Contested Adoption

We have been fostering a sibling group ages 9,8,3 for a year. Their parents haven’t done any of the court ordered plan. They have attended most visits, and the visits have been good. At the 26 hearing they contested the recommended plan for adoption, on the grounds of a strong family bond. The judge set another hearing for next month. My wife and I are a little concerned the direction this case will go, we want to adopt the kids, but it seems like the parents are going to fight us the whole way. Anyone had any experience along these lines?