HB495 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Adoption, in cases of fraud, final orders may be challenged until child is 18, Sec. 26-10A-25 am'd.

Summary

The bill lets a final adoption decree be challenged for fraud at any time before the child turns 18, instead of only within a year after the decree.

What This Bill Does

If fraud is involved in obtaining an adoption, the final decree can be collaterally challenged and overturned at any time before the child reaches age 18. The rest of the adoption process rules remain in place, so a final decree still requires the court to check custody, consents, notices, and other requirements before granting adoption. This change only affects the time limit for fraud-related challenges.

Who It Affects

• Adoptees (the children) who could have their final adoption overturned later if fraud was involved in obtaining the decree, up to age 18.
• Adoptive parents and natural parents involved in the adoption, who could face overturning of the decree if fraud occurred in the process.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 26-10A-25 to allow a final decree of adoption to be collaterally challenged and set aside at any time before the child reaches age 18 in cases of fraud.
• Specifies that if the final decree was obtained by fraud on the court or the natural parents, the adoption may be overturned at any time before the child turns 18.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Family Law