[kickyourace]

This is about a contested adoption in NJ.

Baby is 2 months old. Birth mother wants to the baby back. She is suing me and the agency in court for the return of the baby. No grounds mind you but just taking a shot. Now here is the great part, my attorney while an adoption attorney isn't a contested adoption attorney so I need to find another attorney. I've talked to 5 lawyers in the last two days and none want to pick this up. This was through a licensed adoption agency in Jersey. There is the potential of a birthfather in the wings but that person hasn't come forward and from what I can tell, the birthmother is thrilling to have him come forward. From what I can tell, the agency has done the correct thing and their paperwork is perfect as far as everything is considered other then the birthfather(which doesn't seem to be an issue at this time). My question of course is, do I need to hire a lawyer since the agency is going to have to get one to defend this and the director of the agency also has one? While I'd love to think I don't, the $15,000 additional I'm sure I'm going to have to pay for an adoption attorney that does do contested adoptions is going to be a real drain on the family budget considering the money we just put out for birth mother expenses and the agency did a real tap number on us. Anyone recommend a good attorney that does contested adoptions in NJ that is "Reasonable"? I'm assuming the trial will only be two days since the reasons she is claiming that adoption should be revoked for are just too wild and the judge wasn't thrilled in court with this case from what I could see. When they asked for the return of the child, the judge said, that he saw no reason to return the child at this time to the birthmother.

By the way, as a side note, there is the possiblity that she wants the baby back to give to another couple in a private adoption and I believe the other couple and their attorney might be funding this attemped revocation. I can't go into my reasons but the other couple and the attorney are most certainly involved to a degree.

Any thoughts?

[dl]

kickyourace ~ It's hard to believe that this could even get to court if there are no grounds. Unfortunately things like this run up legal bills just dealing with it even if it never gets to court! As you already paid birth mother expenses, agency and attorney fees, your frustration is understandable IMO.
While this may not be your adoption attorney's specialty, can't he recommend someone that would help you for a reasonable fee?

By the way, as a side note, there is the possiblity that she wants the baby back to give to another couple in a private adoption and I believe the other couple and their attorney might be funding this attemped revocation. I can't go into my reasons but the other couple and the attorney are most certainly involved to a degree.

IF this is true, I hope it comes out in court. It's tragic for a baby to be used this way.

Please let us know how things work out. Best of Luck to you and your family.