Adoption : how it all began and what it meant then -- The language of adoption and parental rights -- Uncontested adoptions -- Contested adoptions : a view from the agency or authorized person to place -- A view from the expectant mother and father -- A view from the expectant mother and father : the termination of parental rights, changing one's mind, setting aside adoption decree -- View from prospective and adoptive parent(s) -- Getting started -- Trial : preparing, avoiding, and post-adoption issues -- The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children -- The application of the Indian Child Welfare Act to contested adoptions