or email away. We remain available to assist you until the court issues the final decree and the new birth certificate is processed.

E. Empowerment and Control

When you manage your own adoption, you’re in the driver’s seat. You’ll know exactly what’s happening, what steps are next, and how long each phase may take. Many of our clients finalize their adoptions in just a few months—sometimes even faster for adult adoptions.


5. Ready to Begin Your Alabama Adoption Journey?

Whether you’re a stepparent eager to make your parent-child bond official or you’re planning an adult adoption for a loved one, the Alabama adoption process doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By choosing the DIY route, you maintain control, save money, and enjoy personalized support every step of the way.

How to Start

adoption forms for stepparent adoption

Start your Stepparent Adoption

Join thousands of families in Alabama who have successfully completed their stepparent adoption.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

Start your Adult Adoption

Let us help you unify your family.  Click the button below to start your adult adoption in Alabama.

START YOUR ADOPTION!

  1. Visit StepparentAdoptionForms.
  2. Click on the “Start Your Adoption” button.
  3. Complete the online questionnaire, providing all the details our legal department needs to prepare your Alabama adoption documents.
  4. Receive your completed forms along with detailed instructions.
  5. File with your local Probate Court and follow our step-by-step guidance until finalization.

Soon enough, you’ll be holding your Final Decree of Adoption—a testament to the love and commitment you’ve already demonstrated in your family.


Alabama adoption

At StepparentAdoptionForms, we believe that every family deserves a seamless, cost-effective adoption journey. Let us help you navigate Alabama’s stepparent or adult adoption process with confidence and ease. We look forward to supporting you on this meaningful path toward building a legally recognized family bond.

Read More