We adopted a little girl (M) at age 4 and adopted her out to my cousin. We raised her for 9 years. The agreement was (under oath) that my cousin would maintain a relationship between the child and my family. She has just turned 14 and told me my cousin is trying to cut off all ties between us. She (my cousin) doesn't return phone calls and is now avoiding us. This is hurting the child (M) and us.
Is there anything we can do to gain visitation or regain custody of (M)? Can we do anything being she swore under oath at the adoption hearing to keep a relationship in tact?

Your Cousin adopted her. She is now the legal parent and can determine who she does and doesn't see. You lost those rights at the adoption.

May not be nice or right... but as the legal parent she can do that.

Please help me to understand what you have written.

1) You adopted a child when the child was 4, correct?

2) You then agreed to let your cousin adopt this young lady from you? Why?

3) How did you raise the child for 9 years if she was with your cousin?

I know I must be reading your post incorrectly.

Question, was the original hearing a custody agreement or a true adoption?

Was the oral oath part of the agreements imposed by the court?

The second hearing, was it for custody or an adoption. Was this where the oath was administrated?

Just thinking, that if this "Oath" is part of the court ordered settlement, then theoretically, your cousin is in contempt of court for not following the order from the Judge. Contact the court and see what they say. Also, have the child contact 'Child Services" to see if they can help her.

Why did you give up anything on your adoptive daughter anyway?

Most of the time it is between parents whe have joint custody of a child but in most States children can decide who they want to live with at age 12. As long as they are legal Parent or Guardian

Quote:

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Originally posted by stevetcg

No, in most states - and that means all states, its up to the court to decide - the child MAY be consulted in many states.

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Hi, All!

I agree with the above and just wanted to make sure that it was visible on this thread. The comments on posts in threads that are placed in the Reputation of a member aren't visible in all of the skins that are used on this site, even though they might be visible in a Profile.

Thanks!