In the latest episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, which aired on Thursday, Gary took a significant step by consulting a lawyer regarding the process of Leah’s adoption by Kristina. This decision came after Leah articulated her wish to be adopted, highlighting her emotional distance from Amber as a primary concern.

According to the legal expert, they possess “a strong case for adoption,” which indicates that the process might progress positively given the current circumstances surrounding Leah’s relationship with her biological mother.

Before heading into the lawyer’s office, Gary took a moment to share his reflections and concerns during a confessional, expressing the emotional weight of the situation.

“I fully support the idea of Kristina adopting Leah. However, this isn’t just a simple matter of signing documents; there’s a complex process involved,” Gary explained, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He was granted full custody of Leah in 2011, and this history adds layers to their current endeavors.

“We will have to appear in court, which inevitably creates a lot of pressure on Leah,” he continued thoughtfully. “What if Amber suddenly wants to take Leah back? This situation weighs heavily on me. I just want to ensure Leah isn’t caught in the crossfire. While I don’t intend to harm Amber, it’s crucial that she doesn’t hurt Leah either.”

“Someone’s going to get hurt,” Gary stated solemnly. “The person suffering the most right now is Leah. My priority is to protect my child from unnecessary pain.”

While the audience is aware of the estrangement between Amber and Leah, Gary informed the lawyer that Amber has only spent “four days” with Leah in the entire “past year,” revealing the extent of their fractured relationship.

When the topic of child support arose, Gary mentioned that it isn’t “enforced through the court,” adding that Amber is currently “behind” on her payments, further complicating their situation.

The lawyer pointed out that in the eyes of the court, Amber’s lack of involvement in Leah’s life could be considered “abandonment,” which could significantly influence the adoption case.

“Given that she hasn’t had meaningful contact with her mother in the last six months, this situation is classified as abandonment,” the lawyer explained to Gary and Kristina, emphasizing the legal implications of Amber’s absence.

“I believe that adoption would be the best route forward, as it would legally sever the parent-child relationship that Leah has with her mother, allowing you to be recognized as her mother on the birth certificate,” Saunders advised Kristina, outlining the legal benefits of adoption.

“If we can demonstrate that Amber has abandoned her daughter, we won’t need her mother’s consent,” she added, highlighting the potential legal advantages in their favor.

While Gary acknowledged that Amber might “contest” the adoption, Saunders expressed confidence that if the case went to court, they would be able to present evidence showing that Amber has been absent from Leah’s life, has not provided financial support, and has not maintained significant contact for over six months.

“I believe you have a solid case for adoption,” she stated, reinforcing Gary’s hopes for a successful outcome.

Although Gary admitted this is “not something we wanted to do,” his primary concern is Leah’s safety and well-being, especially if anything were to happen to him.

“I can’t envision Amber being the supportive figure Leah needs in her life,” he said firmly. “I have to ensure that if something happens to me, Leah will be safe.”

The lawyer indicated that the “timeline” for initiating the adoption process would be approximately “60 days,” providing a glimpse of hope for Gary and Kristina.

Later in the episode, Gary and Kristina had a candid conversation with Leah, sharing insights from their lawyer’s appointment to keep her informed about the situation.

Gary explained that if “everything goes smoothly,” the adoption could take around three months. However, he also cautioned Leah that if “Amber contests it, it could take a year or even longer,” highlighting the potential for complications ahead.

“My goal is to ensure you’re healthy, happy, and well-cared for, and that you have what you truly want,” Gary reassured Leah, emphasizing his commitment to her well-being.

Leah, who recently celebrated her 16th birthday in November, voiced her apprehension about the possibility of Amber complicating the adoption process.

“If it takes too long, like two years, then what’s the point of going through all this hassle?” she expressed, revealing her anxiety about the situation.

In a heartfelt confessional, Leah shared her internal struggle, expressing her deep desire for Kristina to adopt her but also her fear of Amber’s potential reaction.

“I want to be adopted because Kristina has been there for me my entire life,” Leah stated about her stepmom, who married her dad in 2015. “I really want to go through with it, but I’m scared it will upset Amber. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”

“But I feel it needs to be official; it’s more than just a piece of paper to me,” Leah added, emphasizing the emotional significance of the adoption process.

Leah expressed her uncertainty to her dad and stepmom, indicating she would take time to consider her feelings before making a decision about the adoption.

Gary suggested that Leah talk to her therapist about the situation to determine what might be the “emotionally best” and “healthiest option” for her moving forward.

“I know your mother loves you,” he reassured Leah, “but for some reason, she struggles to show it. It’s important to think about what’s best for you.”

In a sincere moment, Gary shared his thoughts with the MTV cameras, stating, “If it wasn’t for Kristina’s significant presence in Leah’s life, Leah might feel completely alone without a mother figure.”

Kristina emphasized that Leah needs to “weigh her options” and decide what direction she wants to take, affirming that she “will support whatever decision Leah makes.”

“Nothing will ever change the way I love that girl,” Kristina assured Leah, adding, “I’m not going anywhere. I love you, and I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

New episodes of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter premiere every Thursday on MTV.