Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

adoption

if in 2002 i signed my right away for my daughter in the state of florida. do i have any right ? maybe see her or get a pic i dont necesarily want to telll her im her birth mother.


Asked on 7/13/07, 1:51 am

4 Answers from Attorneys

Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: adoption

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

No. If you signed away your rights, then you don't have any right to any form of access with the child. She is now the daughter of the adoptive parents and they are entitled to privacy the same as any other parent. This is done not only to protect the parents and child, but to avoid anyone from getting second thoughts and regretting their action.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

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Answered on 7/13/07, 1:58 am
Trey Miller Law Office of Trey E. Miller III, P.A.

Re: adoption

After signing consents, you have given away your rights to parent the child. The only way you would be able to get pictures or see the child is if you signed an exchange agreement with the adoptive parents.

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Answered on 7/13/07, 9:39 am
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: adoption

You asked if you have any right to learn about a daughter you gave away.

First, let me congratulate you on your initial decision. It is very difficult to relinquish parental rights to a child. But as you know this is often in the child's best interest. I really do applaud your decision.

The answer to your actual question is more involved. While my colleagues are correct, there are circumstances where you may get information about or involvement with the child.

The most significant is if the child has not been adopted. If the child has not been adopted then even the biological parent can seek to restore rights given the correct set of circumstances. Again, the primary interest is the welfare of the child.

If the child has been adopted then you would have the same rights as a person on the street. Short of stalking or unlawful invasion of privacy you could see or even meet the child.

The best way to accomplish this is to go through the state agencies that oversaw you circumstances. You contact the agency, the agency contacts the adoptive (or foster) parents, and then you are either given permission or denied.

Things that may be taken into consideration are the circumstances under which the rights were divested. You current circumstances and the current circumstances of the child. Whether you have any useful biological information or resources to provide the child and finally, what your motivation is for seeking out the child.

I would suggest you seek out an attorney to assist you with this matter to help you sort out your goals and options. An attorney could also act as an impassioned intermediary to facilitate the flow of information.

Good luck,

Regards.

Roger

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Answered on 7/13/07, 12:30 pm

Re: adoption

You don't say how old your daughter is. Of course, after she's 18 she can have any contact with you that she wants.

The adoptive parents control here.

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Answered on 7/13/07, 7:41 pm


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