Legal Question in Family Law in Alabama

I have a question on adoption. I have what I guess would be legally defined as a former step-daughter. Her mother and I were married when she was five and divorced when she was 13. Her biological dad has never been in the picture, and I have been the only Dad she has ever known. She comes to my house every day after school, all summer, and every other weekend, although there is no "custody agreement" or legal reason requiring it. She wants to come over and I want to see her. She is my daughter in my mind and always will be, and I am her Dad. She is 18 now and I would like to know if there is any way I can adopt her in some capacity as a legal parent, and her mother retain her status as well? I've wanted to do it before, including when her mother and I were still married...but when consulting an attorney he suggested that we'd have to hire a private detective to seek out the biological father for permission (a can of potential worms we didn't feel comfortable with when she was so young) Instead we had her name legally changed to my last name, which she still uses today.

Since she is legally an adult now (18) can she simply consent to the procedure? Is 18 year old, non-blood adoption even allowed in Alabama?

Someone please help me, or point me in the right direction. I want badly to do this.


Asked on 1/28/10, 8:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mari Morrison Mari Morrison

I would advise you to consult a lawyer personally. It is not sufficient to give this advise here as there is considerable paperwork necessary and the age may be a nullity once she turns 19.

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Answered on 2/08/10, 9:27 am


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