[waiting4amiracle]

I think I have to side with Crick on this one. First, let me say I'm sorry you find yourself in this situation. Life sure has a way of throwing curveballs at us, don't it?? So here's what I'd recommend - if you haven't already done so....

Take a step back and ask yourself:

1. If I had not adopted her children would I have wanted to be in their lives after our divorce, even if I had no legal right to be there?
2. If I had not adopted her children, would I have provided support - emotional, financial or otherwise - to any of the three of them if they asked even if I had no legal obligation to do so?
3. Do I love the kids more than I'm angry at my ex-wife?
4. Irrespective of what your family tells you (remember, they're going to be biased against your ex) what do I feel is the right thing to do for the sake of the kids?
5. Can I be a positive influence on the kids' lives in the future?
6. Can I be a positive role model for the kids?

Take a good hard look at the answers to these questions and let them begin to guide your decision. In many ways this is no different than being married, having a biologicall child and then soon after getting divorced. This is going to sound blunt and I don't intend it to be that way - nor do I intend for it to be accusatory - would you turn your back and walk away from your biological child/children because your ex messed with you?

Now, all the soul-searching aside, you should at least explore all of your options. Find yourself a GOOD Quad-A attorney and ask all of the questions you have. In the long run you'll have all of the information you need to make an informed decision and not one driven by raw emotion and outside influences.

Good luck and I wish you the best.