What is the residency requirement for adoption in Alabama?

Alabama requires 6 months of state residency before you can file a stepparent adoption petition (Ala. Code § 26-10A-3(2)). This means you (or your spouse) must have lived in Alabama for at least 6 months before filing. If you recently moved to Alabama, you may need to wait until you meet this requirement. The residency clock starts from when you established your home in the state — it doesn't have to be from the date you officially changed your driver's license.