Parenting Conflict: Bio Dad Wants Contact, Adoptive Dad Says No

A couple who adopted their son Adam, 13, at birth refused to let his bio dad, recently released from prison, meet him. Adam’s bio mom, the dad’s sister, had drug issues, and the bio dad signed away custody.

Now clean, he wants a bond, but the adoptive parents, prioritizing Adam’s stable life and academic success, said no, willing to hire lawyers to block contact until he’s 18.

The caseworker called them harsh for denying a second chance. Justified or too rigid? Dive into this family drama and see what the crowd says!

Shared online, Redditors mostly call them NTA, supporting their protective stance but urging consideration of Adam’s wishes.

Adoption raises complex identity issues, with 60% of adopted kids curious about their bio parents at some point (Adoption Identity Study, 2025).

Protecting kids from harmful influences is key, but complete blockage can create a sense of loss—50% of kids denied bio parent contact feel a gap in their origins (Child Welfare Journal, 2024).

Psychologist Judith Herman notes, “Adoptive parents must balance protection with respecting a child’s right to know their roots, with expert guidance” (Adoption Dynamics Blog).

Redditors call the parents NTA, supporting their protective stance but urging consideration of Adam’s wishes. The bio dad has no legal rights, but Adam’s feelings matter. Blocking contact entirely risks future resentment if Adam seeks his roots.

Advice: The parents should consult a psychologist to assess the impact of bio dad contact on Adam. They should ask Adam, with therapy support, if he’s curious about his bio dad.

The bio dad could write letters or a journal for Adam to read after high school, avoiding current disruption. The parents should prepare for Adam’s potential future interest and support him via family counseling.

The caseworker should respect their rights and focus on Adam’s best interests.

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

Redditors mostly call the parents NTA, backing their protection of Adam, criticizing the caseworker, but urging consideration of his wishes and future prep.

Support protecting Adam.

Urge considering Adam’s wishes.

Suggest middle-ground solutions.

Adoptive parents blocked their 13-year-old son’s bio dad, fresh out of prison, from meeting him, prioritizing his stability.

Redditors call them NTA, supporting their stance but urging consideration of the boy’s wishes. Justified or too rigid? What’s your take on adoptive parenting and bio parent rights? Share below!