What happens if the bio parent shows up at the hearing to contest adoption in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, if the biological parent shows up at the hearing to contest, the District Court judge will be deciding the question, and the outcome depends on the facts of your case, including the parent's overall conduct under Wyo. Stat. § 1-22-110. Here is what you can expect to matter and what to check.

How abandonment is viewed. Wyoming sets no fixed number of months for abandonment. Instead, abandonment depends on the parent's overall conduct. If the parent objects, the judge is likely to look at the whole picture of their involvement with your child, not just a single date or a single missed visit. Things like contact, support and effort over time are the kinds of facts that can come up, but how the judge weighs them is something an attorney can speak to for your situation.

Why a surprise appearance can matter. Whether the parent was properly notified, whether they had a chance to respond beforehand, and whether the judge pauses the hearing or hears from them on the spot are all questions that depend on your court's procedures and your case's history. Because those details vary, ask the District Court clerk in your county how contested matters are handled. If a parent has already told you they intend to object, speak with a Wyoming family law attorney before your hearing date.

What the hearing looks like. Hearings in adoption proceedings are closed unless the court orders otherwise (Wyo. Stat. § 1-22-105). That means a contested appearance would generally not be a public event, though the judge can decide otherwise.

What you can do to prepare:

• Keep a clear record of the parent's contact, calls, visits and support, or the lack of them, with dates where you can.
• Keep copies of everything filed and served in your case.
• Write down any communication the parent has with you about the adoption.
• Ask the District Court clerk how to request a hearing date and what to expect on the day.
• Bring your questions about a specific objection to an attorney, since a contested case turns on individual facts.

Timing. An uncontested stepparent adoption in Wyoming typically takes about 3-6 months. A contested case may take longer, and the clerk or an attorney can tell you what to expect in your county.

A note on your child's voice. Wyoming's consent age for a child is 14 (Wyo. Stat. § 1-22-109). If your child is that age or older, their consent is part of the process. It is a separate matter from a parent's objection.

How we help. StepParent Adoption 360 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. You answer questions online, and we prepare the complete court document package for your county. You then file it yourself, without an attorney. Court-ready documents arrive within 24-48 hours after you finish the questions. The price is $349 for the first child, plus $99 for each additional child. We have helped 191 Wyoming families, and more than 34,000 families nationally since 2001. If a parent contests, we do not provide legal representation, so consider an attorney for the hearing itself.