Legal Question in Family Law in Alabama

A 15-year-old child is in legal custody of her aunt, but has lived most of her life with her grandmother. The father has no legal visitation rights, but does get to have her on occasion. He is in and out of jail, and employed off and on at best. The mother abandoned her at a very young age and she has only had contact with her once in the last 7 years. The grandmother is physically and emotionally incapable of raising her. The aunt clearly has no love for her and is emotionally (at least) abusive. Her guardianship has been passed around through various aunts, uncles, and the grandmother. My family has pseudo-adopted her over the last 2 years. We would like to find out if there is a way to make that legal - if not full adoption, then legal guardianship. The girl wants the same thing - she has had NO stability in her life, was molested at 9, and is basically unwanted, except by us. Please help us find a way to give her the family she wants and deserves.


Asked on 12/21/09, 9:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mari Morrison Mari Morrison

The best thing would be to have the mother and the father consent to adoption and then go to the Probate Court. Of course that sounds simple and could be if they would consent. You are in need of aplan and that would have to cover all of the contingencies from the people involved. Is DHR involved? Is the Aunt willing to give up custody? It can be done. Please feel free to contact me via my website email and telephone number.

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Answered on 12/27/09, 9:25 am


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