While adoption is an important milestone for families, a contested adoption can bring unexpected complications. Instead of focusing on welcoming a new child, adoptive parents may find themselves in the middle of a legal battle over parental rights or custody.
For over 20 years, Speights Law has helped adoptive parents in Georgia work through difficult situations while protecting their interests. Our Milton family lawyers will use decades of experience and our understanding of the state’s legal system to resolve your legal matter.
You can explore your legal options with a Milton contested adoption lawyer during a private consultation.
Why Contest an Adoption?
People contested adoptions for several reasons. The most common is that a biological parent may not have consented to the adoption or believes their parental rights were wrongfully terminated.
In other cases, a relative or third party may challenge an adoption if they believe it is not in the child’s best interests.
Other reasons an adoption might be contested include:
- Concerns about the biological parent’s fitness: A contested adoption may arise if there are concerns about the biological parent’s ability to provide a stable and safe environment for the child.
- The biological parent claims they were not properly notified: If a birth parent believes they did not receive adequate notice about the adoption, they may contest the process, arguing their rights were not respected.
- Fraud or misrepresentation: If one party believes the adoption process involves deception, such as false information regarding the biological parent’s consent or fitness to parent, the adoption can be contested.
- Paternity claims: A biological father may dispute the adoption if he was not properly identified or informed of his rights and wishes to assert his parental role.
When contested adoptions occur, family courts review the case to decide what’s best for the child. This may include hearing evidence from both sides at a court hearing.
Georgia courts follow strict state laws and rules to make sure the child’s best interests come first. For this reason, each side should familiarize itself with how state law defines what’s beneficial for the child.
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770-479-1500What Are the Outcomes of a Contested Adoption Case?
After both parties make their case before the court, the judge will decide the outcome based on what is best for the child. There are a few possible outcomes:
- The adoption moves forward: If the court finds that the adoption is in the child’s best interest, adoptive parties can proceed to finalize the adoption.
- The adoption is denied: If the court agrees with the person challenging the adoption, the biological parent’s rights may be upheld, and the adoption will not go through.
- Parental rights are terminated: In some cases, the court may decide that the biological parent’s rights should be legally ended to allow the adoption to proceed.
Each case is different, and the decision will depend on the evidence presented in court.
Our Milton Contested Adoption Attorneys Will Lead Your Case
Contested adoptions can lead to lengthy court hearings, as the rights of all parties, including the adoptive parents and the child, must be considered. These disputes can cause emotional strain and delay the adoption process, making it even more important to have legal support.
Our Milton adoption dispute lawyers will present your case and guide you through the legal process to ensure the court considers your perspective.
As we work to help you move forward, we will:
- Explain your legal rights and options: We will help you understand how the adoption process works in Georgia and the specific laws that affect your case so that you know what to expect.
- Monitor your deadlines: You must move quickly if you wish to contest an adoption. These proceedings have strict deadlines that you must meet. Once an adoption becomes final, the courts cannot change an adoption agreement.
- Manage paperwork: We will track important documents and ensure you have all the records you need. We will also monitor key deadlines and file your case on time.
- Build your case: We will gather evidence to support your case and present it in court. This evidence can include witness statements, expert testimony, and proof of communications or interactions with the biological parent.
- Identify potential issues: We will look for any challenges that could affect the adoption, such as disputes over parental rights or concerns about the child’s well-being.
- Handle negotiations: We can work with the opposing party to find a solution that protects the child’s best interest.
- Represent you in court: A contested adoption may require several court hearings. Your lawyer will represent your interests and advocate for you in front of a judge.
- Handle appeals: If the other party challenges the court’s decision, we can handle the appeals process and keep advocating for your adoption. We can also take the lead on any appeals you may wish to file.
Our lawyers for contested adoption cases in Milton will handle your case while you focus on building a loving and stable home for your child. Call us today for a confidential consultation.
Tips for Managing and Preparing for an Adoption Dispute Case
Contested adoptions often involve emotional and legal challenges that can make the situation more stressful. As you prepare for the challenging days ahead, here are tips to manage your case and prepare for it.
- Stay patient: The process may take time, but patience can help you get through it with less stress.
- Keep communications open: Stay in regular contact with your attorney and be open about your concerns or any updates in the case.
- Focus on the child: Throughout the process, keep your focus on what is best for the child, as this will be the court’s priority as well.
- Gather documentation: Collect any relevant documents, like communication records with the biological parent or evidence of the child’s living situation.
- Understand Georgia’s adoption laws: Familiarizing yourself with the laws will help you understand the steps and expectations of the case.
- Stay organized: Keep track of court dates, legal paperwork, and any other important information to ensure nothing is missed during the process.
Get Help From Our Contested Adoption Lawyers in Milton, GA
Cases involving adoption disputes can be challenging, especially when you want to do what’s best for your family. A Milton contested adoption lawyer from Speights Law will listen to your concerns and build your case, whether you’re starting the adoption process or challenging it.
If you’re facing challenges or concerns about the process, we can offer legal support that can give you confidence moving forward. Call us for a confidential consultation. We will work to resolve your contested adoption case and help you move closer to completing your family.