What are the requirements for stepparent adoption in Alabama?

Here are the key requirements for stepparent adoption in Alabama:

1. Marriage: You must be legally married to the child's biological parent

2. Residency: 6 months in Alabama (Ala. Code § 26-10A-3(2))

3. Consent or Abandonment: Either the other biological parent consents, or abandonment (12+ months no contact) is established under Ala. Code § 26-10A-9

4. Child Consent: Children age 14+ must consent (Ala. Code § 26-10A-7(a)(5))

5. Background Check: Required for the adopting stepparent

6. Home Study: Typically waived for stepparents in Alabama (Ala. Code § 26-10A-27)

7. Filing: Petition filed in Probate Court

Our document package includes everything you need — petition, consent forms or abandonment affidavit, background check forms, home study waiver request, and step-by-step filing instructions for your specific countie.