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    sjclark11's Avatar
    sjclark11 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 3, 2010, 02:52 PM
    Adoption by a Stepfather.More on biological and grandparents rights
    HI, I am an adoptive father to a 12 year old girl. Her mother and I have been married since she was 5 but I've been involved with her since she was 3. I adopted her when she was 5 and her biological father was more than willing to let it happen as he was already in trouble with child support. Her biological fathers mother(grandparent) stayed in contact with the girl until about 4 years ago when all communication stopped... I am curious to her biological fathers right and her 'grandparents' right if they choose to make a stink. My wife and I don't want anyone from that family involved in our daughters life. She is my daughter and to our knowledge doesn't even know any father other than myself.
    sjclark11's Avatar
    sjclark11 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #2

    Jan 3, 2010, 02:54 PM

    The state is Inidiana
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #3

    Jan 3, 2010, 03:02 PM

    Indiana Code 31-17-5
    stinawords's Avatar
    stinawords Posts: 2,071, Reputation: 150
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    #4

    Jan 3, 2010, 08:30 PM

    He has no rights. You are the legal father and your parents are the legal grandparents. (as well as the mother's parents of course) The "bio"dad allowed the adoption to take place and I'm sure the court did it's part to make sure he knew that it was a perminant thing not just for whatever amount of time he felt like going along with it. Now, after your daughter turns 18 that is a different story because then she is an adult and will be able to choose to have contact with that part of her herritage or not.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #5

    Jan 3, 2010, 08:40 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by sjclark11 View Post
    She is my daughter and to our knowledge doesnt even know any father other than myself.
    At 12, she is ready to understand that she is adopted. You should not wait to discuss it if you haven't already.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #6

    Jan 3, 2010, 09:01 PM

    AS a adopted person, who has an adopted child and who cousels adopted teens and adults all the time, I can say this, they should have always known they were adopted. By waiting too late you can make them bitter and hateful. And the longer you wait after 12 ( which is 8 years too late) the worst it can come. As a older teen they may turn against you compaletely if they find out latter.

    But how does she not know if the bio grandparents were in contact till she was @ 8 years old.
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    sjclark11 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Jan 4, 2010, 03:32 PM

    Its quite possible she does know, but does not talk about it. Its not discussed. Im still debating about telling her or not.. Going to talk to my lawyer about what their rights are.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #8

    Jan 4, 2010, 03:48 PM

    Please DO NOT debate any longer. This is a discussion you NEED to have with her ASAP.
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