privateadoption.orgState overview
Alabama
A few of the basics in Alabama, in plain words. Tap a card to read it in full with its official source.
Each petitioner must be a bona fide Alabama resident when the petition is filed, or a resident of the receiving state when the child was born in Alabama and placed in compliance with ICPC (38-7-15 and 44-2-20).
Ala. Code 26-10E-5(e)(3) · as of 2026-10-21
Alabama DHR, a licensed child-placing agency, or a social worker licensed by the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners and certified for private independent practice in the social casework specialty. For families living in another state, an individual or agency authorized by that state to do these investigations. Families may ask one of these providers directly to start a pre-placement investigation.
Ala. Code 26-10E-19(f),(h) as amended by Act 2025-407 (SB94), eff. Jan 1, 2026 · as of 2026-10-21
Alabama DHR keeps a putative father registry. A man may file a notarized "Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity" on the DHR form, and may file before the child is born.
Ala. Code 26-10C-1(a),(c)(3) · as of 2026-10-21
Petitions are filed in probate court in the county where the child was born, lives, or is domiciled; where a petitioner lives or is in military service; or where the custodial agency has an office. Another county is possible with good cause, no objection within 30 days, and a written best-interest finding.
Ala. Code 26-10E-4 · as of 2026-10-21
Who to ask
These entries describe what Alabama law and agencies say. For what they mean for your family, ask an adoption attorney licensed in Alabama.
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