Gulf Coast Adoptions is an Alabama adoption lawyer. We provide legal representation, information, and support for adoption in Alabama. If you are considering adoption or are ready for help from a lawyer, please contact us.
Our Commitment to Adoptive Parents
As adoptive parents ourselves, we understand your hopes and dreams. We know how important it is to have an experienced lawyer handle the process. A skilled adoption attorney in Alabama can guide your journey. With a competent lawyer representing you, you can confidently make informed decisions and move through the process.
Our approach is rooted in compassion and empathy. With years of experience and dedication to each family we serve, you can expect to feel supported and heard with Gulf Coast Adoptions as your Alabama adoption lawyer.
Our Commitment to Expectant Mothers and Birth Parents
We understand the complex and courageous choice you’re making. We are committed to providing caring, personal, and empowering support. We spend hours talking to birth mothers for free. We invite you to contact us if you’re considering your options or ready for the next steps.
Types of Adoptions We Handle
There are several types of adoption, depending on the child’s and parents’ status. Gulf Coast Law handles a wide variety of adoptions. Some of the types of cases we handle are:
Open adoption
We can tailor your open adoption to your needs and wishes. See how we can personalize a case plan for you.
Closed adoption
A closed adoption maintains the privacy of those involved. A lawyer can guide the process, explaining what you need to know and protecting your rights.
Infant, older child
Whether your adoption involves an infant or an older child, we can answer your questions and handle the process.
Stepparent
Stepparent adoption can assist families by turning a stepparent into a legally recognized parent.
Grandparent, other relative
We assist grandparents and other relatives in completing adoptions.
Same sex
We help same-sex couples grow their families through adoption.
Second parent
Second-parent adoption is adopting a partner’s child, giving both parents full, legal status.
Couples and singles
Our law firm represents couples and singles looking to adopt.
Foster care, DHS adoptions
When you adopt from foster care or through DHS, we make sure your rights and interests are protected for your family’s future.
International
Get legal help with the detailed steps of an international adoption.
Interstate
Our law firm capably manages the special issues of interstate adoption.
Adult
Let us assist you in completing an adult adoption.
Why Hire an Alabama Adoption Lawyer?
Adoption is a legal process. It is the creation of a new family relationship. It’s essential to follow the legal steps exactly and completely. Sound legal representation protects the rights of everyone involved throughout the process and in the future. An adoption lawyer knows what to do, what things to look for, and how to tailor the process for your growing family.
What We Do As Alabama Adoption Attorneys
Our law firm can guide the entire legal process. Things we may do include:
- Evaluate the type of adoption that may be right for you.
- Answer your questions as you explore your options.
- Explain each step in the process so that your decisions are confident and informed.
- Identify things that may be especially important.
- Guide you through the preparation process, including the home study and other steps.
- Be available as your guide and representative.
- File the paperwork.
- Avoid difficulties and stumbling blocks that may complicate a case.
- Streamline the steps to make things as efficient as possible.
- Represent you in hearings.
When you talk to an Alabama adoption lawyer, we’ll evaluate your unique situation. Then we’ll create a personalized plan for your family.
Who We Serve
Gulf Coast Adoptions handles adoption cases throughout Alabama, as well as interstate and international adoptions. We invite you to contact us to meet our legal team and talk about your situation.
Choose Our Experienced and Compassionate Team
Clay H. Whittaker is an attorney with 17 years of experience. He founded Gulf Coast Adoptions to serve his community through adoption legal services. With years of experience in a diverse range of adoption cases, he is ready to meet your needs with skill and compassion.
Clay and his wife Cheryl are adoptive parents themselves. Cheryl serves as a paralegal at Gulf Coast Adoptions, spending hours talking to clients and listening to their experiences.
Gulf Coast Adoptions is proud to help adoptive families overcome challenges, assisting clients to achieve their goals for adoption.
Consultation with an Alabama Adoption Lawyer
Call us today at 850-999-7977 to learn more about how we can assist you. We are here to help you!
Unplanned Pregnancy in Alabama?
Do you have an unplanned pregnancy or are considering placing your child for adoption in Alabama? Gulf Coast Adoptions is a trusted and experienced adoption law firm that provides services through Alabama to include Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham and all areas in between.
The most common questions we receive from expectant parents thinking about placing their baby for adoption are “Do I receive financial help if I place my baby for adoption in Alabama?” Yes, Alabama law provides the ability for prospective adoptive parents to provide financial support to an expectant mother during her pregnancy and during pregnancy-related incapacity. Maternity-connected medical or hospital expenses and necessary living expenses can be paid as an act of charity by the prospective adoptive parents. The most common expenses include medical care, rent, utilities, transportation, maternity clothing, counseling and other similar adoption related expenses. Gulf Coast Adoptions works closely with expectant mothers to determine what charity and financial assistance options they may be able to receive.
Another common question Gulf Coast Adoptions receives is “What does an adoption in Alabama cost?”. For the expectant mother or father, the adoption process is completely free and does not cost you anything. All adoption fees, legal expenses and the financial support are provided by the prospective adoptive parents.
To complete an adoption in Alabama, the proper people must agree to and consent to the adoption. A mother’s consent is almost always required. If a minor child is over the age of 14, the child’s consent is also usually required. A minor child’s father’s consent may or may not be required, and depends on numerous factors, and Gulf Coast Adoptions is able to answer any questions regarding what consents are required to complete an adoption.
Consents for an Alabama adoption can be given either before the birth of the child or after the birth of the child. Alabama law provides a short window for expectant parents to change their mind as to the adoption, as a consent to an adoption may be withdrawn within five days after the birth or within five days after signing a consent, whichever comes last. The time period to withdraw a consent is extended to 14 days if a Court finds that the withdrawal is reasonable under the circumstances and consistent with the best interest of the child.
Adoptions in Alabama are not just limited to newborns. Any minor may be adopted when appropriate consents are provided as well as some adults.
For Alabama residents seeking to adopt, the State of Alabama has established certain requirements that include, but are not limited to:
- If married, you must have been married for 3 years or more.
- All persons must be over the age of 19.
- You must have sufficient housing and a stable family life.
- You must be of sufficiently good health as verified by medical records.
- You must complete background checks that include a criminal record search
- Able to provide character references.
There are many factors that may make adoption the right choice for you — whether it is finances, timing, or your current situation. Expectant mothers choose adoption for their baby for many reasons, but the most common thread among them is love. They deeply love their child but know that — at this point in their life — they are unable to provide the life they believe their child deserves. Choosing adoption does not mean that you are giving up. It means that you are giving your love to your child and your baby’s adoptive family.
Every member of our team has been personally involved in adoption and many are birth mothers who have been in your shoes.
We understand and are ready to answer any questions you might have. Contact us now at 850-852-8132.