Adoption Litigation

What is involved in a Contested Adoption?

The circumstances regarding a “contested adoption” vary greatly and are analyzed on a case by case basis. A contested adoption situation can arise for example in the case of a stepparent adoption, the birth father does not agree to consent or waive his parental rights and the matter will be set for further hearing process/trial to pursue court action to terminate the parental rights. Many times however, through the process of skilled negotiations the attorney can work out an agreement between the parties and a settlement is reached prior to going through the entire trial process. Please feel free to contact our office for further information. Our adoption attorneys are experienced in adoption litigation matters which can involve the process to terminate the parental rights of birth parent or parents, or in representation of a child or guardian.

What is an Adoption Set-Aside, and what is the process?

Adoption set aside in California usually refers to the vacation of the adoption for very limited and specific reasons and is very time specific. Usually the adoption set aside involves an adoption through an agency, either private or public and is limited to very specific circumstances. An extended consultation is required with the adoption attorney and a review of all records pertaining to the child so that the best strategy can be determined.