Birth family contesting adoption order

[Spotsandstripes1]

I put the adoption order application in a few months ago. First hearing has happened and now notified by court that birth family intend to ask to contest. I didn't expect this.

I'm so worried! My little girl has been with me from birth (EPP) and I'm so upset that it's all uncertain again.

Please tell me it will be OK?

It is pretty common for this to happen. It's hard to say not to worry, because you will. We were in the same position as you. The birth family would need to show how the situation has changed from when their child was taken into care.

Speak to your SW who may be able to reassure you

Also to think of it from their side, they would want their daughter to know that they fought for her.

Thank you Toomuch. I know you are right, I want my daughter to know that birth parents did all they could. But it upsets me so much right now that there is another hurdle to overcome and everything feels up in the air again. Will stay focused on what's best for my little one and try to be patient.

Plus I don't think birth family have or can make the changes needed. Which makes me feel hopeful for myself but terribly sad for them all at the same time! I'm such a mess today!

Does anyone else have any positive stories? Birth family are definitely contesting. Awaiting court date in a couple of weeks time. I feel so anxious. It's making me feel unwell. Social workers uncontactable.

Our son’s birth mother contested. Social services told us that there was always a risk but that she hadn’t made the changes necessary and not to worry. They were right. It’s really hard though, to know that the hearing(s) are going on and you can’t attend!

The thing is they can't just contest they are only asking for permission to appeal. They have no automatic right of appeal at all in this situation
They have to put forward evidence to show some sort of changes have occurred .
The judge will consider that evidence and may grant them leave to appeal and a few weeks to get any evidence in place.
They often do that so that there is no wriggle room after the adopt order is granted. It doesn't mean that they will get anywhere .
To challenge the adopt order being granted they then have to show that they have made such significant changes that it is in the child's best interests to reverse the entire legal process. That is incredibly hard to do .
It simply is not going to happen though it is hard to believe that at the time. Really the whole thing is just a formality that will delay the granting of the order . Try not to worry . Just let it rumble on in the background.

Have a look at the child protection resource , I don't want my child to be adopted .

Sorry don't know how to link. It explains it clearly

Yes we went through this. Meant a delay to proceedings but nothing changed. One warning though is that birth parents are told of the date time and location of hearing. In our case birth mum turned up at court on the day with a request. She didn’t know who we were but we did her and it threw me completely. My heart broke for her that day

I have admit that I was surprised to get the date of order. I am a birth parent NOT contesting. I am also not intending to go to the hearing either as it's to much for me.

I hope things sort out for you OP.

Thanks all. Court adjourned for a couple of weeks. It's really helpful to hear your stories thank you all.

This happened to our adoption too & it really threw me, but they were denied the right to contest as others have said it makes it drag on a bit longer which isn't ideal but that's all. Has the order been granted yet. X

Not the same for us, we haven’t reached matching panel just yet, we have a date but the birth mother is appealing? Is this normal? Is she likely to be accepted?

Well we had court on Monday and the application to contest has been denied. I'm so relieved! Hopefully adoption order will follow in the next few weeks.

Great news!