Appealing a Denied Adoption Petition

A denial of an adoption petition can be a frustrating setback. When an adoption petition isn’t approved, the good news is that there is recourse in the form of appeals.

Filing an appeal following a denial can provide the opportunity to:

• Correct any mistakes that may have been made on the initial adoption filing(s)
• Explain why the previous denial was wrong and why the adoption petition should be approved
• Protect your rights and reverse erroneous decisions.

At Finderson Law, LLC, our Fort Wayne adoption lawyers are skilled at helping clients pursue appeals when adoption petitions have been denied. We are ready to help you navigate this complex process, advocating your rights and advancing your interests at every step of way.

Call (260) 420-8600 or email our firm to find out more about how we can help you position an appeal for success.

Reasons an Adoption Petition May Be Denied

Any number of factors can contribute to an adoption petition being denied by a family court. These can include (but may not be limited to):

• Failure to obtain the biological mother’s consent for adoption or failing to prove that this consent is not legally required (based on abandonment, for example)
• Failure to complete the required training or the home visit
• Failing to prove financial means to support the child
• Failing the background check.

An attorney can review your petition and explain why it was denied, as well as what you need to do to pursue an appeal.

Appealing a Denial: What You Need to Know

• Strict filing deadlines – Typically, there’s limited time to pursue an appeal of a denied adoption petition. A lawyer can review the court’s decree, explain the filing deadlines and help you take action as soon as possible to get your appeal on the path to a favorable outcome.
• Contesting or challenging an adoption – Indiana law explains that “an appeal of an adoption decree shall be decided on an expedited basis.”¹ In particular, someone who consents to an adoption cannot contest the adoption or establish paternity after 30 days of receiving notice of adoption. 

There are a number of other issues or challenges that can arise after an adoption petition is approved or denied. For experienced representation, guidance and legal support for adoption appeals and postadoption issues, contact Finderson Law, LLC.

Position Your Appeal for Success: Contact a Fort Wayne Adoption Lawyer at Finderson Law, LLC

If your adoption petition has been denied – or if you need help contesting an adoption, call a Fort Wayne adoption lawyer at Finderson Law, LLC at (260) 420-8600 or email our firm. When you contact us and set up a free, no obligations consultation, you can get clear answers about your options for pursing an appeal.

Diligent and dedicated, our attorneys are problem solvers who are skilled at guiding clients through the appeals process and helping them resolve various postadoption issues. We are ready to partner with you, protect your rights and interests and help you obtain your legal objectives.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more about your legal options and how our representation can make all the difference in your appeal.

We’ve helped and satisfied hundreds of clients. Our history of providing the highest quality legal services – and delivering exceptional results – has earned us a 5-star rating on Facebook.

From offices in Fort Wayne, we are proud to represent clients throughout Allen County and the state of Indiana.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

1: Indiana adoption law