Montgomery Adoption Lawyers
Guiding You Through the Process in the Counties of Montgomery, Autauga, Chilton & Lee
The idea of adoption can be thrilling yet overwhelming. You may not know where to begin. Furthermore, the process can be confusing as well as daunting. At Delk & Tomlinson Law, we take enormous pride in helping to create new families for the clients we serve. We are well-versed in Alabama’s adoption laws and the complex and often intimidating process that prospective parents face in their desire to adopt.
Our Montgomery adoption attorneys understand the significance involved in the decision to adopt and the obstacles that must be addressed and overcome on the journey. Whether you are a potential adoptive parent or a birth parent contemplating adoption, we are here to guide you through every phase of the legal process toward a successful conclusion. With our experienced and compassionate support, you may be well on your way toward achieving your goal of providing a safe and loving home to a child, teen, or even an adult.
Consult with one of our dedicated attorneys at Delk & Tomlinson Law about your potential adoption. We are available at (334) 373-2981 or contact us online.
Adoption Laws in Alabama
Under Alabama law, any minor child or disabled adult can be adopted. Those who can adopt include married couples who jointly agree as well as single persons who are at least 19 years old. Married couples must have been married for at least three years and at least one spouse must be a U.S. citizen. Single individuals cannot be prevented from adoption due to their age as long as they are adults. They cannot be prevented from adoption because they work outside the home.
Other requirements include having adequate housing, maintaining a stable family environment, and being in reasonably good health so as to be able to meet a child’s needs. You will also have to provide character references and your family will need to undergo criminal background checks.
Designated courts have been set up in the state to oversee the adoption process to ensure that the best interests of the individual being adopted are protected.
Many types of adoptions are available, including:
- International adoptions
- Agency adoptions
- Private adoptions
- Adoptions of foster care children
- Adoption of a child by relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others
- Stepparent adoptions
- Adult adoptions
- Adoptions by same-sex partners or spouses
Depending on the type of adoption involved, the process can be lengthy and can involve educational programs, the profiling of you and your family, and home studies to determine that you and your home are appropriate for adoption. In foster care adoption, this also includes interviews with social workers, meeting children in pre-placement visits followed by the child living with you for at least three months before the adoption can be legally concluded.
We recommend that you do not try to navigate the adoption process on your own. Having an experienced Montgomery adoption attorney on your side can mean avoiding mistakes, guiding you through any problems that may arise, and streamlining the process.
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“I was very pleased with the professional services rendered by Delk and Tomlinson. They treated me with respect and helped me understand the process which is hard to do when your emotions are frayed.”
Contact Us to Learn More
Get your questions answered and learn more about how we can help you by calling a team member at (334) 373-2981 or submitting your contact details online today.
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