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. The contested adoption will also concurrently address the requirements for an adoption evaluation under Texas Family Code, Chapter 107, Subchapter E if the evaluator recommends that termination of parental rights is in the best interest of the child. All elements in the for an adoption evaluation are also completed (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.