Massachusetts family law matters: Man fights for lost daughter

Family law matters in Massachusetts can involve many different types of issues, but a recent case involved an adoption is making national news and has led to a bitter child custody battle. The man at the heart of the battle is the little girl’s biological father who claims his daughter was given up for adoption without his consent. Family law matters such as this one can be difficult for everyone involved, but the father is now fighting to regain custody of his little girl.

The father was married to the little girl’s mother when they found out she was expecting a baby. Although they were having marital problems, they were still together when the man accepted a new military position in another state. He left to find the family a new home and report to his new assignment, fully expecting to return home for the birth of his child.

However, only a couple of weeks after that, his wife decided to give the child up for adoption. She claimed her husband had abandoned her and ceased all communication with him. She gave birth to their child in March 2011, and the father had no idea what happened to either of them until she contacted him about three months later to tell him she gave the child up for adoption. The father immediately began to seek custody of his daughter and later divorced his wife. A court has ordered the child to be returned to her father by mid-January; however, the couple is fighting the order and has filed a motion asking the judge to stay the order.

The adoptive parents are trying to block the father from getting his child back because they claim he has done nothing to try to ‘build a relationship’ with the girl. The father claims he did not make gestures of support or other gifts because he felt like she would not understand them or even receive them. The battle over the child is continuing and could go on for a while. Massachusetts parents involved in difficult family law matters such as these may do well in ensuring they are aware of their legal rights. A case like this is certainly difficult for everyone involved, but if the order stays in place, the father will have the opportunity to reunite with his daughter very soon.

Source: The Salt Lake Tribune, “Utah adoption saga: New questions as fight continues,” Brooke Adams, Dec. 5, 2012