Just had adoption hearing

I'm so sorry to hear that... so he said every bit of paperwork was in order, yet he wouldn't approve of the adoption? What did he say was important about having an attorney?

He said that without an attorney representing us, he was concerned that she could show back up, years down the road, and find a way to take the kids back. We explained to him that she is the one that asked for the termination and adoption and that no one knows where she disappeared to after signing the relinquishment. He said that it didn't matter and that he would pass on the case until an attorney was present. I asked if there was anything missing and his answer was that everything was there and in order. All I can figure is it has something to do with him being the judge who handled the original custody case, however, even that would make no sense to me as he saw that she only appeared at the first hearing in that. Even then, she showed up late, told him do whatever and claimed that she had a friends party to get to. She was a no show at ever hearing after that and filed an answer at the final hearing stating that she wanted no visitation and did not want to "have to deal with the kids". No part of his decision makes any sense at all and I can't understand why he is insisting on us having an attorney present... So far, I haven't found anyone in our area that wants less than a $5000 retainer.