What Happens When an Adoption is Contested?

Article written by Illinois & Iowa Attorney Kevin O’Flaherty

In this article, we discuss contested adoptions, why contested adoptions happen, the contested adoption hearing, tips for preventing a contested adoption, and how to win a contested adoption in Illinois or Iowa.

Adoption can be a long, emotionally taxing, but extremely rewarding process. Adoptive parents hope the process will proceed quickly and without any issues. Unfortunately, while parents can hope for the best they need to prepare themselves for the worst-case scenario: a disrupted or contested adoption. It’s better to be prepared than to rush forward through the adoption process, blindly optimistic. The first step is securing a qualified adoption attorney; your family’s success during the adoption process will hinge on those around you, guiding you through the ups and downs of adopting.

Contested Adoptions in Illinois or Iowa

A contested adoption is when another party-most often the biological father or another biological family member-seeks to claim parental rights of the child, disputing the placement of the child with the adoptive parents. A contested adoption is different from a disruptive adoption. A disruptive adoption is when the biological parents change their minds about placing the child with…