Dear Editor:

Recently, I did an adoption before Probate Judge Tim Russell in Baldwin County Probate Court. This was a very special adoption for me as an attorney, because the infant was being adopted by my daughter and son-in-law.

I must say that I never have been treated more courteously nor more professionally that I was by Judge Russell and his staff. A pre-birth adoption is more complicated than other type adoptions, and I had to confer with the Court often during the weeks-long process to ensure that everything was done by the letter of the law. Oddly enough, while the law is common, procedures in each county are different. Judge Russell and his staff, particularly administrative assistant Jodi Smith, were always there to answer questions and steer me in the right direction.

I am pleased that I now have a new handsome young grandson living in Daphne. When I show pictures of him, people tell me he favors his grandfather, even if he is not my biological grandson. I thank Judge Russell and his outstanding staff for their assistance in making this precious infant part of our family.

Don Eddins

Auburn, Ala.