Gretchen Nicole Hedke, Esq.

Adoption

Adoptions are my passion, whether you are a foster parent, relative, stepparent, legal custodian, private petitioner, or working with a placing agency. I have assisted in finalizing adoptions in over 15 Alabama counties.

Some adoptions are long and costly. I am committed to making adoptions financially accessible to Alabamians. I offer free consultations where we can explore realistic costs and timelines of pursuing adoption based on the facts of your particular case. I may match DHR’s rates for completing post-TPR adoptions out of foster care.

As of January 1, 2024, Alabama has new Adoption Codes. There are many changes, especially to adoption home study requirements (including for relative & stepparent adoptions) and adult adoptions. Make sure you’re prepared for the changes!

Appellate & Contract Appellate

I have written briefs in appeals of family law matters (custody, TPR, adoption, dependency) for appellants, appellees, and amicus. I have also written petitions for writ of mandamus, responses, and petitions for writ of certiorari.

If you are an attorney in need of assistance with an appeal, I am available on an hourly, contract basis to advise, review, and/or write for your appellate needs.

Custody & Child Support

Whether you are a parent, relative, or a caregiver, consider whether obtaining a custody order (or, if a custody order exists, but circumstances have changed greatly) can bring you and the child in your care that necessary security a child needs to grow and thrive.

Receiving support from both parents is the right of the child. Every child has a right to receive child support payments from their noncustodial parent(s), which can include retroactive support.

Paternity

In Alabama, a man can become a child’s legal father in many ways.

Whether you are the father of a child seeking to establish your rights and paternity, or a mother, relative, or adoptive petitioner needing to establish paternity, having a legal determination of paternity is important for your child’s stability and support.

Juvenile Dependency & TPR

Are you or a child you love involved in juvenile court matters relating to a child’s dependency or the termination of the rights of the child’s parents? Are you a safety plan, temporary or permanent custodian, relative resource, or foster parent with concerns about how a child’s case is being handled? Juvenile matters are hard to navigate because they involve not only court hearings, but also visitations, ISP meetings, home visits from case workers and Guardian ad Litems, and more. Having an advocate in and/or out of the courtroom can make a big difference.

Protection from Abuse

Victims of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, or the parents/caretakers of victims, can file a petition for protection from abuse (PFA). PFAs can provide legal protection from perpetrators who: are your current or former household members, you are/were in a dating relationship with, are your immediate family members, or have a child with you.

My introduction to providing legal services for victims of domestic violence began when I participated in the University of Alabama School of Law Domestic Violence Clinic as a 3L law student.