Contested adoption usually occurs when one biological parent wishes to place the child for adoption and the other biological parent contests the choice. This can occur when the father is unaware of the pregnancy or if the birth mother is giving the baby up without the father’s consent, or if the birth father changes his mind.
Most contested adoptions are started by the biological father; other family members can also object. In the case of older children, this usually occurs when the custodial parent remarries and the step-parent wishes to adopt the child but the non-custodial parent refuses to give up their parental rights. We can help birth parents and adoptive parents reach suitable agreements and will help you make those agreements legally binding to avoid long and contentious court battles, including child support and custody.
When it comes to family matters, mediation is an invaluable tool that can help you stay in control of your decisions, including the most difficult of disputes — that regarding the adoption of your children.