Contested Adoption Lawyer in Cumming | Call for a Consultation

An adoption dispute can be hard on all parties, including the child at the center of the disagreement. If you are in this situation and seeking legal help, a Cumming contested adoption lawyer from Speights Law is ready to lead your case.

We understand the state laws that govern these cases and the emotional highs and lows when people want different outcomes for a child. In many situations, parties must work out their differences in court, and that’s where we come in. Our Cumming family lawyers will put more than 20 years of experience toward your case and protect your rights and interests.

We help adoptive parents or other relatives who want to welcome a new family member and birth parents as opposed to giving up their parental rights. We aim to settle your case with the best outcome. Call us for a private consultation today so we can start working on your behalf.

Understanding What a Contested Adoption Is in Georgia

A contested adoption happens when someone objects to another party adopting a child. This happens when a birth parent or another person believes the adoption should not go forward.

People have their reasons for objecting to an adoption. They might think the adoptive parents are not suitable, even if the interested parties are a stepparent or another relative interested in adopting the child.

Birth parents might want to keep their parental rights intact and raise their children themselves. These disagreements can lead to a legal battle where both sides must present their case to a judge. The judge then decides what is best for the child in an adoption, per state law found at O.C.G.A. § 19-8-18(e).

Why Would Someone Challenge an Adoption?

Someone might contest an adoption for several reasons. Here are some common ones:

Lack of consent: A birth parent might not agree to the adoption. They might not have given their permission willingly.
Improper notification: Sometimes, a biological parent might not have been properly informed about the adoption process.
Maintained relationship: A biological parent might claim they have not abandoned the child and show how they are involved in the child’s life.
Fitness of adoptive parents: There may be concerns about whether the adoptive parents are suitable or capable of taking care of the child.
Best interests of the child: Some people might believe the adoption is not in the best interest of the child, meaning it might not be the best decision for the child’s well-being.

These reasons and others can make the adoption process more complicated and lead to legal disputes that parties must resolve in court.

How Contested Adoptions Work in Georgia – An Overview

Contested adoptions in Georgia follow a legal process that our lawyers can navigate for you. Here’s a simple overview:

Filing a petition: The adoptive parents start by filing a petition to adopt the child. They will then submit this legal document to the court.
Objection: If a birth parent or another interested party objects to the adoption, they must file a legal objection. This means they are formally telling the court they do not agree with the adoption.
Court hearings: The court schedules hearings at which both sides can present their evidence and make their case before a judge. The judge will listen to the adoptive parents, the objecting party, and any witnesses.
Investigation: Sometimes, the court might order an investigation. This process can include home studies, background checks, and interviews to gather more information about the child’s situation.
Judge’s decision: After reviewing all the evidence and hearing from everyone involved, the judge will decide on the case. The judge will consider what is best for the child above all else.
Possible appeals: If the judge’s decision is unfavorable to one of the parties, they can appeal it to a higher court. This means they ask the court to review and possibly change the ruling.

Our contested adoption dispute lawyer in Cumming knows all the steps of this process and will understand how they relate to your specific situation. We will explain how the adoption process works in Georgia and clearly lay out your options and next steps. Call and tell us about your situation during a private consultation.

What Are the Possible Outcomes of a Contested Adoption Case?

Contested adoptions can be complex and emotional, but understanding how they work can help you prepare for the outcome. The main two outcomes are as follows:

The court grants the adoption: If the judge decides the adoption is in the best interest of the child, they will approve the adoption. This means the adoptive parents gain all legal rights and responsibilities for the child, and the child joins the family permanently.
The court denies the adoption: If the judge finds the adoption is not in the child’s best interest, they will deny it. An adoption denial means the child will remain where they are, and further legal action must address any changes to custody or parental rights.

Both outcomes are determined by what the court believes is best for the child, considering all the information presented during the case.

Our Cumming Contested Adoption Lawyers Will Lead Your Case

Our contested adoption attorneys in Cumming will be there for you from day one, providing legal and emotional support for you and your family. Speights Law has helped many families through challenging cases, so we understand that this is a difficult time.

We will anticipate every need and take care of all your case’s tasks. This means we will:

Provide legal advice: We will explain your rights and options throughout the process.
Gather evidence: We will collect the necessary documents and proof to support your case.
Prepare legal documents: We will draft and file all required paperwork on time.
Represent you in court: We will present your case and argue on your behalf in front of the judge.
Negotiate with the other party: We will communicate and try to reach an agreement with the opposing side.
Advise your legal strategy: We will help develop a plan that addresses your specific situation.
Monitor your case’s deadlines: We will ensure we meet all important dates and requirements to protect your case.
Offer emotional support: We will provide guidance and reassurance during the stressful process.
Handle appeals: If necessary, we will assist with appealing the court’s decision.

With our comprehensive support, you can navigate your contested adoption case with confidence. You can trust our experienced team to stand by your side and work tirelessly for a favorable resolution.

Get Help from Our Cumming Contested Adoption Lawyer Today

Disputes over adoptions take time to resolve. They also take legal know-how and patience, and our Cumming contested adoption lawyers have both. We will give your case the time and attention it deserves as we protect your rights and consider what promotes the child’s well-being.

The Cumming contested adoption lawyers at Speights Law will be by your side for the entire process, looking out for you and the child. We are ready to work for you. Reach out to us by phone or contact us online today for a confidential consultation.

Holly Holliman