Athens, AL Stepparent Adoption Lawyers

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Adopting is a personal and sensitive process for any family, but especially for stepparents who have been the primary caretaker in a child’s life, but have no legal rights to that child. At Foxtrot Family Law, we understand how difficult it can be to make matters official with your stepchild. If you’ve not only opened your home, but also your heart to your stepchild and you’re worried that a biological parent who has been MIA will show up unannounced and insist on a relationship with your stepchild, we can help you through the process of legal adoption. You and your child’s future both rely on the outcome of this case, which is why we are dedicated to giving you the care and attention that you deserve, so you can reach the best possible outcome for your family.

If you’re ready to officially expand your family, our Athens adoption lawyers are ready to help. Call Foxtrot Family Law today to request a consultation.

Why Do I Need A Lawyer For My Adoption Case?

The process of adoption in Alabama presents a variety of challenges that can be difficult to handle on your own. That’s why it’s imperative that you enlist the help of a seasoned adoption attorney who can give you an advantage in reaching your ideal resolution. In addition to legal advice and guidance, Athens adoption lawyers can also…

• Ensure you understand Alabama’s adoption laws. – An adoption lawyer can explain which of the state’s laws are applicable to your case to ensure that you remain legally compliant throughout the entirety of the process.
• Help you prepare paperwork and other necessary documentation. – There are several forms and pieces of documentation that are involved in the adoption process, including background checks, birth certificates and more. An adoption lawyer is going to make sure that all of these forms are properly filled out and filed in a timely manner.
• Handle consent. – When birth parents are involved, it can be difficult to obtain consent to adopt on your own. Lawyers can assist you with that process as well as terminating parental rights if necessary.
• Represent your interests in court. – A lawyer will advocate for you during hearings and court proceedings, while also protecting your rights.
• Take precautions to prevent adoption from being overturned. – Adoption is a process that has to be followed carefully. If proper procedure is not taken, a court order for adoption can be overturned even years down the road. Working with an experienced adoption lawyer can prevent this from happening.
• And more!

Requirements For An Athens Adoption

If you’re ready to complete your family in the state of Alabama, there are a list of requirements that you have to meet in order to legally do so, including:

• Being 19+ years of age
• If married and adopting a stepchild, the child must have lived with you for at least one year (this requirement can be waived by a judge if they see fit).
• You must have appropriate housing and personal space for the child that you are adopting.
• You must be in good health in order to take care of the child.
• You must undergo a background check.

In addition to the above requirements, you will also need to complete an adoption application, attend mandatory Trauma Informed Partnering for Permanence and Safety (TIPS) meetings, complete a family profile and undergo a home study, wait for approval, review background information, host pre-placement visits, and go through the legal court process so that your stepchild can legally become your own.

Every family is different, so depending on your family’s unique situation, your adoption process may involve more or fewer steps than the above. That makes it all the more important to work with one of our skilled Athens adoption lawyers.

How Foxtrot Family Law Can Help You

At Foxtrot Family Law, we know how overwhelming and discouraging it can be to know that you are your child’s parent, but the state doesn’t acknowledge that. We believe in helping stepparents like you make matters official. Our Athens adoption lawyers have 35+ years of combined experience navigating Alabama’s family laws. Let us advocate for your rights so that you can have peace of mind regarding the future of your family. Call today to request a consultation.