Outline
The Alabama Adoption Report form is a crucial document in the adoption process, ensuring that all necessary information is accurately recorded and submitted. This form consists of three parts, each designed to gather essential details about the child and the adoptive parents. Parts I and II require completion by the petitioners, their attorney, or the court. Notably, if a licensed child-placing agency or the State Department of Human Resources facilitated the placement, certain information about the natural parents and the child's birth can be omitted. This streamlines the process and allows the agency to provide the required details to the State Registrar. After the adoption is finalized, the Clerk of the Court must certify the report and send it, along with the final decree, to the State Registrar within ten days. For children born in Alabama, a new birth certificate reflecting the child's new name and adoptive parents will be issued for a fee of $25. If the child was born outside Alabama, the final decree and report will be forwarded to the appropriate official in the state of birth for a fee of $10. This form plays a vital role in legalizing the adoption and ensuring that the child's identity is updated accordingly.
Sample - Alabama Adoption Report Form
A L A B A M A
REPORT OF ADOPTI ON
INSTRUCTIONS: Parts I and II of this report must be completed by the petitioners, their attorney, or the Court. If the child was placed by a licensed
child-placing agency or the State Department of Human Resources, information about 1) the natural parents, 2) place of birth of the child, and 3)
birth certificate number may be omitted. This information is to be furnished to the State Registrar by the agency which placed the child.
Within ten (10) days after the final decree of adoption has been made, the Clerk of the Court shall make his certification in Part III, affix his
official seal, and forward this report with the final decree of adoption to the State Registrar, Center for Health Statistics, P. O. Box 5625,
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625. If the child was born in Alabama a new certificate listing the child’s new name and adoptive parents will be
prepared. The fee to prepare this new birth certificate is $25.00 payable to the Alabama State Board of Health. This fee also includes one certified
copy of the new certificate. If the adopted child was not born in Alabama, the State Registrar will forward the certified copy of the final decree of
adoption and the report of adoption to the proper official in the state of birth. The fee to forward the final decree of adoption and report of adoption
to the proper official in the state of birth is $10.00 payable to the Alabama State Board of Health. To obtain a certified copy of this birth certificate,
contact the state of birth.
PART I INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD (To Identify Original Birth Certificate)
NOTE: If the official birth certificate number is entered, the names of the father and mother may be omitted.
Full Name of Child at Birth First Middle Last
Birth Certificate Number
Place of Birth City–Town or Location
State and Country of Birth
Date of Birth
Sex
Full Maiden Name of NATURAL Mother First Middle Last
Full Name of LEGAL Father First Middle Last
PART II INFORMATION AFTER ADOPTION (For New Birth Certificate)
Full Name of Child After Adoption First Middle Last
FATHER — Full Name First Middle Last
Father’s State of Birth (If not in U.S.A., name country)
Father’s Date of Birth
Father (Check One)
Adoptive Natural
MOTHER — Full Maiden Name First Middle
Last
Mother’s Legal Name First Middle Last
Mother’s Date of Birth
Mother’s State of Birth (If not in U.S.A., name country)
Mother’s Usual Residence—State
Mother’s Residence — County
Mother’s Residence — City or Town and Zip Code
Mother’s Residence — Street Address (If rural, give location)
Mother’s Residence — Inside City
Limits (Specify Yes or No)
Mother (Check One)
Adoptive
Natural
Mailing Address of Adoptive Parents
Phone Number
Name and Full Address of Attorney Or Agency Representative
Phone Number
Title
PART III CERTIFICATION OF CLERK OF COURT
Must be properly signed, dated and sealed.
Name of Court
For City, County
of
I hereby certify that the adoption as set forth above was made final in this Court by decree
dated
and bearing No.
.
Signature
(Seal) Title
By
ADPH-HS-17/Rev. 10/2009
Form Information
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | The Alabama Adoption Report form is governed by Alabama Code Title 26, Chapter 10. |
| Completion Responsibility | Parts I and II must be completed by the petitioners, their attorney, or the Court. |
| Omission of Information | If a licensed agency placed the child, certain details about the natural parents can be omitted. |
| Submission Deadline | The Clerk of the Court must submit the report within ten days after the final adoption decree. |
| Certification Requirement | The report must be certified by the Clerk of the Court and include an official seal. |
| New Birth Certificate | A new birth certificate will be issued if the child was born in Alabama. |
| Fee for New Certificate | The fee for preparing a new birth certificate is $25.00, which includes one certified copy. |
| Out-of-State Birth | If the child was born out of state, the final decree and report will be sent to the appropriate official in that state. |
| Fee for Out-of-State Processing | The fee to forward documents to the state of birth is $10.00. |
| Contact for Certified Copy | To obtain a certified copy of the new birth certificate, contact the state where the child was born. |
Detailed Guide for Filling Out Alabama Adoption Report
After completing the Alabama Adoption Report form, submit it to the Clerk of the Court within ten days of the final adoption decree. The Clerk will certify the form and forward it to the State Registrar along with the final decree of adoption.
- Obtain the Alabama Adoption Report form.
- Fill out Part I with information about the child, including:
- Full name of the child at birth (First, Middle, Last)
- Birth certificate number (if known)
- Place of birth (City, State, Country)
- Date of birth
- Sex of the child
- Full maiden name of the natural mother (First, Middle, Last)
- Full name of the legal father (First, Middle, Last)
- Proceed to Part II to provide information after adoption, including:
- Full name of the child after adoption (First, Middle, Last)
- Full name of the adoptive father (First, Middle, Last)
- Father’s state of birth and date of birth
- Indicate if the father is adoptive or natural
- Full maiden name of the adoptive mother (First, Middle)
- Mother’s legal name (First, Middle, Last)
- Mother’s date of birth and state of birth
- Mother’s usual residence (State, County, City or Town, Zip Code, Street Address)
- Indicate if the mother lives inside city limits
- Mailing address of adoptive parents
- Phone number of adoptive parents
- Name and full address of the attorney or agency representative
- Phone number of the attorney or agency representative
- Title of the attorney or agency representative
- Complete Part III, ensuring it is signed, dated, and sealed by the Clerk of the Court.
- Submit the completed form to the Clerk of the Court along with the final decree of adoption.
Obtain Answers on Alabama Adoption Report
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What is the purpose of the Alabama Adoption Report form?
The Alabama Adoption Report form is used to document the finalization of an adoption in Alabama. It includes important information about the child, the adoptive parents, and the legal aspects of the adoption. This form must be completed by the petitioners, their attorney, or the court, ensuring that all necessary details are officially recorded.
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Who is responsible for completing the report?
The report must be filled out by the petitioners, their attorney, or the court. Parts I and II require specific information about the child and the adoptive parents. If the child was placed through a licensed child-placing agency or the State Department of Human Resources, certain details, such as the natural parents' information and the place of birth, can be omitted. This information will be provided separately by the agency.
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What happens after the report is completed?
Once the report is completed, the Clerk of the Court must certify it within ten days after the final adoption decree. This certification includes affixing the official seal and sending the report, along with the final decree of adoption, to the State Registrar at the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery, Alabama. If the child was born in Alabama, a new birth certificate will be prepared reflecting the child's new name and adoptive parents.
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What are the fees associated with the Alabama Adoption Report?
There are two primary fees related to the adoption report:
- $25.00 for preparing a new birth certificate for a child born in Alabama. This fee includes one certified copy of the new certificate.
- $10.00 for forwarding the final decree of adoption and report of adoption to the proper official if the child was born outside of Alabama.
These fees are payable to the Alabama State Board of Health. To obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate, you will need to contact the state where the child was born if it is outside of Alabama.
Common mistakes
Completing the Alabama Adoption Report form is a crucial step in the adoption process. However, many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure that the form is filled out accurately and efficiently.
One frequent mistake involves omitting essential information. While the form allows for some information to be excluded if the child was placed by a licensed agency, many people mistakenly leave out details that are necessary for the report. For example, the full name of the child at birth and the birth certificate number must be provided unless the proper conditions are met. Neglecting to include these details can result in the report being incomplete, which may hinder the processing of the adoption.
Another common error is related to the certification of the Clerk of Court. This section must be properly signed, dated, and sealed. Some individuals may forget to include the official seal or fail to obtain the necessary signature. This oversight can render the entire report invalid, requiring resubmission and further delays in finalizing the adoption.
Additionally, incorrect information about the adoptive parents can create significant issues. It is vital to ensure that the mailing address and phone numbers are accurate. If the information provided is incorrect, it can lead to communication problems with the State Registrar or other involved parties. Furthermore, any discrepancies in the names or addresses may raise questions about the legitimacy of the adoption.
Lastly, many individuals overlook the importance of the fee payment section. The fees associated with obtaining a new birth certificate and forwarding documents to the proper officials must be paid promptly. Failure to include the correct payment can delay the processing of the adoption report. It is essential to double-check that the appropriate fees are included and that the payment method is clearly indicated.
By being aware of these common mistakes, individuals can navigate the Alabama Adoption Report form more effectively. Ensuring that all required information is complete, accurate, and properly certified will help facilitate a smoother adoption process.
Documents used along the form
When navigating the adoption process in Alabama, several important documents accompany the Alabama Adoption Report form. Each of these forms serves a specific purpose and is essential for ensuring a smooth transition for the child and the adoptive family. Below is a brief overview of these documents.
- Final Decree of Adoption: This is the official court order that finalizes the adoption. It includes details about the child, the adoptive parents, and the court's decision. This document is crucial as it legally establishes the new parent-child relationship.
- Consent to Adopt: This form is signed by the biological parents or legal guardians, giving their permission for the adoption to take place. It ensures that all parties understand and agree to the adoption process.
- Home Study Report: Conducted by a licensed social worker, this report assesses the adoptive family's suitability to provide a safe and loving environment for the child. It includes interviews, background checks, and home visits.
- Post-Placement Report: After the child is placed with the adoptive family, this report evaluates how the child is adjusting to their new home. It is often required by the court to ensure the well-being of the child during the transition period.
Understanding these documents can help make the adoption process clearer and more manageable. Each form plays a vital role in ensuring that the adoption is conducted legally and compassionately, prioritizing the best interests of the child.
Similar forms
The Alabama Adoption Report form serves a unique purpose in the adoption process, but it shares similarities with several other important documents. Below is a list of eight documents that are comparable to the Alabama Adoption Report form, along with an explanation of how they are alike.
- Birth Certificate: Like the Alabama Adoption Report, a birth certificate provides essential details about an individual's identity, including their name, date of birth, and place of birth. Both documents are critical for establishing legal identity.
- Final Decree of Adoption: This document formalizes the adoption process, similar to the Alabama Adoption Report. It includes details about the child and the adoptive parents, and it is necessary for updating the child's legal status.
- Certificate of Adoption: Issued after an adoption is finalized, this certificate serves a purpose akin to the Alabama Adoption Report by confirming the adoption and providing a record of the new family relationship.
- Social Security Card Application: When applying for a new Social Security card post-adoption, the information required is similar to that on the Alabama Adoption Report. Both documents necessitate details about the child's identity and adoptive parents.
- Child Custody Agreement: This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of parents regarding a child, much like the Alabama Adoption Report. Both documents involve legal recognition of parental relationships and responsibilities.
- Guardianship Petition: A guardianship petition is similar in that it establishes legal guardianship over a child. Like the Alabama Adoption Report, it requires details about the child and the individuals taking on the guardianship role.
- Family Court Order: This order can address various family law issues, including adoption. It shares similarities with the Alabama Adoption Report in that both documents are issued by the court and contain vital information regarding family relationships.
- Name Change Petition: When a child’s name is changed after adoption, the petition for a name change shares similarities with the Alabama Adoption Report. Both documents require information about the child’s previous and new names, reflecting a change in identity.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Alabama Adoption Report form, it's essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure that the process runs smoothly. Here are four important do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
- Do complete Parts I and II of the report accurately.
- Do include the full name of the child at birth and after adoption.
- Don't omit any required information if the child was not placed by a licensed agency.
- Don't forget to have the Clerk of the Court sign and seal Part III of the report.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that the adoption process is handled correctly and efficiently. Take your time, double-check your entries, and consult with your attorney if you have any questions.
Misconceptions
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Misconception 1: The Alabama Adoption Report form can be completed by anyone.
In reality, only petitioners, their attorney, or the court can fill out Parts I and II of the form. This ensures that the information provided is accurate and legally binding.
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Misconception 2: All information about the child's natural parents is required on the form.
This is not true. If a licensed child-placing agency or the State Department of Human Resources placed the child, details about the natural parents, place of birth, and birth certificate number can be omitted.
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Misconception 3: The report must be submitted immediately after the adoption is finalized.
Actually, the report must be sent within ten days after the final decree of adoption. This allows time for the necessary certifications and paperwork to be completed properly.
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Misconception 4: The fee for a new birth certificate is optional.
The fee of $25.00 is mandatory if the child was born in Alabama. This fee covers the preparation of the new birth certificate and includes one certified copy.
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Misconception 5: If the adopted child was born outside Alabama, the process is the same as for those born in-state.
This is incorrect. For children born outside Alabama, the State Registrar will forward the final decree of adoption and the report to the appropriate official in the state of birth, and a fee of $10.00 is required for this service.
Key takeaways
Completion Responsibility: The Alabama Adoption Report form must be filled out by the petitioners, their attorney, or the Court. Ensuring that Parts I and II are accurately completed is essential for the adoption process.
Omission of Certain Information: If a licensed child-placing agency or the State Department of Human Resources facilitated the child's placement, details regarding the natural parents, place of birth, and birth certificate number can be omitted. This information will be provided directly to the State Registrar by the agency.
Timely Submission: After the final adoption decree is issued, the Clerk of the Court has ten days to certify Part III of the report. This certification must include the official seal and be forwarded to the State Registrar.
Fees for New Birth Certificate: A fee of $25.00 is required to prepare a new birth certificate that reflects the child's new name and adoptive parents. This fee also covers one certified copy of the new certificate.
Out-of-State Births: If the adopted child was born outside of Alabama, the State Registrar will send the final decree of adoption and the report to the appropriate official in the state of birth. A fee of $10.00 applies for this service.