Step-by-Step Guide to Stepparent Adoption in Alabama
With Dani V. Bone & Sam D. Bone, Attorneys at Law
Welcome! We’re here to guide you through the stepparent adoption process in Alabama. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how your case will proceed.
📋 Step 1: Initial Consultation & Eligibility Review
✔ Schedule a Consultation
You will meet with an attorney or have a phone consultation with Sam Bone, Trish, or Amanda.
We will review your eligibility for stepparent adoption and discuss the process.
✔ Complete the Pre-Meeting Form
Before your consultation, please fill out the required form to help us prepare your legal documents.
📄 Complete the Pre-Adoption Form Here
📑 Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Please bring the following documents to your consultation to proceed with your petition:
✔ Driver’s License (for each petitioner)
✔ Certified Marriage Certificate
✔ Certified Birth Certificate of the Adoptee (issued within six months of filing)
✔ Application for Birth Certificate
✔ Certified Copies of Any Court Orders related to custody, visitation, or parentage of the adoptee
📌 Note: Without these documents, we will not be able to file your adoption petition.
🔎 Step 3: Stepparent/Relative Investigation
✔ Alabama Law Requirement
Under Alabama Code § 26-10E-26/27, a Stepparent/Relative Investigation is required.
✔ Investigation Request Letter
We will mail you a letter with instructions on how to complete the investigation.
This investigation must be completed within 30 days of filing.
You are responsible for the cost of this investigation (not included in attorney fees).
📄 Stepparent/Relative Investigation Letter Here
📝 Step 4: Filing Your Adoption Petition
Once we have all required documents, completed paperwork, and the investigation results, we will:
✔ Review and finalize your adoption petition
✔ File your petition with the court
⏳ Step 5: Post-Filing Requirements & Court Date
✔ Waiting for Court Date
Once your petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing.
You may be required to provide additional information or documents if requested by the judge.
✔ Court Date Notification
We will notify you as soon as your court date is scheduled.
⚖️ Step 6: Court Hearing & Final Steps
✔ Attend the Court Hearing
The judge will review your case and sign the adoption decree.
This is the final legal step in the adoption process.
✔ Bring Required Fees
Bring a $25.00 check payable to the Alabama State Board of Health along with the Report of Adoption.
📜 Step 7: Final Documentation
✔ Receive Final Decree & Adoption Report
After the court hearing, we will mail you a copy of the final decree of adoption.
Keep these records safe—the court will not issue another copy in the future.
📞 Need More Information? Contact Us!
📧 Email: [Your Contact Email]
📍 Office Address: 1031 Forrest Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901
📲 Call or Text: [Your Phone Number]
📩 Request More Information
📌 Fill out the form below to receive additional details about the stepparent adoption process.
