What is Uncontested Adoption?

Typically, you must receive consent from a child’s birth parents before finalizing an adoption. During an uncontested adoption, the birth parents have agreed to the adoption and will work with you throughout the process.

Uncontested adoption applies to various forms of adoption, including family adoptions, stepparent adoptions, and private adoptions.

At Batley Family Law, our team has successfully supported numerous clients through the adoption process. As a result, we can provide sound legal counsel and guidance from start to finish.

Uncontested vs. Contested Adoption

As mentioned above, the birth parents must agree to the adoption to initiate the uncontested adoption process. When one birth parent does not want the adoption process to proceed, the adoption is considered contested.

For example, if your child’s birth parent is no longer involved in their life and you have remarried, you may be considering stepparent adoption. However, if your child’s absent birthparent won’t relinquish their rights, you will need to take your case to court.

There, the presiding judge may waive an absent birth parent’s rights and finalize the contested adoption without their consent as if it were an uncontested adoption.

Experienced New Mexico Adoption Lawyer

Our team of dedicated family lawyers at Batley Family Law has experience with various types of uncontested and contested adoptions, including:

1. Private adoptions: Private adoptions occur when a birth mother places her baby directly with the adopting parents. For instance, if someone you know is pregnant and wishes to place their baby with you and your spouse, you may initiate the uncontested private adoption process if both birth parents waive their parental rights.
2. Stepparent adoptions: In some cases, stepparents can legally adopt their stepchildren as long as the other birth parent relinquishes their rights. Our adoption attorneys at Batley Family Law will work with you to understand your case and provide proof that a stepparent adoption is in the child’s best interests.
3. Family adoptions: Finally, in some circumstances, it is in the best interests of the child to have family members step forward and adopt a niece, nephew, or grandchild.

The Uncontested Adoption Process in New Mexico

Although the uncontested adoption process is relatively straightforward, complications can arise, and it is essential to follow legal requirements.

Our team at Batley Family Law will work with you to file the required paperwork, ensure that you are prepared at all stages of the proceedings, and join you at any required court appearances. If you need to undergo a financial review or home study to ensure that you can provide a safe, supportive, and stable home for the child, we can help ensure that you fully demonstrate your qualifications.

Contact Batley Family Law for Uncontested Adoptions in Albuquerque, New Mexico

At Batley Family Law, we understand the importance of having a compassionate, experienced, and passionate adoption attorney to answer your questions and guide you through the uncontested adoption process.

If you need assistance with an adoption, call our Albuquerque office today at (505) 246-0500 or fill out this contact form to take the next step toward scheduling your confidential case evaluation.