The Alabama Lawyer | Alabama State Bar

The Alabama Lawyer is a bi-monthly publication of the Alabama State Bar. It is published in January, March, May, July, September and November. In addition to keeping members up to date on the latest changes in various laws/rules and how they affect their practice, it also provides members and the public a way to keep current with Alabama State Bar activities, policies/procedures and information pertaining to other bar members.

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The Alabama Lawyer is published six times each year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. For advertising deadlines and other information, contact Director of Publications Margaret Murphy.

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Browse all issues of The Alabama Lawyer, including years prior to 2012, at the archive. Visit Archive »

FROM THE ALABAMA LAWYER: The Ukrainian Orphan Crisis and Refugee Adoption

Audio version available

By Susan M. Brown

The war between Russia and Ukraine presents a crisis for many children. This article, while written almost entirely before the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine, may have life-saving application for clients to partner with orphan-care advocates seeking to bring these orphans into stable and safe American homes.

FROM THE ALABAMA LAWYER: Stepparent Adoptions

Audio version available

By Joshua B. Horn

Stepparent adoptions are the most common form of adoption filed in Alabama. With divorce rates at more than 50 percent, it is common for adults to help raise their spouse’s children. The Alabama adoption code streamlines stepparent adoptions. These stepparent adoptions are governed by Ala. Code § 26-10A-27, and with a little research, they can be handled easily by attorneys who do not specialize in family adoption law.

FROM THE ALABAMA LAWYER: Representing Foster Parents in Adoptions

Audio version available

By Samuel J. McLure

Many foster parents lack the tools and knowledge to advocate for the best interests of the child in their care. All foster parents have to go through a Trauma Informed Parenting for Permanency and Safety class (TIPS) where they learn that their role is to provide a temporary safe home for a child while the Department of Human Resources (DHR) works with parents to alleviate the underlying causes of dependency.
So, when a lawyer is consulted by foster parents who feel at odds with the system, what does that lawyer do?

FROM THE ALABAMA LAWYER: Interstate Adoptions

Audio version available

By Jared N. Lyles

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children act (the ICPC) was put into place to encourage the cooperation and communication between state authorities that are involved in the interstate placement of children in foster care or for adoption.

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Recent years’ issues of The Alabama Lawyer can be found below. Click a year to access the issues within.

For questions, contact Director of Publications, Margaret Murphy.

2022

January