In a suit in which the adoption of a child is being contested, the Court may order a Contested Adoption evaluation to assist in determining whether termination of parental rights is in the best interest of a child. The evaluation may be ordered as a child custody evaluation under Texas Family Code, Chapter 107, Subchapter D and include termination as one of the specific issues to be addressed in the evaluation or as a contested adoption evaluation. If the evaluator recommends that termination of parental rights is in the best interest of a child, the contested adoption will concurrently address the requirements for an adoption evaluation under Texas Family Code, Chapter 107, Subchapter E (see Adoption Evaluation subtab).
The fee for a contested adoption evaluation is $350.00. Evaluation fees are nonrefundable and must be paid before the evaluation begins. Fees can be paid in cash, cashier's check, money order, or credit card. Each party must complete a Questionnaire.