Baby Jessica Case: 1993 - Biological Mother Regrets Adoption

Overview

• Title: Baby Jessica Case: 1993 - Biological Mother Regrets Adoption
• Source: Law JRank

Key Events

• After giving her baby up for adoption, Cara Clausen has second thoughts.
• Cara reveals to her ex-boyfriend, Dan Schmidt, that he is the biological father of the baby.
• Cara and Dan file motions to reclaim custody of the baby, Jessica, shortly after her birth.

Legal Proceedings

• Genetic tests confirm Dan is the father, taking six months to process.
• By the end of 1991, an Iowa court nullifies the adoption before it becomes final, ordering the return of Jessica to her biological parents.

DeBoers' Fight

• Adoptive parents, Jan and Roberta DeBoer, devastated by the ruling, decide to fight to keep Jessica.
• They reach out to children’s rights groups and reporters.
• They highlight Dan Schmidt’s questionable parenting history, revealing he has two other children he does not support.

Iowa Supreme Court

• In January 1992, the Iowa Supreme Court agrees to hear the case.
• Cara and Dan marry in April 1992.
• By December 1992, the court upholds the lower court's ruling to transfer Jessica to Iowa.

Michigan Intervention

• DeBoers defy Iowa court ruling and appeal to Michigan's Washtenaw County Circuit Court.
• Judge William Ager, Jr. assumes jurisdiction, citing Jessica's established residency in Michigan.

Final Ruling

• On February 12, 1993, Judge Ager rules in favor of the DeBoers.
• Testimony from child psychologists indicates potential emotional damage to Jessica if moved.
• Judge Ager awards custody to the DeBoers and advises the Schmidts to consider ending the legal battle.
• He suggests the parties should remain in contact but cautions against confusing Jessica with dual parental roles.