Naperville, IL family law attorney Melissa Kuffel discusses the role a lawyer serves to facilitate the adoption process. She explains that the attorney is responsible for filing the adoption petition and guiding their clients through the adoption process. In a contested adoption, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is appointed to assess the child’s best interests. The GAL conducts interviews with the clients, the child (if age-appropriate), and other relevant individuals such as school personnel and therapists. As the attorney, I assist my clients in preparing for discussions with the GAL, helping them identify important points to raise and providing necessary documents.

One of the most critical and complex aspects of a contested adoption is the termination of parental rights trial. This trial involves a thorough examination of the evidence and legal arguments. Terminating parental rights is a significant decision, and it requires presenting clear and convincing evidence, which is a very high standard. As the attorney, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the law and the various legal grounds for terminating parental rights. It is a meticulous process that demands careful attention to detail and expertise in this area of law.