Penalties for violating adoption rights?

Question

okay, i am not allowed to see my real father because at 3 i was adopted and when being adopted he had to sign over all rights to me. i am not supposed to talk to him but my adopted parents are letting me. i started talking to him again about a year ago. i found out i have a three year old sister. i can not see either of them because she is too young to go anywhere without her father and i can't see him because it is illegal without my adopted parent's permission and they wont let me. he does not live far from me so it would be easy to get there. what are the penalties if i do and they find out i went? does he get fined or anything?

Answer 1

It all depends on whether or not there was a restraining order in place.  You say your father never "did anything", but you were very young at the time, and it could be that your parents just haven't felt ready to tell you.  I'm not saying that he DID do anything, but if there is a restraining order, there was likely a reason.  

If there is no restraining order, then there is nothing that can legally be done to him if you visit.  However, you might want to consider why your parents don't want you to visit.  If you're a teenager, and they're letting you write to him, it seems odd to me that they wouldn't let you see him without some real reason.  Please consider asking them again before you run off and do this.  

Lastly, while a short visit cannot get him into legal trouble (an hour or two) remember that anything long enough for your parents to miss you and/or call the cops might.  If you stayed over night they could have a real case to charge him with either kidnapping, or aiding a run-a-way.  Both of these are crimes for any adult who harbors a child without their parents permission - even if the child was there willingly.  It has nothing to do with the adoption.  

I can understand the frustration you must be feeling.  I'm not sure what's going on with your dad, but no siblings should be kept apart from one another.  Please talk to your parents and explain your concerns.  If they do have a real concern, listen to them.  Perhaps your mom or dad would be willing to accompany you to visit your sister.  Maybe your sister's mom could meet you with your sister somewhere neutral like a McDonalds while your dad stays at home...  something like that.  

Answer 2

Adoption is not the witness protection program. It does not come with restraining orders.

I don't know the situation. I don't know if he harmed you or if it was an adoption by voluntarily surrendering his rights. Either way, make good judgement and make sure you're safe. nothing legally is keeping the two of you from knowing eachother other than your aparents discretion. they CAN put a restraining order against him until you're 18 if they want to.

no fines though.  

Answer 3

You seem to be confused about the legalities involved here. Discuss this with your parents remember that they have your best interests at heart.

Were you adopted by your mother's husband or something?

Answer 4

He signed over his rights to be your legal father.  That doesn't mean he signed over his rights to ever see you again.  

Does he have a court restraining order barring him from seeing you?   Such restraining orders are put in place if the court determines that someone is a danger to someone else.  Normally, they bar the person from any kind of contact with the other person.  The mere fact that you say you would be allowed to see him if your adoptive parents gave their permission suggests there is no restraining order.

That said, you are a minor and you have to do what your parents ask.  I won't advice you to break their rules, whether I agree with them or not.  When you are 18, you can associate with whomever you choose.  In the  meantime, enjoy the relationship via phone, e-mail or whatever methods you can currently use.  

Answer 5

The penalty for this would greatly depend on how strict your parents are as the only thing they could legally do is ground you for disobeying them.