In this answer · 4 sections
Your question, explained
A financial affidavit is a standard court form that provides the Probate Court with a snapshot of your family's financial situation. It is required in many Alabama counties.
What it includes:
- Your income (employment, self-employment, etc.)
- Your spouse's income
- Monthly expenses (housing, utilities, food, etc.)
- Assets (home, vehicles, savings)
- Debts (mortgage, loans, credit cards)
What the court is looking for:
- The court is NOT requiring you to be wealthy
- There is NO minimum income requirement for adoption
- The court wants to see that the child will be adequately cared for
- Since you are ALREADY living with and supporting the child, this is rarely a concern
How to fill it out:
- Be honest and complete
- Estimates are fine for approximate expenses
- We include this form in your document package with instructions
What if my finances aren't great?
- Receiving public assistance does NOT disqualify you
- Having debt does NOT disqualify you
- Low income does NOT disqualify you
- The court evaluates the child's best interest — and being with a loving parent who wants to adopt them IS in their best interest
Included in your $349 document package — pre-formatted for your Alabama county with instructions for completion.
Stepparent adoption in Alabama at a glance
- Court
- Probate Court
- Residency before filing
- No minimum period
- Typical timeline
- 3-6 months
- Court filing fee
- $200-$350
- Child must consent at age
- 14
- Home study
- May be required
- Alabama families we've helped
- 811
Published by Douglas Brown & the StepParent Adoption 360 team
Adoption document specialists · 25+ years of experience · 34,000+ families helped.
Page layout updated . Individual answers have different research histories. This is general information; court requirements and individual circumstances can differ. Document preparation service, not a law firm.
Get to know our team →