An Experienced Washington Adoption Lawyer For Contested Adoptions
Adopting a child is an incredible journey. But when it involves contested adoption, it can also be filled with anxiety and stress. At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, in in Fircrest, Washington, we handle all types of adoptions. Our founding attorney, Christina T. Sherman, has devoted her legal career to helping families grow through adoption and surrogacy.
What Is A Contested Adoption?
In Washington, parental rights are a crucial factor in adoption cases. The law prioritizes the biological parent’s right to raise their child unless there are compelling reasons to terminate these rights. A contested adoption occurs when someone challenges the adoption process. This can happen for several reasons, including:
- A biological parent objection:A biological parent has rights. When a biological parent opposes a petition for adoption, it is contested. For example, in a stepparent adoption, the biological parent can contest the adoption.
- Paternity dispute: If paternity is disputed, a man who claims to be the biological father and wishes to assert his parental rights can contest the mother’s decision to give a newborn baby up for adoption.
- Adoption procedure discrepancies: Legal issues or procedural errors during the adoption process can lead to disputes.
An experienced adoption lawyer can guide you through a contested adoption. While a contested adoption is not ideal and can be complex, it is not impossible to overcome. Attorney Sherman approaches each case with compassion and an in-depth knowledge of Washington adoption laws. She can guide your family through a contested adoption with confidence that is founded on experience.
What Happens In A Contested Adoption?
In a contested adoption, the court will examine the circumstances and decide what is in the best interest of the child. This process often involves:
- Court hearings: Both parties will have an opportunity to present their case to a judge.
- Evaluation of parental rights: The court will assess the biological parent’s rights and whether they have fulfilled their parental responsibilities to determine whether the termination of parental rights may proceed.
- Best interest determination: The court considers various factors to determine what arrangement serves the child’s best interest.
Throughout this process, having a family lawyer with an intricate understanding of Washington’s adoption laws can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Consult A Washington State Contested Adoption Lawyer
If you’re facing a contested adoption, it is vital to have a compassionate and skilled lawyer on your side. We invite you to call our firm at 253-466-2775 or send an inquiry through our website to schedule a consultation. Let us answer your questions and tell you more about how we can help you achieve a positive outcome for your family.