[SROSS27]

I put my son up for adoption at birth 7 years ago. it was a closed adoption. But in our paperwork part of our agreement I was supposed to get photos & updates 3 or 4 times a year. I received photos and updates for the first 5 years then I just stopped getting them, do I have any kinda rights?

[Juliana13]

Probably not.

In most states, even a signed agreement is not legally binding. The parents have the right to change levels of openness whenever they feel it is best for the child. (I guess that means whenever they feel like it, too.) They are bound morally to honor their agreement with you, and if they feel it needs to change, they should send you an explanation. But legally, they don't have to.

If you have anyway of contacting them (letter through the agency, email, etc.) let them know that you love and respect them, and that a letter every year with pictures would mean the world to you. They may be wary of pictures, for identifying purposes, but a letter should be no problem. It could be that they are going through something huge (death, divorce, whatever) and you got lost in the shuffle, or they don't know how to write to you about it. It could be that they just want to let go, which is not cool, since they gave their word, but it happens. You deserve an explanation. you might not get one, but you deserve one.

As an adoptive mom, the best I can say is for you to communicate your wishes, remind them of their commitment (in a nice way - especially since they hold all the cards), and make sure that they know you respect their role as parents and you just want to know he is fine.

Good luck. Hope you hear something about your son.