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Yep, got a letter from our nieces's attorney today asking for a meeting to discuss her concerns about her "access" as set down in our mediation agreement.
Some background, we adopted our 3 children in 2010. Their mother is our niece. She had prior history with CPS then was arrested for possession and child endangerment. Eventually the kids came to live with us while she worked her plan. The state wasn't convinced that she would be able to provide a safe/stable home and moved to TPR. TPR granted. Different judge throws out the verdict. She relinquishes before second trial.
We did not specify any visitation except "reasonable access" as determined by us. Well, I think every couple months plus pics and updates is reasonable. It's even generous when you take into account vague threats of getting them back and creating emotional turmoil when we had her over for birthdays/holidays. As a result, we don't have any visits at our house, they are all supervised by one or both of us at a third party location, and we're not interested in increasing their frequency. Yet, we're getting a letter from her lawyer about the possibility of litigation if we're unable to "mediate" an agreement. To be fair, he seems unsure of the validity...and he should be.
Bring it on. I'm more than ready to assert our position and the fairness of visits. I've been spoiling for a fight with someone for weeks, anyway. Who better to take it than an attorney? ;)
I just needed to get it out. I'm irritated but not surprised. Personally, I think she wants to gain some favor amongst her (our) family so this is an effort to make us out to be the bad guys. Push us to restrict visits even more so that family will feel sorry for her and be mad at us. Unfortunately for her, I'm not interested in making any of them happy. My kids need to see her occasionally to put their minds at ease that she's ok, and that's why we continue to see her. Anyone else's feelings about the situation do not influence anything.
Amen! BIL and his girlfriend tried to intimidate us last time we visited their state and dson said NO to a visit---threatened to get an attorney. Seriously, bring it on, there is no formal agreement and that state does not recognize open adoption agreements.
Hang tight, you are the parents. Take care of YOUR family and let the rest take care of itself. :)
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Thank you for understanding my point. Sometimes we feel alone in all of this and it helps to be able to make contact with others who are going through similar situations.