I gave up rights to my daughter in 2005 (Stupid I know) The step father adopted her. Now the mother and step father are getting divorced. And the mother and I both want to get my rights back. There has been no abuse what so ever. I gave up rights because of stress that was being caused on her. She was 3 when she was adopted. I was in her life until she was 2. She does not know who I am and that is why I gave her up. But, if it is going to a split household anyway, I would like to get to know her. The mother is 100% behind me and I don't know where to start.

I don't know where to start.Hello j:

You start with a family lawyer. If there's no controversy between your ex and yourself, it should be just a matter of paperwork, money and time.

excon

I guess I should say.. I know to start with a lawyer. I was hoping someone would have some experience with this issue. Thank you excon for the quick response...

In general once you have given away your rights they are never returned to you. That was a huge mistake on your part. You have cut the legal ties and relinquished them to another.

Hello again, jr:

I'll bet califdad is right... But, the thing about rights is that you only need them if controversy develops between you and her mother. Having rights doesn't make you good father either. In terms of your daughter, she doesn't know rights from nothing and doesn't care either.

If the two of you can work out the details of her care and visitation, then who cares who has what rights?

I spent a fortune trying to get joint custody with my son. It never happened.. But, I achieved the same thing by moving two blocks away.

excon

Hello again, jr:

I'll bet califdad is right... But, the thing about rights is that you only need them if controversy develops between you and her mother. Having rights doesn't make you good father either. In terms of your daughter, she doesn't know rights from nothin and doesn't care either.

If the two of you can work out the details of her care and visitation, then who cares who has what rights?

I spent a fortune trying to get joint custody with my son. It never happened.. But, I achieved the same thing by moving two blocks away.

excon

Out of greenies!! But I do agree.