Adoption

Adoption is perhaps one of the most selfless and remarkable things a person can do. It requires patience, love, and above all, significant sacrifice. The choice to adopt a child can be one of the greatest choices a person will ever make. However, the family courts in America do not always make the process easy or simple. In fact, it can be a very expensive and drawn-out experience. Many couples seeking to adopt find themselves expended money on countless court appearances, travel arrangements, and a wide range of other related costs, all in their effort to bring a child into their lives. At Anderson Miller Law Firm, our team of experienced family law attorneys is here to help.

What Is Adoption in Alabama?

Alabama law requires anyone seeking to adopt to follow a specific procedure. This includes a petition filed in the correct jurisdiction, as well as several other key legal documents. Adoption is the process of becoming the legal parent of another person. Unlike guardianship, which is a separate process, once a person is adopted, they have all the same rights as a natural child. Likewise, an adopted parent assumes all the same legal obligations and responsibilities as a natural parent.

Steps to Take When Adopting a Child

Alabama law has several key procedural steps that you must carefully follow if you wish to have a successful adoption.

First, you must meet the eligibility standards. Here is a quick checklist to see if you are qualified to adopt:

If you can answer yes to all these questions, then you may qualify to be an adoptive parent. Next, you must apply to adopt and go through a process known as “Group Preparation and Selection.” This will consist of 30 classroom hours of instruction and preparation, and it must be completed in order to adopt in Alabama.

Once a child is identified and is placed in your home, there is a period of adjustment, which is natural. After at least three months, you may begin the legal process of adopting the child.

Things to Expect When Adopting a Child

Remember that all children are unique. No two children will have the same experience with adoption. Depending on the age of the child you adopt, there may be added challenges.

As a general rule of thumb, adopting an infant is probably one of the easier transitions, as the child has not had time to form deep emotional bonds. On the other hand, infants require more time and attention than older children. It’s important to fully assess your own (and your partner’s, if applicable) ability to assume the responsibilities and duties of a parent. If the child has been removed from a difficult home life, you should expect some hardship in the beginning. The child may resent you, become hostile, or be angry with you. Some adopted children take years to fully acclimate to their new home environment. The older the child, the more likely this will be a challenge.

Getting Help with Legal Adoption in Alabama

If you are interested in adoption, it is best to meet with an Alabama adoption lawyer early in the process, preferably before filing any court documents. Sometimes, there are ways that a skilled attorney can cut through the red tape and help you achieve your goal of parenthood faster, more efficiently, and with less unnecessary expense than what may otherwise be incurred if you try to do it yourself. Give Anderson Miller Law Firm a call today, and let one of our dedicated adoption lawyers work with you to provide skilled advice and counsel through this exciting new chapter in your life.

Anytime a court makes an “order,” it is a legal document that carries the weight of the entire judicial branch. This means the judge’s order is an instruction that must be followed, just like any other law. Just as you would not disobey a stop sign, a court order must be followed, or serious consequences can arise.