Adoption is the legal process in which a person assumes responsibility for the health, safety, well-being, and financial support of another person—usually a child—and terminates the rights and responsibilities of the adopted person’s biological parent or parents.
In Alabama, adoption is governed by the Alabama Adoption Code. The process allows an individual or a couple to legally assume parental rights and responsibilities for a child, thereby terminating the legal rights of the biological parents. Prospective adoptive parents must meet eligibility requirements, which include being at least 19 years old, financially stable, and responsible. The process involves a home study to evaluate the suitability of the adoptive home, consent from the biological parents unless their rights have been terminated due to specific reasons such as abandonment or abuse, and legal proceedings to finalize the adoption. The adoption is completed with a court order, and the adopted child is issued a new birth certificate reflecting the adoptive parents as their legal parents. Alabama law also allows for adult adoptions under certain conditions. It's important to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law to navigate the complexities of the adoption process in Alabama.