jappy66
Jan 14, 2014, 04:25 PM
Never seen my daughter. My daughters mother left me when she was 6 months pregnant then found her on Facebook after 22 years. Do I have rights to see her? How do I meet her?
ScottGem
Jan 14, 2014, 05:25 PM
Were you ever declared the legal father? Essentially, you have no real rights at this point. From a practical standpoint you have given up those rights by not pursuing your rights when the mother left.
Now it is up to the child. I would hire a detective or attorney to make contact with her and give her option of accepting contact from you. If she decides to decline you end it.
dontknownuthin
Jan 24, 2014, 05:19 PM
You don't need parental rights to connect with an adult child. I would reach out in writing. Explain the circumstances very simply without making excuses or blaming her mother. Let her know you are very nervous and don't want to hurt or upset her by contacting her , but want her to know you care about her and would like to know her.
For example, "I have always known about you and wanted to be a part of your life. I was so excited, but also nervous, to find you on Facebook because , since your mom left when she was expecting you, I have not known where or how to find you. Times were different then, and I guess I thought I should respect her wishes that I leave you alone. Now I wish I had made more of an effort to work things out so I could be there for you and could have helped her raise you. I know that opportunity is gone, but if you have any questions or would like to meet, I would welcome it ...